MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics | Asia Pacific University (APU)

You are here

Home » Our Courses » Postgraduate Studies » Masters Degree Programmes

MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics


Duration:
Full time (1+ years)
Part time (2.5-3 years)
 


Awarded by:
APU, Malaysia


Intakes:
Full Time:
05 Feb 2024 | 04 Jun 2024
17 Sep 2024


Part Time:
12 Jan 2024 | 22 Mar 2024
07 Jun 2024 | 16 Aug 2024
25 Oct 2024

 

  

APU-DMU DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMME


Students who are under Masters Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.


To know more about APU-DMU Dual Scheme, please click HERE

 


MORE THAN JUST A DATA SCIENCE AND BUSINESS ANALYTICS MASTER PROGRAMME

APU's MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics programme is designed to provide you an edge with the latest technologies that are in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Digital Transformation for IR4.0


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00, or its equivalent qualification as acceptable by the Senate.

• Bachelor’s degree with CGPA 2.50 out of 4.00, but below CGPA 2.75; can be accepted with rigorous assessment (include test, interview or portfolio).

• Bachelor’s degree with CGPA below 2.50 out of 4.00, or qualification which is equivalent can be accepted with minimum 5 years relevant working experience in related field.

Δ Fundamental skills in programming, database, mathematics and statistics would be an added advantage.
* Applicants without a Computing-related Bachelor’s degree must pass the pre-requisite modules to continue with the Master’s Degree.
 
Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

 
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• IELTS : 6.0

For more information please click HERE

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (previous Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree taught in English) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.


PROGRAMME OUTLINE

This programme is specifically designed to provide:

  • Knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics and business intelligence.
  • Overall understanding of the impact of data science upon modern processes and business.
  • Exposure towards data science tools and techniques, as well as methods of data collection and utilization, to turn data into useful information via various processes.

THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME

  • In addition to the degree award, a Joint Professional Certification will be offered by SAS Institute, USA.
  • 30% of the curriculum will allow for mini projects assessed as in-course work allowing for practical skills development in Data Analytics.
  • The curriculum covers a wide range of subject matter from Analytical Technologies, Exposure to tools such as R & SAS Modelers, Data Visualization, Customer/User Behavioural Studies, Forecasting Methods and to Presenting the Business Intelligence reports.
  • External Programme Annual Reviews by International University Partners.
  • Programme Support by an Industry Advisory Panel involving data analytical experts from Petronas ICT, RedTone, SharePoint, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Maxis, IBM, Microsoft, Fusionex and Axiata.
  • Research opportunities via APU’s Centre of Analytics - APCA.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This programme is designed to provide students with knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics and business intelligence. It aims to develop analytical and investigative knowledge and skills using data science tools and techniques, and to enhance data science knowledge and critical interpretation skills. Students will understand the impact of data science upon modern processes and businesses, be able to identify, and implement specific tools, practices, features and techniques to enhance the analysis of data.

MODULES & PROJECT

The programme comprises 4 pre-requisite modules (for non-Computing students), 11 coursework modules and a Capstone Project (2 parts).

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES
(FOR NON-COMPUTING STUDENTS: TO BE COMPLETED UPON 1st MONTH OF THE PROGRAMME)

  • Introduction to R-programming
  • Statistics
  • Database for Data Science
  • Programming in Python

CORE MODULES

  • Big Data Analytics & Technologies
  • Data Management
  • Business Intelligence Systems
  • Research Methodology for Capstone Project
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Data Analytical Programming
  • Multivariate Methods for Data Analysis
  • Capstone Project 1
  • Advanced Business Analytics and Visualisation
  • Capstone Project 2

SPECIALIZATION MODULES (CHOOSE 1 PATHWAY ONLY)

Pathway 1 (Business Intelligence):

  • Behavioural Science, Social Media and Marketing Analytics
  • Time Series Forecasting
  • Strategies in Emerging Markets OR Multilevel Data Analysis OR Operations Research and Optimization

Pathway 2 (Data Engineering):

  • Cloud Infrastructure and Services
  • Deep Learning
  • Natural Language Processing OR Building IoT Applications OR Data Protection and Management
* Specialization modules may be pre-selected for students at the beginning of the semester. If students wish to change these pre-selected elective modules, they can choose from the available modules offered in the semester OR among the intensive delivery modules - however such changes may prolong the study duration.


CAREER OPTIONS

  • Data Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Data Analytics Manager
  • Business Analyst Manager
  • Data Innovation Manager
  • Machine Learning Scientist
  • Business Process Engineer
  • Data Wrangler / Munger / Miner
  • Business Intelligence Manager
  • Analytics & Reporting Manager
  • Decision Analytics Manager


JOINT PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION BY TIBCO SOFTWARE INC.

Upon completion of the MSc in Data Science & Business Analytics programme, in addition to their Masters Degrees, students will receive a professional certificate from TIBCO Software Inc. TIBCO is amongst the global leaders in Integration, Data Management and Analytics platforms that has a global clientele. In addition to the certification, TIBCO, as APU’s industry partner, has provided all students & lecturers with complimentary access to the TIBCO Spotfire software for academic purposes. Students are utilizing the software to perform tasks & projects related to data analytics.

TIBCO certification is awarded to students who complete:

  • Business Intelligence Systems
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning


SAS - APU JOINT CERTIFICATE IN DATA SCIENCE AND BUSINESS ANALYTICS

​

APU and SAS have signed an MoA in partnership to develop Data Scientists in Malaysia. SAS also has endorsed the UG and PG level programmes in Data Analytics by providing tools and educational material support for learning and research purposes. All UG and PG Data Analytics graduates will receive a Joint Professional Certificate from SAS.

In addition, students will be awarded an e-Badge, to feature this achievement on their CV and LinkedIn profiles.


WHY STUDY MSC IN DATA SCIENCE AND BUSINESS ANALYTICS?


Graduates will be equipped with knowledge, skills and experience in three major dimensions: Strategic and Commercial application, “hands-on” ICT skills and Statistics & Analytics. The programme is not merely analytics-oriented, but develops the ability to use analytics to drive key success metrics related to yield management and revenue generation in practically any business domain. There is a tremendous requirement for Data Scientists and Big Data Specialists worldwide now and in the future, with hundreds of thousands of new job opportunities emerging globally. In Malaysia alone, by the year 2020 this need is expected to reach at least 15,000 professionals.


“The number of jobs requiring Data Science skills is expected to grow by 27.9 percent by 2026.”

- US Bureau of Labor Statistics



THE MALAYSIA BIG DATA VISION - DEMAND FOR DATA SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS

“By the year 2020, it is envisioned that Malaysia will need to reach 15,000 Data Professionals”
- Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC)

“12,000 Big Data scientists are needed within the next five years to spur Malaysia's data-driven economy”
- Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Higher Education Minister (September 2015)

“We have partnered with five universities in Malaysia to embed analytics into their computer science curriculum. Also, we are working with these universities to upgrade the syllabus to produce data scientists to address future needs”
- Paul Moung, Managing Director of IBM Malaysia


TURNING BIG DATA INTO VALUE - 4Vs

Source: MDeC Presentation on Big Data from 2015 APU's Big Data Week Launch


Dream Big: Think BIG - Reasons to Study BIG Data:

1. “The United States alone faces a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with analytical expertise and 1.5 million managers and analysts with the skills to understand and make decisions based on the analysis of big data.” - McKinsey Report on BIG DATA

2. “Starting salaries for data scientists have gone north of $200,000” - Bloomberg

3. “The Whitehouse Administration is investing $200 Million into big data research projects” - Mushroom Networks

4. “Data scientists are the new superheroes,” says Pascal Clement, the Head of Amadeus Travel Intelligence in Madrid

5. “Malaysia needs additional 12,000 Data Scientists” - Ministry of Education

6.  “Data Scientist: The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century.” - Harvard Business Review


DATA SCIENCE @ APU - FORTIFIED THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

The programme has been carefully designed by APU with inputs and content from our partners, comprising major technology and software solutions providers, university partners as well as industry organisations who use analytics for strategic and competitive advantage.

The strength of these partnerships ensures that the programme comprehensively addresses all key stakeholders – Technology providers, Employers, Government as well as Students – in its learning outcomes, curriculum content, delivery and assessment. Students also obtain certification jointly issued with industry partners, which would certainly give them a head start in the exciting world of Big Data.

Furthermore, APU is also poised to become a frontrunner in analytics research through the establishment of the Asia Pacific Centre of Analytics (APCA), through which research activities will be undertaken to challenge boundaries in the application of analytics.

Graduates from this programme will not only gain an academic qualification from APU, but would also automatically attain a Globally Recognised Professional Industry Certification from SAS. Along the way, graduates would also gain exposure to industrial workshops led by experts from the industry, providing a valuable gateway into future careers.


COURSE FEES

Malaysian Students

International Students

RM 38,800

RM 42,400 (USD 10,340)

​* Fees stated above do not include Enrolment Fees, Registration Fees and other Miscellaneous Fees. Please refer to Fee Guide for details.


MQA ACCREDITATION

(R/0613/7/0012)(10/25)(MQA/FA8020)

All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.