MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics

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.

Admission Requirements:

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
(Only Applicable to International Students)

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment. Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

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.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Joint Professional Certification by TIBCO Software Inc.

Joint Professional Certification by SAS

Why Study MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics?



Source: https://www.mushroomnetworks.com/

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 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

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.

The Benefits of the Programme:

On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

• 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), 10 coursework modules and a Capstone Project (2 parts).

*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:

Course Fees:

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

MQA Accreditations: