MASTER IN DATA SCIENCE (by Coursework & Project)

About Course

The Master in Data Science (MDS) at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) prepares you to lead in one of today’s most in-demand fields. Designed as a coursework-based programme (Structure C), MDS equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to turn complex data into meaningful insights that drive decision-making and innovation across industries. Blending strong theoretical foundations with hands-on, industry-driven experiences, the programme reflects global best practices, benchmarked against top universities in the world.

Students will master key areas including data analytics, advanced machine learning, advanced text analytics, advanced data visualization, and programming with Python, while developing strong research capabilities through dedicated methodology training. The curriculum offers flexibility with electives such as natural language processing, data governance, and reinforcement learning, allowing students to customise their academic path according to their career ambitions. The programme concludes with a practical final project, ensuring students are ready to apply their expertise to real-world challenges immediately upon graduation.

MDS offers the option to complete the programme in just one year (full-time) or two years (part-time), making it ideal for both working professionals and fresh graduates. It provides outstanding value compared to similar programmes globally and offers a 20% tuition fee discount for UNITEN alumni, with the opportunity to transfer up to 30% of previously completed relevant courses—allowing students to fast-track their academic journey.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from UNITEN’s strong industry linkages and collaborative opportunities, gaining practical exposure through real-world projects and engagements with leading sector partners. They are uniquely positioned for high-demand careers such as data scientist, data analyst, business intelligence specialist, and machine learning practitioner across dynamic sectors including finance, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.

Beyond technical mastery, MDS students develop critical leadership skills, ethical professionalism, and an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring they emerge as versatile, resilient, and future-ready data professionals. With its strong industry relevance, rigorous academic structure, and global benchmarking, MDS at UNITEN offers the perfect launchpad for those aspiring to lead and innovate in the data-driven economy.

Course Offered

This 1-year, full-time program (40 credits, including a project) offers evening classes from 6 pm onwards, delivering comprehensive data science education that develops industry-relevant technical and analytical competencies.

Entry Requirement

1. A Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, as accepted by UNITEN Senate; OR
2. A Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted subject to a thorough rigorous assessment as determined by UNITEN; OR
3. A Bachelor’s degree in Non-Computing field with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 can be accepted subject to a thorough rigorous assessment as determined by UNITEN to identify the appropriate prerequisite courses that equivalent to their working experience in the Computing or related fields; OR
4. A Bachelor’s degree in Non-Computing field with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 can be accepted subject to appropriate prerequisite courses; OR
5. Other qualifications equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields recognised by the Government of Malaysia must fulfil the requirement on item i or ii.
6. Relevant APEL-A certification from MQA.
7. For international students: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or its equivalent. 

A student who does not meet the English language requirement is required to enroll in the English proficiency courses offered by UNITEN.

Note : Other Fee type

Accommodation Advance Fee (if applicable) = RM250. Subject to terms and conditions. Other optional fees/charges include Medical Insurance, electricity, parking, English Short Course (ESC), Test of English Proficiency (TEP) and some student facilities within UNITEN.

Flexible payment options are available ;

1. pay full in advance
2. by monthly installment
3. pay full 2 weeks before the semester's final examination

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university