Regulations for the Degree of Master of Data Science (MDSc)

  1. The Personal Programmes of Study Regulations apply in these regulations.

Admission

  1. Candidates for the Degree must have
    1. qualified for the award of a bachelors degree of the University of Waikato with at least a minimum average grade of B in their 300 level or higher majoring papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
    2. qualified for the award of the Diploma in Postgraduate Preparation – Pre-Masters of the University of Waikato with a minimum average of grade B in their 300 level papers.
  2. In exceptional circumstances, based on academic merit and relevant experience, candidates who do not meet the requirements of section 2 of these regulations may be considered for admission subject to the completion of any qualifying papers the Academic Board may prescribe which must be completed either prior to or concurrently.

Requirements for the Degree

  1. The normal minimum period of enrolment for completion of the Degree is one calendar year or one and a half academic years.
  2. Candidates must enrol in the Division of STEM and follow an approved programme of study.
  3. Candidates must gain 180 points at 500 level.
  4. Candidates must complete the compulsory papers prescribed for the Degree in the Data Science Subject Regulations.
  5. Candidates may complete the requirements of an endorsement. To complete the requirements of an endorsement, candidates must pass 75 points from the papers prescribed for that endorsement in the Data Science Subject regulations.
    Endorsements

Artificial Intelligence
Business Analytics
Geographic Information Systems
Health Analytics
Mathematics
Statistical Modelling

The degree may be completed without an endorsement.

  1. If a candidate fails papers worth not more than 30 points in total, they may repeat the papers or take alternative papers with the same total points value on one occasion only. A candidate who fails papers worth more than 30 points in total will not be permitted to proceed with the Degree.

Award of Honours

  1. The Degree may be awarded with
    1. First Class Honours, or
    2. Second Class Honours (first division), or
    3. Second Class Honours (second division), or


or without honours.

  1. Except with the approval of the Academic Board, the award will be calculated on the basis of the grades of the papers passed by the candidate on the first attempt while enrolled for the Degree, including any failed paper.

Variations

  1. The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division or delegated authority may vary or waive these regulations in individual cases.