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Course Details

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Duration
2 years 6 months
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Intake Date
30 October 2026
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Awarding Body
APU, Malaysia
About APU

Why choose APU?

Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech University
Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech University
5-Star Excellence Rating SETARA
5-Star Excellence Rating (SETARA)
100% Employability Rate
100% Employability Rate
Ranked No.16 for International Students in the World
Ranked No.20 for International Students in the World
More than 80,000 Graduates & Alumni
More than 90,000 Graduates & Alumni
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268 Awards in 2025 - National & Global Recognition!
icon_No 1 Choice Employers
#1 Choice Among Employers for Computing & IT - TalentBank
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Top Choice for Large-Scale Computing & IT Recruitment - TalentBank
Employer Choice Among MNCs
Employer Choice Among MNCs for Computing & IT - TalentBank
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Part-Time Module Schedule

Accreditation

More Than Just A Data Science And Business Analytics Master Programme

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

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or its equivalent qualification as accepted by the Senate.
  • 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 rigorous internal assessment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and with relevant working experience, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing pre-requisite courses.

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 : 5.5
     
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

What We Teach

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 utilisation, 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 Visualisation, 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

    This programme comprises 11 coursework modules and a Capstone Project (2 parts).


    Pre-Requisite Modules (For Non-Computing Students)
    Duration: 4 months (ODL)
     

    • Programming in Python
    • Database Fundamentals
    • Statistics


    Core Modules

     

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


    Specialisation Modules* (Choose 1 Pathway Only)
     

    Pathway 1 (Business Intelligence):

    • Business Intelligence Systems
    • Time Series Forecasting
    • Behavioural Science, Social Media and Marketing Analytics OR Multilevel Data Analysis OR Operational Research and Optimization

    Pathway 2 (Data Engineering):

    • Cloud Infrastructure and Services
    • DataOps and Production Machine Learning
    • Deep Learning OR Intelligent Agents and Multi-Agent Systems OR Data Protection and Management
    * Specialisation 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.
Inside APU

School of Computing & Technology Edition

Remote video URL
100% Online

Open & Distance Learning (ODL)

  • The ODL (Open & Distance Learning) programmes are designed to address the theoretical, practical and scientific skills and contribute towards new and meaningful knowledge in their field of expertise. ​
  • ODL allows students to learn anytime, anywhere at their own pace - this power of freedom has ignited more interest & excitement in learning.
  • All the Master (ODL) programmes are available for part-time study mode. The minimum duration of study is 2.5 years.
  • Students are to register the modules on a modular basis. Each module will be offered over a two-month duration.
Facilities

Facilities at APU

The APU Centre Point & Atrium serves as a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Here, cultural activities are organised regularly at the campus, fostering long-lasting intercultural relationships among APU students, who come from over 130 countries.

 

Remote video URL
Career Path

Your Career Path

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
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

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.
 

SAS certification is awarded to student who complete:

  • Data Management
  • Data Analytical Programming
  • Advanced Business Analytics and Visualisation

THE MARKET GAP FOR DATA SCIENTISTS & BUSINESS ANALYSTS

HIGH DEMAND. SKILL SHORTAGE. MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY

As AI adoption and digtial transformation accelerate globally, organisations are struggling to find skilled professionals who can turn data unto strategic business decisions.
 

Data Science


HIGH DEMAND. SKILL SHORTAGE. MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY

 

Data Science


Source: https://scoop.market.us/data-science-statistics/?utm_source 

“The most popular AI agent use case across departments is data management: 47% of enterprises now use agents for tasks like data entry and extraction.”
- Zapier. (2025). AI Agents Survey Report
Source: https://zapier.com/blog/ai-agents-survey/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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.
 

2022-Pg28_Data-science-info-2-2


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.
 

certificate
Fees & Certification

Ready, Set, Go.

Whether you are locals or traveling here, we have the options for you to pursue your dreams.

Malaysian

RM37,800

Total for Malaysian

International

RM37,800
(USD9,945)

Total for International

Programme code : (R-DL/0613/7/0026)(03/31)(MQA/FA14220)

* Fees stated here do not include Deposits and other Miscellaneous Fees. 
 
* For international student, fees indicated exclude the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed by the Malaysian Government. This tax is applicable to all fees throughout the duration of the studies.
 
* Please refer to Fee Guide for details.

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

Note : All fees are payable in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Any USD amounts indicated by APU are for reference only and are non-binding. The final amount payable is the RM amount stated in the official invoice, and the University will not entertain any claims arising from foreign exchange fluctuations.