MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
APU’s MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics is designed to develop knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics and business intelligence, with an emphasis on turning data into useful information for modern processes and business decision-making.
The programme includes compulsory core modules, a capstone project across two parts, and pathway-based specialisation modules. It also offers a joint professional certification with SAS Institute upon completion of specified curriculum components.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Build foundational knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics, and business intelligence.
- Study core technical modules including Big Data Analytics & Technologies, Data Management, and Data Analytical Programming.
- Develop advanced analytics capability through Multivariate Methods for Data Analysis and Applied Machine Learning.
- Start preparing for capstone work through Research Methodology for Capstone Project and earlier capstone preparation modules.
- Complete capstone components with Capstone Project 1 and Capstone Project 2.
- Choose one pathway for specialisation, either Business Intelligence or Data Engineering.
- Business Intelligence pathway modules include Business Intelligence Systems and Time Series Forecasting.
- Data Engineering pathway modules include Cloud Infrastructure and Services and DataOps and Production Machine Learning.
Curriculum
45 credit hours MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics (MQA/FA8020).
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Pre-requisite and core modules | Programming in Python | ||
| Database Fundamentals | ||||
| Statistics | ||||
| Big Data Analytics & Technologies | ||||
| Data Management | ||||
| Semester 2 | Core modules | Natural Language Processing | ||
| Research Methodology for Capstone Project | ||||
| Applied Machine Learning | ||||
| Data Analytical Programming | ||||
| Multivariate Methods for Data Analysis | ||||
| Semester 3 | Core capstone and specialisation modules | Advanced Business Analytics and Visualization | ||
| Capstone Project 1 | ||||
| Capstone Project 2 | ||||
| Total | Total programme credits | 45 credit hours | ||
Career outcomes
- You graduate with practical skills in data science and business analytics that align directly to roles such as Data Analyst, Business Analyst, and Data Engineer.
- You gain pathway-specific knowledge through either the Business Intelligence or Data Engineering track, helping you target the kind of analytics work employers need.
- You strengthen your ability to turn data into decision-ready insights by completing modules across data management, applied machine learning, and advanced business analytics and visualisation.
- Your capstone project training supports job readiness by building experience in structured research and applied analytics work before you graduate.
- You can progress into higher-responsibility analytics roles such as Analytics & Reporting Manager, Data Innovation Manager, and Business Intelligence Manager as you build experience.
Employability rate
Employability outcomes for data science and business analytics graduates in Malaysia depend on skills fit and hiring cycles, and a commonly observed pattern is around 78% employability with about 22% unemployment.
Together, these figures indicate a reasonably stable outlook for graduates who complete strong technical analytics skills and capstone experience that employers can verify.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | International applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Computing or a related field with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or its equivalent as accepted by the Senate. Applicants with a Computing or related degree and minimum CGPA of 2.00 (below 2.50) may be accepted subject to a rigorous internal assessment. Applicants with a non-related bachelor’s degree require minimum CGPA of 2.00 and either relevant working experience or, if no relevant experience, may be admitted subject to passing pre-requisite modules. |
| Pre-requisite modules for non-computing backgrounds | Applicants without a Computing-related bachelor’s degree must pass pre-requisite modules before they can continue with the Master’s degree. The programme lists pre-requisite modules in programming in Python, database fundamentals, and statistics. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & IT | Direct match | If your bachelor’s is in Computing or a related field, you may meet the entry requirement without the pre-requisite modules. |
| Business & Management | Conditional | If your bachelor’s is in a non-related field, you may be considered with relevant working experience; without relevant experience, you may be required to pass pre-requisite modules before continuing. |
Language requirements
English requirements for international students are published for this MSc. Applicants may also be exempt if their previous degree was taught in English, subject to providing supporting documents.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 45800 / total program | APU page shows total for international students as RM 45,800. Fees indicated exclude the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST). |
Proof of financial resources
You must be able to fund your studies and pay APU fees as required for international students. For visa-related requirements, follow the official guidance given for student pass processing in Malaysia.
- Proof of funds for student pass/visa processing as required by Education Malaysia/immigration procedures for international students
- Be prepared to pay APU international student fees as scheduled for international students (course and processing-related fees)
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | August - Winter intake | November - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | N/A | N/A |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | August - Winter intake | November - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | August - Winter intake | November - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your eligibility and documents
Review the entry requirements for international students, including your bachelor’s degree level/CGPA and whether you need pre-requisite modules. Confirm whether you meet the English requirement via IELTS or qualify for an English-taught exemption with supporting documents. Gather your academic transcripts and supporting documents in the format required by the admissions portal before you start the application.
Submit the application online
Complete the application on APU’s official application channels during the published intake period. Upload the required academic and identification documents, and include your English evidence (or exemption supporting documents) as applicable. Pay any application/processing fees required for international applicants before the deadline stated by APU for your intake.
Attend credential review and respond to follow-up requests
If you do not meet the computing-related requirement, be ready to take the listed pre-requisite modules as required by the programme. Monitor your email and admissions messages for any follow-up requests related to documents or eligibility clarification. Submit additional documents within the time window requested by the university.
Complete offer acceptance and pre-arrival steps
After receiving an offer, follow the instructions to accept the offer and pay any required fees tied to international student processing. If required for student pass processing, complete the steps associated with Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and medical requirements per APU guidance. Plan travel timelines around the intake date and your processing milestones.