Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
MSc in Data Science (ODL)
PETRONAS built a university because it needed leaders who can challenge the standard. UTP is Malaysia’s top-ranked private university — discover hands-on engineering, science and computing programs tailored for industry 4.0.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate (ODL) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science and Information Technology – Department of Computer & Information Sciences |
| Duration | 1–3 years full-time |
| Intakes | January, May & September |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | JPT/BPP(N-DL/0613/7/0015) (10/28); MQA/PSA16962 |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM23,550 tuition for Malaysian students. One-time registration/onboarding fee: RM1,000; application/processing fee: RM50. |
Who is this programme for?
Designed for computing graduates and professionals seeking advanced skills in data analytics, machine learning, data management, data engineering and data-driven decision-making across industries.
What will I learn, year by year?
Stage 1: Build foundations in Data Science Concepts, Data Management, Analytical Programming, Machine Learning and Statistical Methods. Stage 2: Specialise in Advanced Data Analytics or Data Engineering through Digital/Real-time Analytics, Numerical Optimisation or Deep Learning. Final stage: Complete Big Data Analytics, IT Project Management, Research Methods and the MSc Project.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles (≤60 words)
Graduates can pursue roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst and Machine Learning Engineer across technology, energy, finance, business, manufacturing and other data-driven industries.
One thing that makes it different at UTP
The programme combines 100% online learning with a Microsoft Certified data analytics programme, giving students an opportunity to build postgraduate data-science expertise while working towards an industry-recognised certification
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
Research is supported by the Centre for Research in Data Science (CeRDaS) under the Institute of Emerging Digital Technologies. Areas include big data analytics, AI, machine learning, data management, data quality, data governance, energy analytics and business/operational analytics. Relevant academics include Ts. Dr Emelia Akashah Patah Akhir, Prof. Dr Jafreezal Jaafar, Ts. Dr Norshakirah Abdul Aziz and Dr Hitham Alhussian
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
Graduate Assistantship (GA) and GRA are not applicable to this programmework programme under UTP's current financial-assistance information. Malaysian students may consider the EPF Withdrawal Scheme where eligible. Current UTP fee information lists the programme at RM23,550, with a RM1,000 registration/onboarding fee.
Student Life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
Fully online through self-instructional materials and live online classes, with a minimum of 8 hours of live sessions for each programme per semester. Classes are held after working hours or on weekends, and final examinations are conducted online as open-book exams.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
January 2027 — 21 December 2026 for Malaysian applicants. UTP lists the application period as opening 23 September 2026, with registration on 4 January 2027. Dates are subject to change.
Placement or internship route for this programme
No separate internship is specified. Students complete MSc Project 1 and MSc Project 2 (10 credit hours combined), providing an opportunity to apply data-science methods to an academic or industry-related problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study while working?
Yes. The ODL format is designed for flexible study around working hours.
What if my degree is not in computing?
You may need prerequisite programmes in Software Engineering and Object-Oriented Programming.
How long does it take?
The programme can be completed in 12–36 months.
Programme Lead