COMP30027 Machine Learning

University of Melbourne · Level 3 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1.

• Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
• About 3.5 class hours a week
• 20% group work

Is COMP30027 hard?

COMP30027: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 60%.

What you learn

How computers learn to make predictions from data, from the ideas behind it to hands-on analysis.

After it you can

• Apply machine learning methods to real data
• Interpret and explain model results
• Compare models and pick one for a problem

What you need first

COMP10002 and COMP20008

• COMP10002 Foundations of Algorithms
• COMP20008 Elements of Data Processing

What it leads to

• MAST30034 Applied Data Science

Can’t be taken together with

• COMP90049 Introduction to Machine Learning
• ACTL30008 Actuarial Analytics and Data I

How it’s assessed

Projects 40%, Final exam 60%

Student reviews and ratings

Summarised from 8 students on StudentVIP (2019–2026)

• Content is considered useful and taught at a conceptual level, with code-based assignments that need only modest programming skill.
• Students without a statistics background describe a steep learning curve.
• Recent reviews (2026) complain about slow replies to questions and unclear assignment and exam instructions; earlier years were mostly positive.

Read the reviews

A summary of public reviews, not scored here.

Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate COMP30027

Quick answers

When is COMP30027 offered?

Runs in 2026: Semester 1.

What do I need before taking COMP30027?

Needs COMP10002 and COMP20008.

Does COMP30027 have a final exam?

Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. Assessment: Projects 40%, Final exam 60%.

Is COMP30027 hard?

From 8 student reviews on StudentVIP: Content is considered useful and taught at a conceptual level, with code-based assignments that need only modest programming skill.

What do students say about COMP30027?

Content is considered useful and taught at a conceptual level, with code-based assignments that need only modest programming skill. Students without a statistics background describe a steep learning curve. Recent reviews (2026) complain about slow replies to questions and unclear assignment and exam instructions; earlier years were mostly positive.

How many class hours a week does COMP30027 have?

3.5 h a week in class

Can I take COMP30027 as breadth?

Yes, for: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art).

What can I take after COMP30027?

1 subjects need it first, for example MAST30034.

Can I rate COMP30027?

Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.

Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026

Always confirm in the official Handbook.

PickMySubjects is a free, unofficial planner made by a UniMelb graduate.