C04213v1 Master of Science in Professional Computing

Overview

This course is designed for current information technology professionals who want to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successfully undertaking professional roles in a chosen specialisation.

The Master of Science in Professional Computing is a unique course where graduates – already professionals with work experience – select a program of study that suits their individual career goals. The course combines theoretical studies with extensive hands-on experience with a variety of professional software in the Faculty's laboratory space. All subjects are supported by online materials and incorporate various forms of flexible learning. Graduates are critical thinkers and proactive learners in relation to the knowledge and skills required for their chosen career direction.

Course aims

On completion of this course, graduates are able to:

• understand emerging and developing computing and information technologies within the context of the current commercial and legal environment
• apply the academic written and spoken language skills required for postgraduate study in IT
• research and reflect on emerging and developing computing and information technologies
• apply the skills and knowledge necessary for successfully undertaking professional roles in a chosen specific specialisation, and
• assess and critically interpret a chosen and specific specialisation in the context of current and future demands of the IT industry.

The Master's level program is designed to enable students to develop their studies to a comprehensive and advanced understanding beyond the Graduate Diploma level.

Career options

On completion of this course, graduates are recognised as IT specialists who are experts in their chosen field of specialisation, possessing a broad understanding of developing computing and information technologies.

Articulation

Additional admission requirements

Local students

Applicants should have:

• a minimum qualification equivalent to a Bachelor's degree with a major in computing or information technology (or related discipline), or a Bachelor's degree plus a Graduate Diploma in computing or information technology (or related discipline), from a recognised Australian university (or equivalent), and
• at least three years' full-time (or equivalent) professional computing experience.

Applicants with insufficient formal qualifications may be admitted if they can demonstrate evidence of general and professional qualifications, such as other post-secondary school qualifications that can establish the applicant's aptitude, knowledge and practical experience, which will satisfy the Faculty Board in Information Technology that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue postgraduate studies.

International students

The abovementioned standard admission requirements also apply to international applicants. International applicants with insufficient formal qualifications are not admitted.

Additional assumed knowledge

As a guide, the level of the applicant's professional knowledge should be at least equivalent to that of a Member of the Australian Computer Society.

Additional recognition of prior learning

Exemption from subjects in the MSc program is not normally given on the basis of previous study.

Course duration and attendance

The course may be taken on a part-time basis over three years, or on a full-time basis over one-and-a-half years. Lectures are normally held in the evenings from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Course structure

The Master of Science in Professional Computing totals 72 credit points of study, which includes 24 credit points of core subjects, 30 credit points of specialisation subjects and 18 credit points of electives.

Students complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma plus one additional coursework subject in the area of specialisation (6 credit points), one additional elective subject (6 credit points), IT research methods (6 credit points) and a research project related to their area of specialisation (6 credit points).

The core subjects within the Master of Science in Professional Computing expose students to IT research methods, the commercial environment of IT and a literature review in a chosen area.

Course completion requirements

Course program

The following example shows a typical full-time program commencing in Autumn semester. Following the example is the list of specialisation options, the introductory subjects for each specialisation and the list of electives.

If a student does not have a specific specialisation in mind when commencing the course, then during the first semester the student can take, in addition to the two core subjects, two introductory specialisation subjects. Each specialisation has an 'introduction' subject which must be taken first.

Note: subjects listed as electives are only offered in a particular semester (or year) if there is sufficient demand and the Faculty has the necessary resources.

Students should also be aware that:

Professional recognition

Australian Computer Society

Graduates qualify for professional-level membership.

Other information

Further information is available from the Building 10 Student Centre on: