CourseMaster's Degree (Coursework)MCompSc

C6008 Master of Computer Science

Faculty of Information Technology

Master of Computer Science (C6008) is a 72-credit-point, master's degree (coursework) course from the Faculty of Information Technology, taught at Monash Online. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
72
Campus
Monash Online
Online

This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

As a broad-based degree, the Master of Computer Science will develop core knowledge in computer science and you will be able to keep up with advances in the area, with specialist skills in either artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or software engineering. It provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable you to deal effectively with advanced issues involving the application of computer science in various domains.

Course structure

Part A. Core master's studies36 credit points
Part B. Specialist studies24 credit points
Part C. Applied practice12 credit points
The handbook's description of this structure

The course is structured in consecutive parts: Part A: Core master’s studies, Part B: Specialist studies and Part C: Applied practice.

Part A. Core master's studies

These studies will provide an orientation and draw on best practices within the broad field of computer science practice and research. You will gain a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues related to computer science. Your studies will focus on fundamentals, core knowledge as well as application in your chosen specialisation.

Part B. Specialist studies 

The focus of these studies is specialising in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or software engineering.

Part C. Applied practice

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to the portfolio of professional development.

Master's entry points

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

  • If you admitted at entry level 1 you complete 72 points, comprising Part A, Part B, and Part C
  • If you admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part B, Part C and units that have not been completed in Part A
  • If you admitted at entry level 3 you complete 24 points, comprising Part C and units that have not been completed under the chosen specialisation in Part B

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

The course comprises 72 points structured into three parts: Part A: Core master’s studies (36 points), Part B: Specialist studies (24 points) and Part C: Applied practice (12 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A: Core master's studies (36 points)

You must complete:

  • ITO4131 Java programming
  • ITO4136 Algorithms and databases
  • ITO4137 Architecture and networks
  • ITO5047 Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
  • ITO5136 Software engineering
  • ITO5163 Information and computer security

Part B: Specialist studies (24 points)

You must complete all units in one of the specialisations below:

Software Engineering

  • ITO5032 Web application development
  • ITO5046 Mobile and distributed systems
  • ITO5152 User interface design and usability
  • ITO5171 Software testing, quality and standards

Cybersecurity

  • ITO5003 Software and network security
  • ITO5129 Enterprise IT security
  • ITO5214 Blockchain
  • ITO5225 Cloud computing and security

Artificial intelligence

  • ITO5201 Machine learning
  • ITO5217 Natural language processing
  • ITO5221 Intelligent image and video analysis
  • ITO5216 Discrete optimisation

Part C: Applied practice (12 points)

You must complete:

  • ITO5001 Applied practice 1
  • ITO5002 Applied practice 2

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. 1

    analyse, critically review and synthesise theories and techniques from the field of computer science;

  2. 2

    apply problem solving skills and theoretical knowledge to the design and construction of innovative solutions in at least one of the following areas: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or software engineering;

  3. 3

    systematically evaluate the application of theories and techniques from the field of computer science;

  4. 4

    assess and apply industry standard tools and techniques for building complex software systems;

  5. 5

    design architectures that incorporate new and emerging technologies from at least one of the fields of software engineering, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity;

  6. 6

    critically evaluate, document and communicate ethical, legal and social issues affecting the use of technologies;

  7. 7

    evaluate and respond to social and ethical issues arising from the application of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence technologies in the global economy;

  8. 8

    communicate effectively with stakeholders within and outside the computing industry.

Entry requirements

English language

Monash minimum: Level A, that is:  IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 overall with no band lower than 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

Pathways

Graduate Diploma of Computer Science

Graduate Certificate of Computer Science

More information

Other information

As a broad-based degree, the Master of Computer Science will develop core knowledge in computer science and you will be able to keep up with advances in the area, with specialist skills in either artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or software engineering. It provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable you to deal effectively with advanced issues involving the application of computer science in various domains.

Common questions

Where can I study Master of Computer Science?

At Monash Online.

How do I plan my Master of Computer Science units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification
Master's Degree (Coursework)
AQF level
Level 9
Credit points
72
Part time
2 Years
Maximum time
5 years
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Abbreviation
MCompSc
Award titles
Master of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)Master of Computer Science (Software Engineering)Master of Computer Science (Cybersecurity)
Handbook years
2020202120222023202420252026