C6008 Master of Computer Science

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. 

Part B. Specialist studies 

The focus of these studies will be on fundamentals, core knowledge and application in your chosen specialisation 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 credit points, comprising Part A, Part B, and Part C
• If you admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 credit points, comprising Part B, Part C
• If you admitted at entry level 3 you complete 24 credit points, comprising two units from your chosen specialisation in Part B.b. and Part C

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.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each teaching period.

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

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A: Core master's studies (24 points)

You must complete:

• ITO4001 Foundations of computing
• ITO4131 Java programming or ITO4133 Introduction to Python*
• ITO4132 Introduction to databases
• ITO4137 Architecture and networks

*If you plan to undertake the software engineering specialisation we recommend you complete ITO4131, for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence complete ITO4133.

Part B: Specialist studies (36 points)

a. You must complete (18 points):

• ITO5047 Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
• ITO5136 Software engineering
• ITO5163 Information and computer security

b. You must complete three (3) units from one of the specialisations below (18 points):

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 Cyber operations
• ITO5214 Blockchain
• ITO5225 Cloud computing and security

Artificial intelligence

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

Part C: Applied practice (12 points)

You must complete:

• ITO5001 Applied practice 1
• ITO5002 Applied practice 2