Program Overview

Master of Philosophy (Information Systems)

Overview

The Master of Philosophy aims to expand knowledge beyond the undergraduate honours or postgraduate diploma level, culminating in a research thesis. Upon completion of a master by research degree, you may apply to be considered for entry into a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program.

A higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). Your thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research.

Why Research at Curtin

Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems. Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators in their fields.

What You'll Learn

• Demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and reflect critically on that knowledge and its application
• Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
• Generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
• Design, use and evaluate research and research methods
• Present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research concepts, plans and results to the general community, peers and the national and international research community
• Design, evaluate implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes an original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice

Professional Recognition and Accreditation

Depending on your area of speciality, you may be eligible for membership of various professional organisations upon graduation.

Admission Criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Entry Requirements for Australian and New Zealand Students

Generally, a bachelor degree with first or second class honours or a postgraduate diploma.

English Requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

• Writing: 6.5
• Speaking: 6.5
• Reading: 6.5
• Listening: 6.5
• Overall band score: 6.5

Fees and Scholarships

Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Find estimated course fees.

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to Apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice.

• Curtin Perth

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Course Structure

• Qualification: Master of Philosophy (Information Systems)
• Duration: 2 years full-time
• CRICOS: G
• Location: Curtin Perth

Additional Information

• Curtin course code: MR-ISYS
• CRICOS code: G
• Last updated on: 12 May 2025

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:

1. Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
2. Advertising Design Specialisation
3. Animation and Game Design Specialisation
4. Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
5. Asian Studies Specialisation
6. Chinese Language Specialisation
7. Construction Management Specialisation
8. Creative Writing Specialisation
9. Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
10. Designing Fashion Specialisation
11. Digital Design Specialisation
12. Digital and Social Media Specialisation
13. English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
14. Environmental Planning Specialisation
15. Fashion Design Specialisation
16. Fashion Marketing Specialisation
17. Fine Art Specialisation
18. Geography Specialisation
19. Graphic Design Specialisation
20. Graphics Specialisation
21. History Specialisation
22. Illustration Specialisation
23. Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
24. Interior Architecture Specialisation
25. International Development Specialisation
26. Journalism Specialisation
27. Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
28. Photography Specialisation
29. Principles of Planning Specialisation
30. Professional Writing Specialisation
31. Screen Production Specialisation
32. Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
33. Social Justice Specialisation
34. Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
35. Theatre Arts Specialisation
36. Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
37. Web Media Specialisation
38. Web Presence Specialisation

Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:

1. Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
2. Advertising Design Specialisation
3. Animation and Game Design Specialisation
4. Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
5. Asian Studies Specialisation
6. Chinese Language Specialisation
7. Construction Management Specialisation
8. Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
9. Creative Writing Specialisation
10. Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
11. Designing Fashion Specialisation
12. Digital Design Specialisation
13. Digital and Social Media Specialisation
14. English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
15. Environmental Planning Specialisation
16. Fashion Design Specialisation
17. Fine Art Specialisation
18. Geography Specialisation
19. Graphic Design Specialisation
20. Graphics Specialisation
21. History Specialisation
22. Illustration Specialisation
23. Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
24. Interior Architecture Specialisation
25. International Development Specialisation
26. Journalism Specialisation
27. Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
28. Photography Specialisation
29. Principles of Planning Specialisation
30. Professional Writing Specialisation
31. Screen Production Specialisation
32. Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
33. Social Justice Specialisation
34. Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
35. Theatre Arts Specialisation
36. Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
37. Web Media Specialisation
38. Web Presence Specialisation

Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

Specialisations available from Humanities, Science and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies:

1. Advertising Design Specialisation
2. Animation and Game Design Specialisation
3. Asian Studies Specialisation
4. Biological Diversity Minor
5. Climate Change Science Minor
6. Construction Management Specialisation
7. Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
8. Creative Writing Specialisation
9. Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
10. Designing Fashion Specialisation
11. Digital and Social Media Specialisation
12. Environmental Management Minor
13. Environmental Planning Specialisation
14. Fashion Design Specialisation
15. Fine Art Specialisation
16. Food Science Minor
17. Forensic Studies Minor
18. Geophysics Minor
19. Geospatial Technology Minor
20. Go Global – Internship Specialisation 1
21. Go Practice – Internship Specialisation 1
22. Graphic Design Specialisation
23. Graphics Specialisation
24. Illustration Specialisation
25. Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Specialisation
26. Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
27. Interior Architecture Specialisation
28. International Development Specialisation
29. Landscape Restoration Minor
30. Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
31. Mapping and Land Planning Minor
32. Metallurgy Minor
33. Mining Minor
34. Optimisation Minor
35. Photography Specialisation
36. Principles of Planning Specialisation
37. Screen Production Specialisation
38. Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
39. Social Justice Specialisation
40. Strategic Studies Specialisation
41. Theatre Arts Specialisation
42. Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
43. Web Media Specialisation
44. Web Presence Specialisation