Program Overview

Master of Computer Science

The Master of Computer Science is a postgraduate degree that covers a broad range of IT-related technologies, from developing software and web applications to administering databases and network security. This degree is suitable for those with no prior tech background or experience in the field.

Structure

The Master of Computer Science consists of 12 units, divided into four parts, and takes two years of part-time study to complete. The units are studied in 6-week semester blocks, allowing for flexibility in completing the degree.

Part A: Core Units

These units provide an understanding of theoretical and practical issues related to computer science.

• Architecture and networks
• Introduction to databases
• Foundations of computing
• Java programming
• Introduction to Python

Part B: a. Core Specialist Units

These units allow specialization in one of the following areas: software engineering, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence.

• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
• Software engineering
• Information and computer security

Part B: b. Specialist Units

Students can choose one of the specializations below, completing three units within the chosen specialization.

• Software Engineering
  • Web applications development
  • Mobile and distributed computing systems
  • User interface design and usability
  • Software testing, quality and standards
• Cybersecurity
  • Software and network security
  • Cyber operations
  • Blockchain
  • Cloud computing and security
• Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine learning
  • Natural language processing
  • Intelligent image and video analysis
  • Discrete optimisation

Part C: Applied Practice

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

• Applied practice 1
• Applied practice 2

Entry Requirements

There are multiple ways to be eligible for studying a Master of Computer Science.

• ENTRY LEVEL 1: An Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with a credit average of 60%.
• ENTRY LEVEL 2: A Monash University Graduate Certificate of Computer Science with a credit average of 60%.
• ENTRY LEVEL 3: A Monash University Graduate Diploma of Computer Science with a credit average of 60%.
• English Language Requirements: Proficiency in English is required to get the most out of the course.

Fees

The estimated cost is $5,200 per unit, with a total of 12 units, making the approximate total cost $62,400.

• Scholarships: Over 360 types of scholarships are available, valued at up to $280,000.
• Financial Assistance: Eligible students may apply for FEE-HELP, allowing them to defer payment of fees until their income reaches a certain level.

Career Outcomes

The Master of Computer Science is designed to give students the edge to enjoy a successful career in various sectors, including finance, health, and government.

• Cyber Security Analyst: $115,000 average salary in Australia, with 38.9% expected growth over the next 5 years.
• Security Analyst: Expected growth of 38.9% over the next 5 years.
• IT Manager: $140,000 average salary in Australia, with 17.7% expected growth over the next 5 years.
• Software Engineer: $110,000 average salary in Australia, with 27% expected growth over the next 5 years.
• Full Stack Developer: $115,000 average salary in Australia, with 27% expected growth over the next 5 years.

Academic Team

The academic team includes:

• Dr. Pari Delir Haghighi, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Information Technology.
• Yi-Shan Tsai, Academic Director Online Programmes.
• Dr. Amin Sakzad, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head and Director of Education at the Department of Software Systems and Cybersecurity.
• Dr. Don Samitha Elvitigala, Lecturer in the Human Centred Computing Department.

Units

Each unit has a specific code, contact hours, duration, and description.

• Architecture and networks: ITO4137, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Introduction to databases: ITO4132, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Foundations of computing: ITO4001.
• Java programming: ITO4131, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Introduction to Python: ITO4133, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence: ITO5047, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Software engineering: ITO5136, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Information and computer security: ITO5163, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Web applications development: ITO5032, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Mobile and distributed computing systems: FIT5046, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• User interface design and usability: ITO5152, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Software testing, quality and standards: ITO5171, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Software and network security: ITO5003, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Cyber operations: ITO5129, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Blockchain: ITO5214, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Cloud computing and security: ITO5225, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Machine learning: ITO5201, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Natural language processing: ITO5217, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Intelligent image and video analysis: ITO5221, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Discrete optimisation: ITO5216, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Applied practice 1: ITO5001, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.
• Applied practice 2: ITO5002, 20-24 hours of study per week, 6 weeks.