Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Diploma of Computer Science

The Graduate Diploma of Computer Science is a postgraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of computer science principles and practices. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing global environment.

Program Structure

The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Core studies and Part B. Specialist studies.

Part A. Core Studies

These units will provide a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues related to computer science. Students must complete all of the following units:

• Architecture and networks
• Introduction to databases
• Foundations of computing
• Choose one core unit from:
  • Java programming
  • Introduction to Python

Part B. Specialist Studies

The focus of these units is specialising in the area of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or software engineering. Students must complete all of the following units:

• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
• Software engineering
• Information and computer security
• One of the following units:
  • Web applications development
  • Mobile and distributed computing systems
  • User interface design and usability
  • Software testing, quality and standards
  • Software and network security
  • Cyber operations
  • Blockchain
  • Cloud computing and security
  • Machine learning
  • Discrete optimisation
  • Natural language processing
  • Intelligent image and video analysis

Entry Requirements

• Entry level 1: 48 credit points to complete
  • Duration: 1.4 years part-time
  • An Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with at least a credit (60 per cent) average.
  • This should include successful completion of relevant coursework on programming, foundational mathematics for computing, and computer network architecture.
• Entry level 2: 24 credit points to complete
  • Duration: 0.7 years part-time
  • A Monash University Graduate Certificate of Computer Science with at least credit (60%) average.

Fees

• The estimated cost is $5,200 per unit.
• Students may be eligible to receive a FEE-HELP loan to cover part or all of their tuition.
• Fees are subject to change annually.

Career Outcomes

The Graduate Diploma of Computer Science is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in a constantly changing global environment. Career outcomes include:

• Security Analyst
• IT Manager
• Information Technology Specialists
• Data Scientist
• Business Analysts
• IT Technicians
• Data Analyst

Units

The following units are part of the Graduate Diploma of Computer Science program:

• Introduction to databases
  • Unit Code: ITO4132
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: Database management systems are integral to the success of organisations. This unit serves as a thorough introduction to database management, built upon a theoretical foundational of relational modelling, analysis, and design.
• Architecture and networks
  • Unit Code: ITO4137
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: A strong foundational knowledge of computer systems is at the core of computer science. This unit focuses specifically on modern operating systems and networking technology.
• Foundations of computing
  • Unit Code: ITO4001
  • Description: Mathematics and Computer Science cannot be untangled. This unit is designed to explore various mathematical methods required to work in the area of computer science.
• Java programming
  • Unit Code: ITO4131
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit will learn the basic concepts involved in the development of well-structured software using programming language.
• Introduction to Python
  • Unit Code: ITO4133
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit teaches programming fundamentals and the Python language.
• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
  • Unit Code: ITO5047
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit interrogates core problems and approaches to designing intelligent software systems.
• Software engineering
  • Unit Code: ITO5136
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit allows students to put their existing programming skills to practice.
• Information and computer security
  • Unit Code: ITO5163
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: Security systems must constantly evolve to keep pace with our rapidly changing world.
• Web applications development
  • Unit Code: ITO5032
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit provides students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to develop an application system.
• Mobile and distributed computing systems
  • Unit Code: FIT5046
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit focuses on the underlying concepts and standards of mobile computing.
• User interface design and usability
  • Unit Code: ITO5152
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: A seamless user experience is the aim of all emerging computer technologies.
• Software testing, quality and standards
  • Unit Code: ITO5171
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit covers the core software engineering disciplines concerned with managing and delivering quality software.
• Software and network security
  • Unit Code: ITO5003
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit introduces development issues including secure software life cycle, secure software design principles, secure coding practices, and threat evaluation models.
• Cyber operations
  • Unit Code: ITO5129
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: Enterprise networks are highly complex infrastructures that face significant security challenges because of the scale of operations.
• Blockchain
  • Unit Code: ITO5214
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: Blockchain is predicted to be the next revolution of the internet.
• Cloud computing and security
  • Unit Code: ITO5225
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit will enable students to build a foundational knowledge of cloud computing technology and teach them how to design and implement cloud applications.
• Machine learning
  • Unit Code: ITO5201
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: Machine learning is, in many ways, already revolutionising the broad ICT sector.
• Discrete optimisation
  • Unit Code: ITO5216
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit introduces the fundamentals of modelling for discrete optimisation.
• Natural language processing
  • Unit Code: ITO5217
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit will gain an understanding in complex language expressions that are crucial to artificial intelligence.
• Intelligent image and video analysis
  • Unit Code: ITO5221
  • Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Description: This unit will learn fundamental and modern concepts of image and video analysis.

Academic Team

The academic team for the Graduate Diploma of Computer Science includes:

• Yi-Shan Tsai, Academic Director Online Programmes

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I get credit for the Graduate Diploma of Computer Science if I've completed the Graduate Certificate in Applied Data Science?
  • Depending on your academic performance, you can get credit for one or possibly two units if you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Applied Data Science.
• What's the difference between Computer Science and Applied Data Science?
  • Computer Science covers a broad range of IT-related technologies, while Applied Data Science focuses on programming and advanced mathematical modelling to achieve specific outcomes.