Master of Information Technology

Year

View in 2021+ Handbook

Course Overview
Further Information
Course Rules & Plans
Course Outcomes

Why study the Master of Information Technology at UNE?

The Master of Information Technology provides an opportunity for those who are looking for a change of direction in their career or for those who want to enhance their IT qualifications. Those seeking a change of direction can come in without any background in IT and graduate with a sound knowledge and understanding of IT qualifying them for employment in a broad range of positions in private industry, government agencies or research organisations which have an IT requirement. Similarly, the Master of Information Technology provides candidates who have an IT background with the opportunity to update their qualifications, with a number of entry options that recognise industry experience and previous study.

The course offers considerable depth and flexibility, allowing students to select from units covering specialised topics such as, computer networks and security, artificial intelligence, management information systems, user experience design and web programming. All units are delivered both on campus and online, using a variety of educational technologies including video lectures, online discussion forums and access to campus servers through remote desktop facilities. The course also allows students to complete an information and communications technology project relating to a real-life case.

The Master of Information Technology has been granted Professional Level accreditation by the Australian Computer Society and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries.

Master of Information Technology graduates are eligible to apply for admission to PhD candidature if they complete the computer science thesis research component.

Career Opportunities

The types of career options include but are not limited to consultant, customer contact centre operator, internet and e-commerce, IT educator, computer scientist, EDP auditor, project management, sales and marketing, software development, systems analysis and design, systems management and administration.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1 or 1.5 or 2 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2018 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus

Official Abbreviation

MInfoTech

Course Type

Postgraduate

CRICOS Code

047297A

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Online
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Online
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus

Course Duration

1 or 1.5 or 2 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

Fees

CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International

Total Credit Points

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification; or

(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification with a major in a relevant discipline*; or

(c) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification in a relevant discipline*.

*Relevant disciplines - include but are not limited to the following:

Computer Science

Information Systems

Information Technology

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements: Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) may be granted a maximum of 48 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based and may include 6 credit points on the basis of considerable demonstrated relevant professional experience.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based. This may include 6 credit points on the basis of considerable demonstrated relevant professional experience.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature.

No advanced standing will be granted for COSC592.

Academic Colours

Powder Blue (BCC 193)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Master of Information Technology in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall hold:
(a) an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification; or
(b) an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification with a major in a relevant discipline*; or
(c) an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification in a relevant discipline*.

*Relevant disciplines - includes but are not limited to the following:

Computer Science
Information Systems
Information Technology

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements

Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature.

No advanced standing will be granted for COSC592.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) two years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rule (b), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one and a half years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to five years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rule (c), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

1. To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (a) must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including not more than 18 credit points at 100-level, not more than 24 credit points at 200/300-level and at least 54 credit points at 500-level.

2. To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (b) must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including not more than 18 credit points at 200/300-level and at least 54 credit points at 500-level.

3. To qualify for the award a candidate admitted under Rule (c) must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including at least 48 credit points at 500-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study comprising:

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)

Course Structure	Credit Points
Core Units	54 cps
Research/Capstone Experience	24 cps
Listed Units	18 cps
Total	96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)

Course Structure	Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing	24 cps
Core Units	6 cps
Research/Capstone Experience	24 cps
Listed Units	42 cps
Total	96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (c)

Course Structure	Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing	48 cps
Core Units	6 cps
Research/Capstone Experience	24 cps
Listed Units	18 cps
Total	96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Information Technology.

Exit Pathways

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rule (a) who apply to discontinue their studies in the Master of Information Technology may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology upon successful completion of COSC110, COSC120, COSC220, COSC260 and 24 credit points at 400-level or above from the listed units.

Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Master of Information Technology. This may mean they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Course Aims	This course suits those students coming to the study of information technology for the first time as well as those who want to extend their knowledge or upgrade their professional qualifications. Covering aspects of computer programming, database management systems, web technologies, and software development the course aims to cover the essential elements of information technology. It concludes with the option to plan and undertake a substantial research project including the submission of a thesis comprising a literature review and the results of the research project or complete an ICT project in a group work environment requiring an integration of project management and ICT skills.
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate, through their own practice and research, a mastery of information technology that includes knowledge of recent developments, established methods, specialised skills and knowledge of the theoretical principles that underpin information and communications technologies; apply advanced problem-solving and design skills with modern software engineering tools and methodologies to develop software, systems and/or processes to meet specified requirements, including creative approaches to synthesise alternative solutions, concepts and procedures, while demonstrating information skills and research methods; understand and apply project management principles to the development of software and information systems across a broad range of disciplines, addressing challenges that relate to professional ethics, information technology governance, risk management, systems acquisition and change management; demonstrate the technical and communication skills necessary to evaluate and theorise on issues contributing to the professional and ethical standards of practice expected in the information technology industry and assess how the social, ethical and legal issues related to information technology impact society; communicate and coordinate proficiently in English, working as an effective member or leader of a diverse team and/or consulting with clients or colleagues in a software development or research setting, that includes specialist and non-specialist audiences using, a variety of written and oral communication modes; and apply the technical research skills, knowledge and the ability to operate with a high level of personal autonomy through the planning and execution of a substantial research project, or capstone experience relating information and communications technology.
Graduate Attributes	Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates demonstrate an advanced body of knowledge of information technology in a range of contexts for professional practice or scholarship and as a pathway for further learning together with a global perspective (both national and international) on the developments in information technology together with a capacity to understand the implications of international events on information technology. Knowledge of the discipline is taught and practised through unit materials, online discussions, guided readings and direct learning activities with several units addressing the global nature of information technology. Knowledge of the discipline and its global perspective is assessed through different forms of assessment appropriate to the disciplines within information technology including a research essay, reports on projects or a thesis. Communication Skills Oral and written communication skills via a range of media is an essential aspect of the course and graduates demonstrate communication and technical research skills to justify theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences. These skills are taught, practised and assessed in most units within the course. The project management unit requires students to demonstrate a professional level of communication skills both with other group members and with the project client. In the research methods unit students are required to give an oral presentation as well as demonstrate written communication skills. The thesis requires students to demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of the research project. Problem Solving Graduates demonstrate cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to information technology. Students will practise and be assessed on problem solving skills throughout the course. Information Literacy Graduates demonstrate technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship in information technology. All units in the course require students to find and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources. This is practised and assessed throughout the course. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates demonstrate an understanding of and practice the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with information technology. Reflection on social responsibility and professional practice in information technology is embedded in the course content. Units require students to reflect on social implications of information technology such as social networking, malicious software, identity theft and security measures. Lifelong Learning Information technology is a very rapidly changing field of study. Graduates demonstrate cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship; and with high-level personal autonomy and accountability. This is taught and practised by providing core skills and exposing students to a variety of programming languages, environments and specialised systems. Independence and Collaboration Graduates are able to apply their skills and knowledge individually and as part of collaborative teams. They are able to work with intellectual independence, and to collaborate with technical and non-technical colleagues and customers. Working in a group environment is an essential component of the course and in the professional practice of software development. To develop these skills, a number of units in the course require students to work in groups and provide guidance and assessment on group work.