INTRODUCTION

The Master of Science is a two year full-time or equivalent part-time course for graduates of a relevant degree course.  In research based Master courses, the first stage (one third of the course) is coursework and the second stage (remainder of the course) is devoted to research.

In coursework Master courses, there is a larger coursework component followed by project work.

Students should consult the relevant course coordinator before making application for admission.

In the School of Computer and Information Science the following fields of study are available in the Master of Science research degree:

• Computer Science
• Computer Security
• Information Science

The following fields of study are available in the Master of Science coursework degree:

• Information Technology
• Software Engineering

Software Engineering

by Coursework

The Master of Science (Software Engineering) by coursework is a four semester (240 credit points) postgraduate course designed to meet the needs of graduates who wish to keep abreast of recent developments in the IT industry, gain a deeper understanding of Software Engineering principles, and who wish to enhance their qualifications with a view to further career progression within the industry. The accreditation would be consistent with a senior managerial career in the industry.

Students not wishing to continue after the first 120 credit points may be eligible to graduate with a Post Graduate Diploma of Science (Software Engineering).

To be admitted to the Master of Science (Software Engineering), students should have graduated with a recognised degree:

• a three year Bachelor's degree plus at least two years' appropriate experience in the IT industry; or
• a Bachelor's degree plus Graduate Diploma with significant computing content plus one year appropriate experience in the IT industry; or
• a three year Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a closely related subject.
  

Graduates with First or Second Class Honours in the field could expect to do only one year of full-time study or equivalent; however, such students would usually be directed into research awards.

The course contains six core units, two elective coursework units selected from level 5000 units and four project units as set out below. Units may be given either semester subject to availability of staff and viability of student numbers. The course requires four semesters of full-time study or part-time equivalent.