Master of Computer Science

At the end of the program, students of the Master of Computer Science can:

1. Reflect critically on a complex body of computer science/ICT knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of professional practice.
2. Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills to analyse complex concepts and scenarios within authentic computer science/ICT tasks and assessments.
3. Apply communication and/or collaboration skills in the design of sophisticated solutions to computer science/ICT focused tasks and assessments.
4. Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute a substantial computer science/ICT focused project.

Graduates of the program will be qualified to work as computing professionals including roles as developers, software engineers, systems analysts and digital architects in a wide range of areas, from programming and system development, through to project management and systems architectures.

Professional recognition

Accredited by: Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Higher education

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

Special entry may be considered for students with a cognate first degree (or with appropriate experience) who can apply for a reduced course duration:

1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 180 credit points

Admission is based on:

Bachelor degree in a related discipline*, or

Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus five years relevant work experience^, or

Graduate Certificate of Computer Science (or equivalent), or

Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.

*Related discipline refers to any computing/ICT-related discipline

^Relevant work experience constitutes Senior/Managerial positions to be approved by the Course Coordinator.

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Proficiency Requirements

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following: 

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0). 
• Completion of a Bachelor degree from a country specified by ECU. 
• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent). 
• Equivalent prior learning courses including at least five years relevant professional experience – as accepted by ECU. 
• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

Practicum placement

Work Experience option

Students have the opportunity to seek a semester long Work Integrated Learning placement with an industry partner relevant to the ICT discipline.

Attendance requirements

Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 340 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks.

Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options: 

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE. 
• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)

This masters by coursework degree is designed to meet the demand for computing experts in an ever evolving digital industry landscape.

Students will be exposed to contemporary computer science techniques and technologies with a strong focus on practical application of computing and theory, process and principles. It is also relevant to those seeking to enter the IT profession who have no previous experience in the computing discipline. The curriculum and capstone components of the course are heavily influenced by industry and offer students the opportunity to apply their expertise in authentic and real-world situations.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Networking Technologies
• Systems Analysis and Database Design
• Programming Principles
• Cyber Security

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award Requirements

Students are required to complete 240 credit points.