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.

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. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work as computing professionals including roles as developers, software engineers, systems analysts and digital architects. 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.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Students are required to enrol in either CSI6224 Applied Project or CSI6850 Professional Placement (Computing and Security) (if approved) in their final semester of study, having completed all other course requirements.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $63,800

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

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.

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)
• Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; OR
• Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4.

If you have completed units of study in another Postgraduate course or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal.

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 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.