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CC53 - Master of Information Systems

Overview

Course Overview

This course provides an opportunity for graduates who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in information technology, with a focus on business analysis skills at a professional level. Within this highly relevant framework graduates are well prepared to contribute to future growth and change, whilst at the same time enhancing their individual advancement opportunities. This course focuses on particular aspects of technology, management and organisations.

All units have been aligned to the Australian Computer Society (ACS) core body of knowledge.

Career Information

Career opportunities are endless for Information Systems graduates. Employment can be found as: Systems Analyst, Business Analyst, Business Process Modeller, Data Analyst, ICT Project Manager, ICT Support Technician, ICT Customer Support Officer, Database Administrator, ICT Support Engineer, Web Developer, ICT Architect, ICT Consultant, Systems Administrator.

Course Details
Duration 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 96
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in postgraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Postgraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) MIS
AQF Level Level 9: Masters Degree (Coursework)
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,960
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $37,380
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,960
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $37,380
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $25,974
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,000
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $35,520
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $25,539
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $16,830
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $33,990
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $24,786
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $16,830
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $33,990

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 3 - 2025

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2025

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 1 - 2025

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 3 - 2024

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2024

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 3 - 2023

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2023

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2022

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2022

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2022

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2020

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2020

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2020

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2019

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2019

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2019

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2018

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2018

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2018

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2016

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2016

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2016

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2015

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2015

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2015

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney
Show All

International Availability

Term 3 - 2025

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2025

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 1 - 2025

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 3 - 2024

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2024

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 3 - 2023

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2023

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2022

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2022

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2022

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2021

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2020

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2020

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2020

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2019

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Term 2 - 2019

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2019

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2018

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2018

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2018

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2017

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2016

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2016

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2016

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 3 - 2015

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Sydney

Term 2 - 2015

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

Term 1 - 2015

Brisbane
Distance
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Requirements

To gain entry to this course students must have:

A bachelor degree in any discipline from an Australian university or college;

or a CQUniversity Graduate Certificate in Information Systems, or equivalent.

Candidates who have completed the CQUniversity CC47 Graduate Diploma of Information Systems, will be granted advanced standing of 6 core units, 1 elective and the first discipline unit.

Please see the CC47 Graduate Diploma of Information Systems handbook entry for more information.

International students should Refer to international student page for further information including English Language requirements.

Advanced Entry

Advanced entry is available directly into term 2 for students who can demonstrate that they have attained the required knowledge. These students will undertake 12 units to complete the course. To be granted advanced entry a student must:

1. have a bachelor degree; and

2. be able to demonstrate they have the required knowledge (based on the content of COIT20245, COIT20248, COIT20249 and PPMP20007; and

3. either:

  • have two years relevant work experience; or
  • have one year other postgraduate education; or
  • have attained a final year GPA of 4.7 in their undergraduate degree at an Australian institution, or equivalent.

Students may also be granted advanced standing for one or two units if they meet the requirements of (1) and (3) above but cannot sufficiently demonstrate that they have the required knowledge (based on the content of in all four units COIT20245, COIT20248, COIT20249 and PPMP20007 to receive full advanced standing.

Handbook - More Details

Interim Awards

Students may be eligible to graduate with an interim award of a Graduate Certificate as part of this course. Students should be aware that they are only eligible to graduate with either the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems or the Graduate Certificate in Project and Project Management, not both. Upon successful completion of additional units, students may then be eligible to graduate with an interim award of the Graduate Diploma of Information Systems.

Part-Time Course of Study

In formulating their course of study, candidates who are studying part-time by distance education should give consideration to their work and other commitments and the prerequisites for advanced units, and if necessary seek advice from the Student Advisor (Courses and Careers) at http://programadvice.cqu.edu.au.

Computer Equipment Resources

Students will require access to a computer and printer. Access to the Internet is also required for some units. The suggested minimum requirement is an IBM compatible computer. If buying a new computer, students should purchase the best quality and highest capacity they can afford. CQUniversity campuses have computers, which may be accessed by students on a 24 hour basis.

For Course Planners please refer to the following website http://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life/new-students/planners-and-profiles

Security Requirements
No information available at this time
Health Requirements
No information available at this time
Assumed Knowledge

N/A

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards CC33 - Graduate Certificate in Project Management CC29 - Graduate Certificate in Information Systems CC47 - Graduate Diploma of Information Systems
Exit Awards CC29 - Graduate Certificate in Information Systems CC47 - Graduate Diploma of Information Systems
Accreditation
  • Learned Society: Core
    Australian Computer Society

    This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.

    https://www.acs.org.au/cpd-education/accredited-courses.html 

Residential School Requirements

No Residential School for this course.

Practicum/Work Placement

COIT20254 - Students are able to undertake discipline capstone units while working with either industry partners or, from 2015 onward, with an internship host.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 187
2023 204
2022 135
2021 137
2020 312
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic and professional practice.
  • Using your knowledge and skills for the benefit of the public, in accordance to the expectations of ICT professionals, for example defined by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Code of Professional Conduct.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate for professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
  • Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations.
  • Effectively controlling emotions, responses and behaviour when dealing with challenging situations in professional situations.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with the policies and practices of the ICT business or organisation in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Complying with the requirements for student registration with professional bodies such as Australian Computer Society (ACS).
  • Respect the intellectual property of others, including when using textbooks, source code, and licensed software.
  • Understand privacy principles and respect the privacy of others where this does not pose an ethical or legal issue.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Verbally communicating in the English language with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
  • Establishing rapport with clients in the delivery of ICT practice and responding appropriately to clients, supervisors and other professionals.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions: eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries, a range of body movements and gestures.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course, as well as in the ICT practice environment.
  • Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
  • Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge into a logical and legible report, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
  • Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form that meets legal and ICT practice requirements.
  • Observing non-verbal behaviour and other situations in a variety of professional settings.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge, research evidence, policies and procedures in ICT practice.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic and professional situations.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting specifications, instructions and manuals.
  • Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in ICT projects and services.
  • Producing accurate, concise and clear ICT documentation that meets professional and legal requirements.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Accurately using a computer in a wide variety of ICT contexts.
  • Perceiving colours, tones, motion and depth.
  • Perceiving fine detail on a computer screen.
  • Discerning an object from its background.
  • Creating visual designs and artworks.
  • Creating 3D models in a computer.
  • Creating video recordings, animations and motion graphics.
  • Creating and editing audio recordings.
  • Creating and editing soundtracks that are synchronised with video, animation or motion graphics.
  • Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
  • Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as buttons and a touchscreen. 
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Display empathy and respect to multiple points of view
  • Rapidly build rapport with other students, colleagues or clients in order to engage them professionally.
  • You will be able to maintain positive working relationships when under stressful circumstances.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course and professional experience.
  • Performing with the required mental energy and endurance in performing ICT skills and services during set time frames.
  • Showing persistence when learning a new concept and seeing it as a challenge to be solved rather than an insurmountable obstacle.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
  • Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as buttons and a touchscreen.
  • Connecting and maintaining computer and networking equipment, for example, plugging cables into sockets, removing hardware from motherboards, and attaching sensors to objects.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Demonstrating the skills of collaborating with fellow students and colleagues, modifying and reflecting on practice during a project, or modifying and reflecting on work integrated learning in response to supervisor feedback.
  • Rapidly building rapport with a client in order to engage them in project management practice, for example taking over a project mid-stream and successfully recovering troubled projects or gathering initial requirements from a client and negotiating project scope.
  • Critically self-reflecting on situations that may/may not have gone well, and taking the learning point(s) from that situation.
  • Interacting and engaging with individuals and groups in project management practice in a respectful and culturally competent manner in a wide variety of contexts.
  • Positively recovering a project from serious problems or risk by means of superior negotiation, influencing and leadership skills to achieve the best possible outcome.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
  • Having sufficient computer knowledge and skills to engage in the on-line learning environment that may include completing relevant on-line assessments and participating in on-line forums or responding to emails.
  • Competently using a mobile operating system such as iOS or Android.
  • Competently using digital media software to complete tasks such as creating video recordings, editing images or videos, and drawing diagrams.
  • Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Operating electronic devices such as a video camera, a scanner, a tablet computer or a mobile phone.
  • Competently using video conferencing software such as Zoom, Teams or Skype.
  • Competently using chat and messaging applications such as Teams, Slack or Discord.
  • Managing files and folders to ensure data is backed up and stored securely.

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Articulate the latest developments in the information systems industry and its likely future directions.
  • 2. Distinguish between the roles of people and technology in managing knowledge and information in business.
  • 3. Analyse and model organisational goals and requirements, including the legal, ethical, social and cultural issues that affect the use, design, and implementation of information systems.
  • 4. Propose information systems solutions that enhance organisational performance.
  • 5. Critically evaluate the impact of corporate information technology strategies on enterprise outcomes, outputs and processes.
  • 6. Apply advanced knowledge and skills, including research, in a practical environment.
  • 7. Work independently, as a leader, or a member of a team employing appropriate interpersonal, professional and technical communication skills.
  • 8. Manage and evaluate own performance and professional development.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline and/or area of professional practice
2. KNOWLEDGE Have an understanding of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work and/or learning
3. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship
4. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
5. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
6. SKILLS Have communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
7. SKILLS Have technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to use creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to use high level personal autonomy and accountability
10 APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship.
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Communicate, interact and collaborate with others effectively in culturally or linguistically diverse contexts in a culturally respectful manner
Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 11 Total credit points: 72

Students should note that they may be required to take some units in the Distance Education Mode depending on the campus of their study.

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
COIT20249 Professional Skills and Ethics in Information and Communications Technology
COIT20248 Information Systems Analysis and Design
PPMP20007 Project Management Concepts
COIT20245 Introduction to Programming
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
COIT20246 Networking and Cyber Security
COIT20247 Database Design and Development
COIT20250 Technologies in Information Systems Practice
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
COIT20251 Knowledge Audits for Business Analysis
COIT20252 Business Process Management
COIT20253 Business Intelligence using Big Data
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
COIT20254 Information Systems Project

Students studying fulltime will undertake their first elective unit in Year 1 Term 2.

A second elective is undertaken in Year 2 Term 1.

The remaining two electives units are undertaken in Year 2 Term 2.

Number of units: 4 Total credit points: 24

Students should note that they may be required to take some units in the Distance Education Mode depending on the campus of their study.
Elective Opportunities for students
Internship Opportunity

Students in the Master of Information Systems are able to apply for an internship.

To qualify for the internship, students need to undertake and have completed the core unit COIT20249 Professional Skills in Information Communication Technology. This unit will prepare you for working with the internship host.

To qualify for an internship students must be in good academic standing, successfully pass the CQUniversity English Language Placement test and complete an interview with the internship host.

For more information contact Shehan Thampapillai s.thampapillai@cqu.edu.au from the CQUniversity International Services Division.

Please note students may be able to undertake the internship in place of doing their discipline capstone unit.

There is an opportunity for students to undertake a minor from other courses at CQUniversity.

Electives from Master of IT
Software Design and Development Network and Information Security Mobile Application Development
COIT20256 Data Structures and Algorithms COIT20261 Network Routing and Switching COIT20268 Responsive Web Design
COIT20259 Enterprise Computing Architecture COIT20262 Advanced Network Security COIT20271 Mobile Game Development
COIT20258 Software Design: Principles, Models and Patterns COIT20263 Information Security Management COIT20269 Mobile Web Apps
COIT 20257 Distributed Systems: Principles and Development COIT20264 Network Design COIT20270 App Development for Mobile Platforms
Electives from Graduate Certificate of Project Management
PPMP20008 Initiating and Planning Projects
PPMP20010 Executing and Closing Projects
PPMP20009 Project Management Methodologies

Business and Law units: Students are able to take units from Business and Law providing any prerequisites have been met. The Business and Law units listed above are those that are the start of a sequence of study. Please see the Student Handbook for available units.

Statistics: STAT20029 Statistics for Managerial Decisions (you may then take COIT20275 Systems Science and Engineering as an elective.)
OR units from other courses providing that any prerequisites have been met.

Students should note that they may be required to take some units in the Distance Education Mode depending on the campus of their study.

Please see the Elective Additional Notes below the list of electives for a guide as to which units to choose first. You have the opportunity of completing the MIS and by choosing four units from a particular Masters course, you can complete a minor in a related discipline.

Available units
Students may choose to do any of the following:
COIT20256 Object Oriented Development
PPMP20008 Initiating and Planning Projects
COIT20261 Network Routing and Switching
MRKT20052 Marketing Management and Digital Communications
MGMT20129 Managing People, Organisations and Context
HRMT20024 Managing Human Resources
FINC20018 Managerial Finance
COIT20268 Responsive Web Design
COIT20259 Enterprise Computing Architecture
COIT20258 Software Engineering
COIT20257 Distributed Systems: Principles and Development
COIT20264 Enterprise and Cloud Networking
COIT20270 App Development for Mobile Platforms
COIT20271 Mobile Game Development
PPMP20010 Executing and Closing Projects
COIT20262 Advanced Network Security
COIT20263 Information Security Management
COIT20269 Mobile Web Apps
COIT20275 Systems Science and Engineering
STAT20029 Statistics for Managerial Decisions
COIT20255 ERP Systems Management
PPMP20009 Leading Lean Projects
More Details

Computing Requirements 

You need access to a desktop or laptop computer for your studies.

Microsoft Windows (any recent version) is the recommended operating system. While you should be able to complete most tasks on other operating systems (e.g., macOS, Linux), you may not receive support from teaching staff if issues arise due to the use of a non-Windows operating system. Also, there are a small number of tasks that require Microsoft Windows (running natively on hardware, not in a virtualised environment). For those tasks, if you are using macOS or Linux then you must organise access to a Windows computer, e.g., in a CQU computer lab or another computer.

If you are buying a new computer or upgrading an existing computer, then you are recommended to purchase at least 16 GB of RAM and at least a mid-range CPU (i.e., Intel Core or AMD equivalent; a Celeron or Pentium is not suitable). The CPU should support hardware virtualisation (e.g., Intel VT-x or AMD-V). Other components (e.g., monitor, disk, graphics) should be the best quality and highest capacity you can afford. If you already own a computer with 8GB of RAM and any Intel or AMD CPU then it will be sufficient for most of your study (but you may need to use CQU computer labs for some specialised tasks).

If you do not have your own computer, or a computer that meets the above recommended requirements, then you may use a computer in a CQU computer lab. However, you must be prepared to spend significant time outside of scheduled classes in the lab (e.g., to complete assessments). Not having access to a suitable computer, or limited access to CQU computer labs, is not a valid reason for an adjustment of assessment (e.g., an extension).

CQU provides ICT students free and/or low-cost access to Microsoft and other software. You can find out more about the free software and computer requirements at the Course Orientation; otherwise ask your Unit Coordinator.

Interim Awards

As part of this course, students may be eligible to receive one or more of the following Interim Awards upon successful completion of relevant units (refer to the handbook for each course)

You must contact a Course Advisor to obtain an Interim Award. Please note Interim Awards are not conferred automatically, and you cannot apply for an Interim Award once you have received your Masters Award.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing allowing direct entry into the 2nd term is available to students who can demonstrate they have attained the required knowledge. These students will undertake 11 units to complete the course. To be granted advanced standing, a student must:

  1. Have a Bachelor degree; and

  2. Be able to demonstrate they have the required knowledge, based on the content of units COIT20245, COIT20246, COIT20248 and COIT20249; and

  3. Either:

  1. Have two years relevant work experience; or

  2. Have one year other postgraduate education; or

  3. Have attained a final year GPA of 4.7 in their undergraduate degree at an Australian institution or equivalent.

Students that do not meet all requirements of Advanced Standing may still be considered for credit towards specific units. Note that credit cannot be granted towards capstone units or internship.

Part-Time Course of Study

In formulating their course of study, candidates who are studying part-time by distance education should give consideration to their work and other commitments and the prerequisites for advanced units, and if necessary seek advice from the Course Advisor via: Ask a Course Advisor.

For Course Planners please refer to the following website: Planning your Study - Course Planners