The Pre-Master’s Program Information Technology (Accelerated) at the University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is a one-trimester postgraduate pathway for international students who have slightly higher academic and English proficiency and want to progress into a University of Newcastle IT-related master’s degree.

Key benefits include:

• A shorter 4-month pathway compared with the standard 8-month Pre-Master’s Program.
• Successful completion provides 30 credit points toward the chosen master’s degree.
• Students study Academic English B plus three master's-level subjects during the accelerated trimester.
• After successful completion, students progress directly into the second trimester of their chosen master's degree.
• Students do not need to provide additional English-test results, such as IELTS, when transitioning to the University after successfully completing the Pre-Master’s pathway.
• The program provides additional academic English and study support before students continue into postgraduate study.
• CIE describes the pathway as offering flexible entry and English-language requirements.
• It can provide a pathway into Cyber Security, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Management Information Systems and general Information Technology. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The accelerated program consists of four courses:

• Academic English B
• Three credit-bearing master's-level courses selected according to the student's chosen master's degree.

The current list of possible credit-bearing courses is:

• GSBS6001 Managing Under Uncertainty
• SENG6110 Object Oriented Programming
• INFT6304 Project Planning and Management
• INFO6050 Process Analysis and Problem Solving
• INFO6001 Database Management 1
• INFO6030 Systems Analysis & Design
• INFT6201 Big Data
• INFO6090 Business Intelligence for the Enterprise.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The accelerated pathway does not have separate specialisations within the pathway itself.

After successful completion, the current CIE page lists these progression options:

• Master of Cyber Security
• Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Information Technology (Business Analytics)
• Master of Information Technology (Management Information Systems)
• Master of Information Technology (no specialisation).

Programme Highlights

• Program: Pre-Master’s Program Information Technology (Accelerated)
• CRICOS code: 104613F
• Duration: 1 trimester / 4 months
• Intakes: January, May and August
• Location: Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• Program fee: AUD 19,600 for 2026
• Four courses
• 30 credit points toward the selected master's degree
• Academic English B plus three master's-level courses
• Direct progression into the second trimester of the selected master's degree after successful completion

Career Outcomes

The accelerated Pre-Master’s Program is a pathway and does not itself provide the final professional qualification. Career outcomes therefore depend on the master's degree subsequently completed.

For the Information Technology master's pathway, CIE identifies potential career paths including:

• Business analyst
• Database developer
• Project manager
• Systems analyst
• Web developer
• Software developer.

The University of Newcastle's IT pathway also covers areas such as:

• Electronic commerce
• Information systems
• Games development
• Technology management
• Health informatics
• Business systems and management.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest official CIE information currently shows:

• 1 trimester / 4 months
• January, May and August intakes
• Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• AUD 19,600 program fee
• CRICOS code 104613F
• 30 credit points
• Four courses
• Five available master's progression options. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

For a packaged pathway consisting of the accelerated Pre-Master’s followed by a University of Newcastle master's degree, the Australian Department of Home Affairs states that students need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course in the package. The final course is treated as the main course when determining certain visa requirements.

Key requirements include:

• Apply for the Student visa online.
• Hold a valid CoE for the intended course/package.
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless exempt.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable financial-capacity requirements.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Comply with Student visa conditions.