The Pre-Master’s Program Information Technology at the University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is a postgraduate pathway for international students who want to progress to selected master’s degrees at the University of Newcastle but need additional academic and English-language preparation.

Key benefits include:

• Direct pathway to selected University of Newcastle IT and technology-related master’s degrees.
• Successful completion provides 30 credit points toward the selected postgraduate degree.
• Students begin master’s-level subjects during the second trimester of the pathway.
• Successful students can progress directly into the second trimester of their chosen master’s degree without providing additional English-test results, such as IELTS, when transitioning to the University.
• The first trimester provides additional preparation in academic English, critical thinking, quantitative skills, research and intercultural study.
• The second trimester combines Academic English B with three credit-bearing master's-level subjects.
• The pathway is designed for students who may not meet the University's direct postgraduate entry requirements but have suitable academic qualifications and relevant preparation.
• The program can lead into cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence, business analytics, management information systems and general information technology pathways.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard program is divided into two trimesters.

Trimester 1: Five core bridging courses, all non-credit-bearing:

• Academic English A
• Critical Thinking for Postgraduate Studies
• Intercultural Studies
• Quantitative Skills for Postgraduate Studies
• Study and Research Skills.

These courses develop academic English, critical thinking, quantitative ability, research techniques, communication and postgraduate study skills.

Trimester 2:

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

The currently listed credit-bearing options are:

• 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 Pre-Master’s pathway itself does not have separate formal specialisations.

Students can package the program with the following University of Newcastle master's degrees:

• 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).

The three credit-bearing courses taken during the second trimester are determined by the selected master's pathway.

The CRICOS codes currently shown by CIE for the destination programs are:

• Master of Cyber Security: 0100135
• Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: 116512A
• Master of Information Technology (Business Analytics): 083517F
• Master of Information Technology (Management Information Systems): 083517F
• Master of Information Technology (no specialisation): 083517F

Programme Highlights

• Program: Pre-Master’s Program Information Technology
• CRICOS code: 104613F
• Duration: 8 months
• Structure: 2 trimesters
• Number of courses: 9
• 30 credit points toward the selected master's degree
• Intakes: January, May and August
• Campus: Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• 2026 program fee: AUD 39,780
• Five possible master's progression pathways
• Academic English support integrated into the program
• Three master's-level subjects completed during the pathway
• Direct progression to the second trimester of the selected master's degree after successful completion.

Career Outcomes

The Pre-Master’s Program is a pathway rather than the final professional qualification, so career outcomes depend on the master's degree completed after progression.

For the Master of Information Technology pathway, CIE identifies potential career directions including:

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

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest official CIE program information currently shows:

• CRICOS: 104613F
• Program fee: AUD 39,780 for 2026
• Duration: 2 trimesters / 8 months
• Intakes: January, May and August
• Location: Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• 9 courses
• 30 credit points toward the selected master's degree.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

The Australian Department of Home Affairs currently requires Student visa applicants to:

• Apply online in or outside Australia.
• Be enrolled in an eligible course.
• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless exempt.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable financial-capacity requirements.
• Comply with all visa conditions.