Why Study/Key Benefits

The Master of Information Technology specialising in Software Development is designed for students who want to develop advanced theoretical and practical IT skills while specialising in software development.

Key benefits include:

• Develop skills in designing, constructing, operating, supporting and maintaining IT solutions.
• Specialise in software development, including developing and testing computer programs and managing software quality.
• Undertake project work involving critical analysis and solution development.
• Gain experience applying ICT research in non-academic environments such as legal, government, commercial and software-production settings.
• Develop knowledge in data management, IT solution implementation and computer architecture.
• Complete an industry-connected capstone project involving real-world problems and external organisations or businesses.
• Students achieving a Credit average can have the option of undertaking a 12-week professional master's internship, credited towards the degree as work experience.
• The qualification is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Provides a pathway for students from non-IT backgrounds to move into an IT career.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Students complete 200 credit points.

The nested structure allows students to receive earlier qualifications as they progress:

Graduate Certificate stage:

• 4 core units
• 4 specialisation units
• Total: 100 credit points

Graduate Diploma stage:

• Additional core study
• Additional specialisation study
• Elective study
• Total qualification at this stage: 150 credit points

Master's stage:

• Additional core study
• Additional Software Development specialisation study
• Additional elective study
• Final qualification: 200 credit points

The current Software Development specialisation comprises:

• Big Data — COS80023 — 12.5 credit points
• Technology Application Project — COS80029 — 25 credit points
• Advanced Software and System Security — CYB80002 — 12.5 credit points
• Software Quality and Testing — COS80022 — 12.5 credit points
• Advanced Software Development — COS70006 — 12.5 credit points

The course's broader core curriculum includes:

• Creating Web Applications — COS60004
• Data Management for the Big Data Age — COS60009
• User-Centred Design — COS70004
• Technology Design Project — COS60011
• Programming Principles and Practices — COS60018
• Technology Innovation Research and Project — COS70008
• Web Application Development — COS80021

The current elective list includes:

• Introduction to Data Science — COS60008
• Advanced Software Development — COS70006
• Internet Security — COS80013
• Software Quality and Testing — COS80022
• Data Visualisation — COS80025
• Machine Learning — COS80027
• Networks and Cybersecurity Frameworks — CYB60004
• Cyber Ethics — CYB70001
• Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices — ICT60001
• Advanced Business Analysis — INF80001
• Business Analysis and Consulting Practices — INF80006

Disciplines/Specialisations

Primary discipline:

• Information Technology

Specialisation:

• Software Development

The Software Development specialisation focuses on:

• Software development
• Computer-program development
• Software testing
• Software quality management
• Advanced software development
• Software and system security
• Big data
• Technology application projects
• Problem analysis and solution development

Swinburne's Master of Information Technology also offers:

• Data Analytics
• Information Systems
• Mobile and Cloud Computing
• Software Development

Programme Highlights

• Postgraduate Master of Information Technology.
• Software Development specialisation.
• 200 credit points.
• 2 years full-time.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS 001742J.
• Industry-connected capstone project.
• Optional 12-week professional master's internship for eligible students achieving a Credit average.
• Australian Computer Society professional accreditation.
• Practical and theoretical IT training.
• Advanced software-development and software-quality focus.
• Cybersecurity and system-security content within the specialisation.
• Research and project experience in non-academic ICT environments.
• Pathway for students from non-IT academic backgrounds.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists career areas including:

• Quantitative Research Analyst
• Digital Workplace Analysis
• Support Engineering
• Network Technician

The Software Development specialisation also develops skills relevant to software-development and technology roles involving:

• Application development
• Software testing
• Software quality
• Software and system security
• Technology solution development
• IT project work

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current official course information confirms:

• Course code: MA-IT1.
• CRICOS code: 001742J.
• Campus: Hawthorn.
• Duration: 2 years full-time.
• Total: 200 credit points.
• 2027 Semester 1 and Semester 2 intakes are currently published.
• International students in Australia on a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• The course is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
• A capstone project is compulsory and is normally completed in the final semester.
• Students achieving a Credit average have the option of completing a 12-week professional master's internship, credited towards the degree as work experience.
• Advanced Standing may be available to applicants with additional qualifications.
• The maximum academic credit that may be granted is 100 credit points, normally eight units, subject to Swinburne's assessment.
• Academic credit is normally only granted for studies or experience completed within the previous five years because of ACS accreditation requirements.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Meeting the Australian Values Statement requirement where applicable.
• Demonstrating financial capacity when required.

The current Department of Home Affairs financial-capacity figures include:

• Student living costs for 12 months: AUD 29,710.
• Partner living costs for 12 months: AUD 10,394.
• Child living costs for 12 months: AUD 4,449.