Why Study/Key Benefits

• The programme develops advanced theoretical and practical skills for designing, constructing, operating, supporting and maintaining IT solutions.
• The Software Development specialisation is specifically designed for students who want to develop and test computer programs and manage software quality.
• Students undertake project work and develop skills in critically analysing problems and finding effective solutions.
• The course also develops ICT research experience in non-academic environments such as legal, government, commercial and software-production settings.
• The programme provides preparation for professional-level work in Information and Communication Technologies and can provide a pathway towards research and further learning.
• The qualification is designed for international students and is delivered at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme contains 4 core units and 6 Software Development specialisation units.

Core units:

1. Technology Design Project — COS60011 — 12.5 credit points
2. User-Centred Design — COS70004 — 12.5 credit points
3. Web Application Development — COS80021 — 12.5 credit points
4. Technology Innovation Research and Project — COS70008 — 25 credit points

These core units total 62.5 credit points.

Software Development specialisation:

1. Big Data — COS80023 — 12.5 credit points
2. Technology Application Project — COS80029 — 25 credit points
3. Advanced Software and System Security — CYB80002 — 12.5 credit points
4. Software Quality and Testing — COS80022 — 12.5 credit points
5. Advanced Software Development — COS70006 — 12.5 credit points

The published specialisation units total 75 credit points, bringing the published course structure to 150 credit points.

Key learning areas include:

• Advanced software development
• Software design and application development
• Software quality assurance and testing
• Software and system security
• Big data
• Technology application projects
• Technology innovation and research
• User-centred design
• Web application development
• Technology project work

Disciplines/Specialisations

The overall Master of Information Technology (Professional Computing) offers four specialisation areas:

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

Programme Highlights

• International-student-only postgraduate qualification.
• 2-year full-time study option.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• 150 credit points.
• Dedicated Software Development specialisation.
• Practical project-based learning.
• Advanced software development and software testing content.
• Software and system security included within the specialisation.
• Big Data included as a specialisation unit.
• Technology Application Project provides substantial applied project experience.
• Technology Innovation Research and Project develops research and problem-solving capability.
• Credit transfer and RPL may be available subject to individual assessment

Career Outcomes

The Software Development specialisation is intended to prepare graduates for professional ICT work, particularly in areas involving software development and technology solutions. Swinburne specifically describes the specialisation as preparing software developers who can develop and test computer programs and manage software quality.

Potential career areas include:

• Software development
• Application development
• Software testing and quality assurance
• Software engineering
• Systems development
• Technology implementation
• Software and system security
• IT solutions development
• ICT project work

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Current course code: MA-ITPC1.
• Current CRICOS code: 061755G.
• The course is currently listed for 2027 Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• The programme is available only to international students.
• The required academic background is specifically IT-related; applicants need prior knowledge of programming, web systems, databases and business applications of computer systems.
• The programme requires 150 credit points.
• International students in Australia on Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed case by case.
• The current programme page does not publish an India-specific academic percentage/CGPA threshold.
• Any 2027 study-plan changes, unit availability or individual credit assessment should be confirmed before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

Key requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for an eligible course
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement
• Meeting applicable health requirements
• Meeting applicable character requirements
• Providing financial evidence where required
• Meeting any English-language evidence requirement applicable to the visa
• Complying with all Student visa conditions.