Why Study/Key Benefits

The Master of Business Information Systems (MBIS) specialising in Financial Technologies is designed for students who want to combine business, information systems, analytics and financial technology. Swinburne describes the MBIS as sitting at the intersection of business and technology, with emphasis on business strategy, digital innovation, analytics, organisational change, stakeholder engagement, digital-solution evaluation and data-informed decision-making.

The Financial Technologies specialisation adds FinTech-focused knowledge covering emerging technologies and their impact on finance and business, including blockchain, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, financial analytics and business visualisation.

Key benefits include:

• Combination of business information systems and financial technology.
• Development of business analysis, technology evaluation and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Exposure to emerging FinTech technologies and their applications in finance.
• Opportunity to develop skills relevant to technology-focused leadership and business roles.
• Industry-oriented curriculum supported by professional recognition through ACS, AACSB and IIBA.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The MBIS consists of foundation units, core units and a chosen specialisation. The Financial Technologies specialisation contributes four units to the 200-credit-point master's qualification.

Foundation units include:

• Professional Issues in IT — ICT80008
• Business Information Systems — INF60007
• Database, Analysis and Design — INF60009
• Requirements Analysis and Modelling — INF60010

Core units include:

• Strategic Project Management — INF70005
• Business Analytics and Visualisation — INF70008
• Business Analysis and Consulting Practices — INF80006
• Governing Technology for Business Environments — INF80042
• Industry Capstone Project — INF80057
• Business Process Management — INF80028
• Advanced Business Analysis — INF80001
• IS/IT Research Project — INF80003

The exact sequencing of these units can depend on the student's study plan and applicable course rules.

Financial Technologies specialisation:

• Frontiers in FinTech — FIN60006
• Innovative Finance 2.0: Blockchain, Quantum, and Cyber Security — FIN80029
• AI for Finance and Accounting — FIN80031
• Business Analytics and Visualisation — INF70008

Students must complete FIN60006 and select three of the remaining listed units.

The specialisation therefore provides coverage of:

• FinTech and digital financial services
• Blockchain
• Quantum technologies
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence in finance and accounting
• Business analytics
• Data visualisation
• Technology-driven changes in finance

Disciplines/Specialisations

The MBIS offers a range of specialisation areas. The current handbook includes areas such as:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Business Information Systems
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Financial Technologies
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Project Management
• Research
• Social Impact
• Supply Chain Innovation

Programme Highlights

• Financial Technologies specialisation within a broader business information systems master's degree.
• Combination of business strategy, information systems, analytics and digital innovation.
• Practical exposure to emerging FinTech technologies.
• Financial technology topics include blockchain, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and AI.
• Business Analytics and Visualisation develops analytical and visualisation capabilities.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• AACSB International accreditation.
• IIBA endorsed training-course recognition.
• Potential fast-track completion in 1 or 1.5 years for eligible students with prior qualifications and/or relevant experience.

Career Outcomes

The general MBIS prepares graduates for roles involving business analysis, IT administration, change management, project management, information assurance and information systems. Swinburne also notes that graduates have an internationally recognised business-analysis certification opportunity through the IIBA-endorsed training.

With the Financial Technologies specialisation, relevant career areas can additionally include:

• Business analyst
• Business systems analyst
• FinTech analyst
• Financial technology consultant
• Digital transformation analyst
• Technology project roles
• Business/data analytics roles
• Financial technology and innovation roles
• Information systems roles within financial-services organisations

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The programme is currently published for 2027 entry with Hawthorn starts on 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.

Important current requirements for international students include:

• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• IELTS Academic entry requirement is 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0.
• Advanced standing is assessed according to prior qualifications and/or relevant experience.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed case-by-case.
• The maximum standard academic credit for the MBIS is 100 credit points, normally eight units; students entering with a Graduate Diploma of Business Information Systems may be eligible for up to 125 credit points.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia generally require a Student visa (subclass 500). Swinburne confirms that international students in Australia holding a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.

Key visa requirements generally include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Meeting the applicable English-language requirement
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement
• Meeting health and character requirements
• Providing financial evidence if required by the Department of Home Affairs
• Complying with Student visa conditions