Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Business Information Systems (MBIS) specialising in Research combines business strategy, digital innovation, analytics, information systems and organisational change. The Research specialisation is designed for students who want to develop research capability alongside advanced business information systems knowledge. Students learn how to formulate a research plan, select a research topic, review literature, develop research questions, analyse data and present a business research thesis.

Key benefits include:

• Development of advanced business information systems and business-analysis skills.
• Research training covering research planning, research methods, data analysis and academic/business research.
• Opportunity to complete a Business Research Thesis.
• Development of data analysis, data visualisation, business analysis, project management and database analysis/design skills.
• Exposure to an interdisciplinary combination of business and technology.
• Professional recognition through ACS accreditation, AACSB accreditation and IIBA-endorsed training.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MBIS consists of foundation units, core units and a chosen specialisation. The Research specialisation provides a research-focused component within the broader business information systems master's qualification.

Foundation units:

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

Core units:

• Advanced Business Analysis — INF80001
• IS/IT Research Project — INF80003
• 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

The course structure requires the appropriate combination of foundation, core and specialisation units to reach 200 credit points.

Research specialisation units include:

• Research Methodology — BUS80003, 12.5 credit points
• Business Research Thesis — BUS80021, 25 credit points
• Quantitative Research Methods — BUS80017, 12.5 credit points
• Qualitative Research Methods — BUS80018, 12.5 credit points
• Advanced Microeconometrics — ECO80002, 12.5 credit points
• Economics of Innovation — ECO80003, 12.5 credit points
• Data Science for Business — INF80054, 12.5 credit points
• Social Network Analysis — INF80055, 12.5 credit points.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The current MBIS offers the following specialisations:

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

Programme Highlights

• Research-focused specialisation within a business information systems master's degree.
• Business Research Thesis component worth 25 credit points.
• Research Methodology and research-methods options.
• Interdisciplinary focus combining business and technology.
• Development of data analysis, data visualisation, business analysis, project management and database skills.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• AACSB accreditation.
• IIBA-endorsed training/course recognition.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• CRICOS code 092700K.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities for MBIS graduates in areas such as:

• Data analyst
• Business analyst
• ICT project manager
• IT administration
• Change management
• Project management
• Information assurance
• Information systems.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The currently published course information confirms:

• 2027 start dates are 1 March and 2 August.
• Application deadlines are 24 February and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• The course continues to use course code MA-BIS and CRICOS code 092700K.
• International students on an Australian Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• The Research specialisation includes a Business Research Thesis and Research Methodology.
• Relevant work-experience applicants must provide a CV and supporting evidence.
• Credit/RPL is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Professional recognition includes ACS, AACSB and IIBA-related recognition.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Swinburne states that international students in Australia holding a Student visa must study full-time and on campus for this course.

Key Student visa requirements and conditions include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for an eligible Australian course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting applicable English-language requirements.
• Meeting health and character requirements where applicable.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Providing financial evidence where requested or required under the visa rules.
• Complying with the conditions attached to the Student visa.