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Master of Computer Science
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Study mode

Accelerated 100% Online

Duration

2 years part-time

Units

12

Intakes

Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct

Fees

$58,350 total course fee

Lead innovation into the future

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Shifting digital reality

As technological progress accelerates, so does the demand for skilled computer science professionals. Become an expert in this transformative field, using your knowledge to shape the future.

4.1 stars out of 5

IT managers report high job satisfaction.

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Accellerated and 100% online

Study that’s convenient

Coursework and assignments designed to suit your needs

Created for online

Virtual classrooms at your fingertips

Gain a world-class education, taught by leading academics.

Equipped for success

Grow your skillset with Monash

Graduate as an in-demand employee in your industry.

Lead technological innovation into the future 

As technological progress accelerates, so does the demand for skilled computer science professionals. Become an expert in this transformative field, using your specialist knowledge to help shape the future of business.  

The Master of Computer Science integrates foundational learning, specialist knowledge of a key industry area and application studies focused on understanding technology used in the field. The course ensures you are industry-ready come graduation through an elevated curriculum. It offers you an opportunity to gain a speciality within the field, choosing from software engineering, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence. 

What you will learn 
  • A shifting digital reality
    Understand how digital technology is reshaping the world, preparing you to play an integral part in that shift. 
  • Computer science fundamentals
    Acquire technical skills in a range of areas: Java programming, algorithms, systems architecture, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. 
  • Specialist skills
    Specialise in one of the following areas: software engineering, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence. 
Receive a one-on-one consultation about your study options.

Our worldwide University rankings

Monash University holds high rankings domestically and internationally for research and teaching excellence. 
Australia
# 2
The World University Rankings
(2024)
International
# 42
QS World University Rankings
(2024)

Pathways to a masters degree

You can graduate with a Master of Computer Science in approximately 2 years part-time, after completing 12 units (72 credit points total).

You can also exit the course after completing approximately:

  • 0.7 years part-time, 4 units (24 credit points), and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate of Computer Science; or
  • 1.4 years part-time, 10 units (60 credit points), and you’ll receive a Graduate Diploma of Computer Science.

This course is structured in three parts:

Part A. Core master’s studies,

Part B. Specialist studies
a. Core specialist units,
b. Specialist units

Part C. Applied practice.

Depending on prior qualifications, you may receive credit for all of part of Part A or Part B, or both. If you are eligible for credit for prior studies, you may elect not to receive the credit.

Need further clarification about our online course structure?

You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page. You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.

These units will provide a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues related to computer science.

You must complete the following three units.

Architecture and networks

Introduction to databases

Foundations of computing

Java programming

Introduction to Python

You must complete the following three units

Fundamentals of artificial intelligence

Software engineering

Information and computer security

Select one of the specialisations below, and complete three of the units within them.

If choosing Software Engineering as your specialisation, you must complete three of the following units.

Web applications development

Mobile and distributed computing systems

User interface design and usability

Software testing, quality and standards

If choosing Cybersecurity as your specialisation, you must complete three of the following units.

Software and network security

Cyber operations

Blockchain

Cloud computing and security

If choosing Artificial Intelligence as your specialisation, you must complete three of the following units.

Machine learning

Natural language processing

Intelligent image and video analysis

Discrete optimisation

The focus of this unit is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to the portfolio of professional development.

You must complete both units.

Applied practice 1

Applied practice 2

Entry level 1: 72 credit points to complete

Duration: two years part-time

An Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* with at least a credit (60%) average.

* Relevant disciplines include any degree in a STEM discipline or degrees that have mathematics, business analytics, scientific or critical thinking, or problem solving.

Entry level 2: 48 credit points to complete

Duration: 1.4 years part-time

A Monash University Graduate Certificate of Computer Science, with at least a credit (60%) average.

OR

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline, with at least a credit (60%) average in the higher degree.

*To undertake artificial intelligence studies, you must have knowledge of calculus and linear algebra at the level of undergraduate physical science or engineering.

Entry level 3: 24 points to complete

Duration: 0.7 years part-time

A Monash University Graduate Diploma of Computer Science, with at least a credit (60%) average.

English requirements

Applicants must meet the English language requirements.

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements apply for admission to Monash University Australia.

If you need help understanding the above entry requirements, reach out to our student consultants on our contact us page and schedule a booking for a chat.

For the Master of Computer Science, the estimated cost is $4,862.50 per unit. You may be eligible to receive a FEE-HELP loan to cover part or all of your tuition. Fees are subject to change annually.

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Looking for clarification on fees or scholarships?

Enquire with our student consultants and schedule a call to get your questions answered.

Career outcomes

The workplace of the future is an exciting and dynamic place. A Master of Computer Science degree is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in a constantly changing global environment.

What does the future look like for Security Analysts?

Security is an ever-growing, expansive industry, and analysts in this field are sought-after and well-paid.

Salary

$115,000

The most common salary for a Security Analyst role in Victoria.

STAR RATING

4 / 5

Security Analysts report high job satisfaction.

Industry Growth

+8.3%

Expected growth for Security Analysts over five years.

Computer Science online at Monash

The Master of Computer Science is designed by award-winning and internationally recognised academics from the Faculty of Information Technology. The course combines foundational knowledge and skills with specialist study. Choose from one of three specialties: software engineering, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Software engineering

With organisations increasingly looking to digital systems and solutions, software engineering specialists are integral. This speciality covers aspects of the software lifecycle, together with the tools required to deliver robust reliable software, on time and within budget.

Cybersecurity

As the security risks arising from an increasingly digital world increase, specialists in cybersecurity have never been more important. This specialisation covers the skills to manage and administer cybersecurity and blockchain.

Artificial intelligence

With artificial intelligence making its way into every aspect of our lives, the field requires specialists with the knowledge and skills to effectively build AI-based products and intelligent systems. This specialisation covers the many facets of AI, as well as its impact on organisations, society and the world.

Meet your academic team

Dr Pari Delir Haghighi

Dr Pari Delir Haghighi is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Information Technology. Her research interests include context-aware and mobile computing, edge and IoT computing, and mobile health monitoring.

Yi-Shan Tsai

Course coordinator

Yi-Shan Tsai is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human-Centred Computing in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University. Her work seeks to enhance learning experiences and teaching practice through the use of data and AI technologies

Dr Amin Sakzad

Dr Amin Sakzad is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University. He is also the Deputy Head and Director of Education at the Department of Software Systems and Cybersecurity. He has over 15 years of experience teaching Maths, Engineering, and Computer Science in Australia, Canada and Iran.

The best aspect of the course is being exposed to my cohort and the networking opportunities this has facilitated. Monash is a prestigious university that tends to attract talent, so it has been great to learn alongside such a talented bunch. The exposure to diverse elements of software engineering has been enjoyable and rewarding.

Kweku Acquah

Master of Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Frequently Asked Questions

You can choose any four units across the three specialisations. For example you can choose two units from Artificial Intelligence, and one unit from Cybersecurity and one unit from Artificial intelligence. It’s really up to you. If you’d like to graduate with a specific specialisation then look at:
Computer Science covers a broad range of IT related technologies from developing software and web applications; to administering databases and network security. Applied Data Science will help you develop the technical skills required for wrangling data and analysing it. Applied Data Science also focuses on programming and advanced mathematical modelling to achieve these outcomes. You’ll require previous knowledge – academic or work experience – within the IT and/or science or maths field already.
IT Business and Systems Analysts are amongst the highest paid ICT professions in Australia. With strong demand forecast, there’s been an incredibly high job vacancy rate for business analysts with strong ICT systems qualifications.
IT Project Managers experiencing a very strong demand and higher than average wages, compared to other management positions across other disciplines.
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