Master of Science (Computer Science)

The Master of Science (Computer Science) is a 72-unit program offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Credit
• Program of study

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science, information technology, ICT-based engineering or a closely related discipline from an approved institution.  Applicants with an approved degree in behavioural science or psychology, which includes a major in artificial intelligence or computer science, are also eligible to apply. 

Note: Applicants who hold a degree or equivalent in a discipline that is not listed above should apply for admission to the Master of Information Technology.

Course aims

This award aims to provide students with:

• a strengthened foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of computer science
• a strong understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
• well developed written and oral communication skills
• an ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
• an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental  aspects of computer science
• the ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams
• an ability to undertake research in information technology
• an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
• preparation for future professional roles as a computer scientist

The award provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing students for admission to a research degree or for a career in a computing related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• proficiently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex computer-based systems,
• apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner,
• communicate effectively with other computer scientists and the wider global community using a wide range of communication technologies,
• work professionally as an individual and in a team,
• develop computer-based solutions appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied,
• engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the area of computer science,
• demonstrate knowledge of the research process in computer science.

Credit

Graduates of 4-year computing or software engineering awards (or 3-year awards plus honours) may receive up to 36 units of credit.

Program of study

To qualify for the Master of Science (Computer Science), a student must complete 72 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study detailed below.

Core – Year 1 topics

9 units comprising:

ENGR4742 Standards, Ethics and Compliance  (4.5 units)
STAT5702  Statistical Methods for Engineering and Science (4.5 units)

Core – Year 2 topics

18 units comprising:

COMP5700  Masters Thesis (18 units) OR
COMP5700A  Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
COMP5700B  Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
COMP5700C  Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
COMP5700D  Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units)

Stream - Year 1 & 2 topics

Plus 18 units from one of the following streams (some topics may not be available every year):

Stream – Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Discovery*

COMP4707  Advanced Data Mining  (4.5 units)
COMP4706  Advanced Conceptual Modelling and Knowledge Engineering  (4.5 units)
COMP4712  Embodied Conversational Agents (4.5 units)
COMP4716  Information Retrieval and Text Processing  (4.5 units)

* With the permission of the Director of Studies, up to 9 units may be substituted with appropriate masters-level or 3000-level topics in Neuroscience or Cognitive Science or by alternative appropriate topics in computer science.

Stream – Human Computer Interaction^

COMP4702  Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Groupware  (4.5 units)
ENGR4722  Haptic-Enabled Systems  (4.5 units)
COMP4712  Embodied Conversational Agents  (4.5 units)
COMP4716  Information Retrieval and Text Processing  (4.5 units)

^With the permission of the Director of Studies, up to 9 units may be substituted with appropriate masters-level or 3000-level topics in Human Factors or Digital Media.

Option – CSEM Year 1 & 2 topics**

Plus 27 units of CSEM option topics selected from Table A, with at least 13.5 units selected from:

• Group C (Computer Science/Information Technology)
• Group D (Digital Media)
• Group S (Software Engineering) or
• Group M (Mathematics).

**With the permission of the Director of Studies, a total (including those substituted in the Stream) of up to 9 units may be substituted with 3000-level topics in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or another cognate area.