Applicants would normally have one of the following qualifications for entry to the program:
a bachelor degree in computer and information science or information technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent qualification, with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 or above, or equivalent; OR
an honours degree in computer and information science or information technology or a related discipline; OR
a masters degree or graduate diploma in a computing related discipline where: (a) there is an appropriate amount of advanced-level coursework as per the list below; and/or (b) the candidate has appropriate relevant experience in the Computing industry; OR
an overseas qualification assessed as equivalent to one of the above; AND
Applicants must have passed coursework with the following content:
Intermediate programming in Java, C or C++; AND
Data structures in Java, C or C ++; AND
Database Technology - SQL, ER modelling or UML; AND
Systems analysis and design; AND
Basic networking skills; AND
Computer systems architecture or Operating systems
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
The program prepares students for postgraduate studies in research or industrial employment in computing or information technology by providing advanced coursework and a minor thesis in Computer and Information Science or Information Technology.
Content & Structure
The degree requires the completion of 54 units, including elective courses to the value of 36 units and a minor thesis of 18 units.
1. A maximum of 13.5 units may be chosen from Group 1 Electives. The remaining electives are to be chosen from Group 2. Electives can be drawn from any postgraduate courses not already included above, other postgraduate programs and from the specialised groupings (subject to any prerequisites and approval from the Program Director).
2. Credit of up to 18 units will be granted to graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Professional Computing who have completed relevant courses from the program as part of their studies with a GPA of 5 or more.
3. Relevant course completed in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Science (Honours) may be counted towards the Master of Science (Computer and Information Science), where the Honours Computing Minor Thesis 1 and 2 takes the place of the master minor thesis: the honours award must be surrendered before the master award is conferred.
4. It is strongly advised that students in the program achieve a GPA of 5 before entering the thesis component. Exemptions from this can be recommended by the Thesis Course Coordinator and approved by the LMCP Program Director. Students in the program not achieving a GPA of 5 or above will be permitted to transfer to the Master of Professional Computing (LMPR). All courses passed in LMCP will be counted towards the program (LMPR).
5. Elective courses are offered subject to student demand and staff availability. Postgraduate courses offered within the University of South Australia or from other universities may be substituted for the elective course(s) with permission of the Program Director.
6. The Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice (Computer and Information Science) provides a pathway for subsequent entry to this program and both awards can be completed in two years of full time study or part time equivalent.