About
The CIS First Year Centre, located in Level 3 of of Melbourne Connect, is a hub for incoming Computing and Information Systems students seeking information and support as they adjust to the university experience. Our purpose is to provide a welcoming environment for students to get acclimated to university life and receive the guidance they need to succeed in their CIS studies.
First year students are invited to join us in the centre for daily tutoring sessions throughout the semester, where snacks are provided! More information, including tutoring times for Foundations of Computing and Foundations of Algorithms can be found in the Get Help tab.
We aim to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in their studies and go on to become leaders in their field. Whether you're interested in software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, or any other area of computing and information systems, studying with CIS is sure to prepare you for a rewarding career.
Our experienced staff are dedicated to providing all the resources new students need to meet their goals. Throughout the semester, support sessions for first year computing subjects will run daily. The space will also be open every day to study, relax, and connect with other like-minded CIS students.
The First Year Centre is also an excellent place to get involved with CIS clubs and societies, including:
- The Computing and Information Systems Students Association (CISSA), who hold regular social, industry, and networking events, as well as an annual hackathon.
- The University of Melbourne Competitive Programming Club (UMCPC), who hold workshops on algorithms, data structures, coding and problem solving techniques, and run competitions where you can hone your skills in a friendly and exciting environment.
- Women in Tech (WIT), a student-run society that aims to build a community, provide support, and organise industry related opportunities for female and gender-diverse students undertaking IT-related studies.
- Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), who aim to inspire more females and non-binary science and engineering students into their respective industries. They hold a wide range of events to this end.
- The Data Science Student Society (DS³), who support students from all Data Science courses in their journey to becoming world-class data scientists.
We invite you to join us and become part of our vibrant community of computing and information systems students.
Studying with the School of Computing and Information Systems provides the skills and knowledge to pursue dynamic and rewarding careers in almost any industry. With reliance on technology only increasing in the modern world, demand for graduates with computer science and IT knowledge is higher than ever. Our programs develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable to any career, making studies in CIS a valuable addition to any degree at the University of Melbourne.
Studying CIS in Your Undergraduate Degree
The school of Computing and Information Systems offers majors to students in both the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Design. Students outside of these degrees, or who are interested in studying Computing and Information Systems outside of their selected major should consider taking our foundational CIS subjects for the elective or breadth component of their course.
The introductory subjects Foundations of Computing and Foundations of Algorithms are designed to be highly accessible to students with no prior experience in programming or computer science, and provide a friendly and inclusive environment to learn programming fundamentals alongside other likeminded students.
In the Bachelor of Science
Three CIS majors are offered to students in the Bachelor of Science:
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Computing and Software Systems Major
The Computing and Information Systems major is the largest undergraduate major in the school of CIS. This flexible major allows Science and Design students to pursue their own interests in IT, and acts as a natural pathway to many master's courses.
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Data Science Major
The Data Science major covers essential topics in statistics and computer science and equips students with the tools needed to process big data and deploy state-of-the-art predictive and machine learning models.
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Spatial Systems Major
The Spatial Systems major prepares students to collect, process, analyse, and generate insights from spatial data. It is available through the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Design.
Students in the Bachelor of Science will also have the option to take CIS subjects as electives regardless of their chosen major.
In the Bachelor of Design
CIS also offers three majors to students in the Bachelor of Design. Two of these are also offered in the Bachelor of science:
- Computing and Software Systems, which provides a high level of flexibility to pursue interests in any CIS domain, and acts as a natural pathway to master's courses like the Masters of Software Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science.
- Spatial Systems, which teaches students the spatial measurement and analysis skills to become leaders in this fast growing engineering and IT field.
Bachelor of Design students also have access to an additional major which is not available to students in the Bachelor of Science:
- User Experience Design, which provides the practical skills and knowledge to create designs for digital platforms and technologies.
Students in the Bachelor of Design are able to take many CIS subjects as electives, and may have the option to take them as breadth subjects depending on their selected major.
Concurrently With Any Undergraduate Degree
For undergraduate students looking to develop IT and Data Science experience without selecting one of the above majors, the Diploma in Computing is available to students enrolled in any undergraduate degree. The diploma adds 100 credit points of subjects, and is designed to be taken concurrently with an undergraduate degree to complement your existing studies.
Undergraduate students outside of the Bachelor of Science may also take CIS subjects for the breadth component of their course.
Graduate Degrees
A range of graduate degrees are offered within the school of Computing and Information Systems. Our graduate coursework programs are designed to equip students with specialist skills in preparation for their career, and some of these involve research projects to set students up with the necessary skills for further research, such as a PhD.
The graduate degrees offered within the school of CIS are listed below. Following the links will take you to the relevant course information page, where you can find an overview, and specific information about what will be covered in each degree.
- Master of Information Technology, which is our largest graduate coursework program, offering specialisations such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Distributed Computing, and Human-Computer Interaction, among others.
- Master of Computer Science, which is our primary option for master's research and the best pathway to a PhD. The master of Computer Science offers a broad selection of coursework subjects in the first year of the degree, and entails a yearlong computer science research project in the second year.
- Master of Software Engineering, which provides students with an internationally recognised software engineering qualification in specialisations such as Artificial Intelligence, Business, and Cybersecurity.
- Master of Data Science, which is available to students from either a computer science or statistics background, and teaches the state-of-the-art tools used to process big data in large industries.
- Master of Digital Infrastructure Engineering, which forms a natural pathway from an undergraduate major in Spatial Systems. Digital Infrastructure engineers design the systems that connect the physical and digital worlds, and graduates of this course benefit from an internationally recognised engineering qualification.
- Master of Information Systems. The Master of Information Systems blends technical studies in IT with business knowledge, and prepares students to be drivers of organisational change with their understanding of the interaction between technology and industry.
- Master of Applied Data Analytics, which is a part-time online course designed to develop students' understanding of data collection and analysis in a flexible study environment.
- Master of Mechatronics Engineering, which provides students with a certified engineering qualification demonstrating their ability to develop and implement advanced automation and manufacturing technologies. The Master of Mechatronics Engineering combines the disciplines of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
- Master of Science (Bioinformatics), which focuses on the intersection between computer science, statistics, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology, and entails a 50 point research project throughout the degree.
Graduate Research
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The primary research offering within the school of computing and information systems is our PhD program, the Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and IT). The program is typically completed in 4 years of full time research, and requires candidates to demonstrate advanced specialist knowledge in a domain of their choosing.
Students applying to our doctoral program may be interested in the list of potential supervisors, and list of research projects currently recruiting students.
Master's Programs
Students wishing to undertake research as part of a master's degree should consider the Master of Computer Science, which involves a 100 point (1 year full-time) research project in the second year. Some other master's programs in the School of CIS also involve significant research components, such as the Master of Science (Bioinformatics).
Alternatively, students who wish to apply for a purely research based master's program should consider the Master of Philosophy (Engineering and IT).
Careers in CIS
A degree in Computing and Information Systems equips students with the skills and knowledge to enter careers in a wide range of industries. Graduates of our degrees are known to work in industries such as finance, healthcare, government, education, and of course, IT. Popular career paths chosen by our alumni include software development, IT consulting, database administration, cybersecurity, and network administration. Graduates may also go on to pursue a career in research, exploring new technologies and creating innovative solutions for businesses and other organizations. A more extensive list of jobs, companies, and industries, as well as testimonials from past students, can be found our careers page.
In addition to preparing graduates for careers in IT, CIS students develop significant transferrable skills. Through their coursework, students learn how to identify, analyse, and solve complex problems using critical thinking and analytical skills. This type of problem solving is highly sought after in many industries, and contributes to the high employment rate of our graduates.
Additionally, CIS students develop skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership from their extensive research and group-work experience. These are the skills needed to succeed in a collaborative workplace, and are some of the key reasons our graduates succeed in any careers they pursue.
Scholarships
Over 1000 scholarships are available to incoming and current students from all degrees. These can be searched below or from the university scholarships website.
Visit the Scholarships website, to view and search all scholarship options.
| Scholarship name | Applications open | Applications close | Total value | Study areas | Number awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarship | 1 Feb 2023 | 30 Apr 2023 | All study areas | Varies for participating countries | |
| Indigenous Student Science Bursary – BSc and BSc Extended | 1 Jan 2018 | 4 Mar 2018 | up to $500 | Sciences and mathematics | Variable |
| Di Pietro Family First in the Family Scholarship | Automatic consideration | up to $30,000 | Commerce, economics and management | TBC | |
| Peter Steele Poetry Award | 13 Feb 2023 | 13 Mar 2023 | up to $5,000 | Language, literature and cultural studies | One |
| Behrend Memorial Travel Scholarships | 18 Sep 2023 | 16 Oct 2023 | up to $1,000 | Sciences and mathematics | Multiple |
| Melbourne National Merit Scholarship | Automatic consideration | up to $8,000 | All study areas | Guaranteed to all eligible students | |
| Melbourne Chancellors Scholarship (international students) | Automatic consideration | 50% fee remission | All study areas | Guaranteed to all eligible students | |
| Science Start Up Scholarship | Automatic consideration | up to $2,000 | Sciences and mathematics | Guaranteed to all eligible students | |
| Melbourne Chancellors Scholarship (domestic students) | Automatic consideration | 100% fee remission and $17,500 - $32,500 | All study areas | Guaranteed to all eligible students | |
| Melbourne Principals' Scholarship | Automatic consideration | up to $5,000 | All study areas | Guaranteed to all eligible students | |
| Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship | Applications are currently closed | up to $10,000 | All study areas | at least 5 | |
| Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions | 1 Oct 2023 | 28 Nov 2023 | $20,000 - $16,000,000 | All study areas | At least 1500 |
| Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship | Automatic consideration | All study areas | ~ 1000 | ||
| Graduate Research Scholarships | Automatic consideration | 100% fee remission and up to $135,000 | All study areas | ~ 600 | |
| Housing Bursary | 1 Jan 2023 | 8 Mar 2023 | up to $2,500 | All study areas | ~ 400 |
The pages below contain information to help with planning your studies in CIS.
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First Year in CIS
Information for students considering first year study in the school of Computing and Information Systems.
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CIS Undergraduate Majors
Information for students considering undergraduate study in the school of Computing and Information Systems.
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Diploma of Computing
Information about the Diploma of Computing; available to students from any undergraduate degree.
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CIS as Breadth
Information for students considering studies in CIS for the breadth component of their course.
First Year Academic Support
Support sessions for COMP10001 and COMP10002 are run daily in the CIS First Year Centre (Melbourne Connect, Level 3) from week 2 of semester. For more help locating the centre, please refer to our tour video of the space.
The tutoring sessions run for two hours for each subject, and the hours are listed below:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMP10001 | 14:15 - 16:15 | 14:15 - 16:15 | 14:15 - 16:15 | 14:15 - 16:15 | 14:15 - 16:15 |
| COMP10002 | 11:00-13:00 | 14:15 - 16:15 | 14:15 - 16:15 | 14:15 - 16:15 | 14:15 - 16:15 |
At each of these times tutors will be available for walk-in help and snacks will be provided.
The First Year Centre is open between 09:00 and 17:00 each day for use as a study space. We encourage you to join us here to meet other CIS students, relax, and develop your passion for Computing and IT.
Additional Resources
My Course Planner
My Course Planner is an online tool which will help you structure the remaining subjects in your degree and ensure that all prerequisites are satisfied.
Stop 1
Stop 1 can help with course planning. See here for additional resources and tips for planning your course.
People
The contact details of First Year Centre staff and coordinators of first year CIS subjects are copied below. A comprehensive list of CIS staff can be found on the central CIS People page.
| Given name | Family name | Position | Profile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaanan | Cohney | First Year Centre Coordinator and COMP10002 Semester 1 Lecturer | Profile | cohneys@unimelb.edu.au |
| Chris | Ewin | COMP10001 Semester 1 Coordinator and Computing and Software Systems Major Coordinator | Profile | cewin@unimelb.edu.au |
| Ekaterina | Vylomova | COMP10001 Semester 1 Lecturer | Profile | ekaterina.vylomova@unimelb.edu.au |
| Alex | Zable | COMP10001 Semester 1 Lecturer | Profile | alexander.zable@unimelb.edu.au |
| Chris | Leckie | COMP10001 Semester 2 Coordinator | Profile | caleckie@unimelb.edu.au |
| Jianzhong | Qi | COMP10002 Semester 1 Coordinator | Profile | jianzhong.qi@unimelb.edu.au |
| Alistair | Moffat | COMP10002 Semester 2 Coordinator | Profile | ammoffat@unimelb.edu.au |
| Artem | Polyvyanyy | COMP10002 Semester 2 Lecturer | Profile | artem.polyvyanyy@unimelb.edu.au |
Students with sufficient experience are invited to apply for tutoring, marking, and demonstration opportunities with the school of Computing and Information Systems.
Applications are submitted via the university's Casual Tutor Recruitment System (CTRS), and up-to-date information about the responsibilities, available subjects, application process, and salary, can be found on the CIS casual staff information page.
Contact details for first year subject coordinators can be found on the First Year Centre People page. Alternatively, the Co-leaders of Programming Fundamental Subjects in the school of CIS can be contacted at the addresses below.
Dr Shaanan Cohney
Prof Alistair Moffat
Queries related to the First Year Centre should be directed to CIS-FYC@unimelb.edu.au.