Study with CIS

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:

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:

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.

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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
Melbourne Welcome Grant 1 Dec 2021 30 Apr 2023 All study areas over 15,000
Peter Steele Poetry Award 13 Feb 2023 13 Mar 2023 up to $5,000 Language, literature and cultural studies One
Behrend Memorial Travel Scholarships 1 Jan 2023 31 Mar 2023 up to $500 Sciences and mathematics Multiple
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
Melbourne National Merit Scholarship Automatic consideration up to $8,000 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 (international students) Automatic consideration 50% fee remission All study areas Guaranteed to all eligible students
Graduate Research Scholarships Automatic consideration 100% fee remission and up to $110,000 All study areas ~ 600
European Research Council: Starting grants 23 Sep 2021 13 Jan 2022 up to $4,000,000 All study areas At least 400
Housing Bursary 1 Jan 2023 8 Mar 2023 up to $2,500 All study areas ~ 400
Melbourne Global Graduate Scholarship (Vietnam) Automatic consideration up to $10,000 All study areas ~ 80
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Gates Cambridge Scholarships 1 Sep 2021 1 Dec 2021 100% fee remission and at least $35,000 All study areas 80