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Master of Information Technology (Professional)

Postgraduate coursework

Extend your knowledge of information technology, application and leadership with specialised skills that are highly sought-after across industry sectors.

Key facts

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

The Master of Information Technology (Professional) is designed to extend the specialised information technology skills obtained in the Master of Information Technology by providing students with the opportunity to undertake a period of industry-based learning or a research project under the supervision of our internationally-recognised research staff.

You will develop expert knowledge of the technical aspects of information technology as well as in-depth skills in your chosen area of specialisation.

This course has a strong IT industry focus, empowering students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in professional practice and create innovative IT solutions to solve real-world problems. Students will develop teamwork and leadership skills through close mentorship on industry projects and by engaging in cutting-edge IT research.

Want to gain in-demand IT skills and advance your career across any industry?

Throughout this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic IT field, expert knowledge of its technological aspects, and in-depth skills in your chosen area of specialisation. 

With the Master of Information Technology (Professional), you have the chance to undertake an industry placement or internship as part of your degree. These placements offer you the opportunity to develop practical, job-ready skills and build valuable professional networks before you graduate, ensuring you are ready to step into the IT industry with confidence.

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Course information

Award granted
Master of Information Technology (Professional)
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
S779
CRICOS code?
051581G Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course structure

To complete the Master of Information Technology (Professional), students must pass 16 credit points. 

The course is structured in 4 parts:

  • Part A: Fundamental information technology studies (4 credit points)
  • Part B: Mastery information technology studies (4 credit points)
  • Part C: Specialist information technology studies (4 credit points)
  • Part D: Professional studies (4 credit points)

The 4 parts comprise the following: 

  • 7 credit points of core units
  • 1 Level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective unit (1 credit point) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)
  • 4 credit point specialisation
  • 4 credit points of professional studies units as detailed below
  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

8

Fundamental & Mastery Information Technology units

4

Specialist Information Technology units

4

Professional units

16

Total

Part A: Fundamental Information Technology studies

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Analytics for Security and Privacy
  • Applied Software Engineering
  • Information Technology Innovations and Entrepreneurship
  • Professional Practice in Information Technology

  • Part B: Mastery Information Technology studies

  • Research and Development in Information Technology
  • Software Deployment and Operation
  • Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices
  • Plus 1 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective unit (1 credit point) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)


    Part C: Specialist Information Technology studies

    4 core units from a chosen specialisation (4 credit points)

    Part D: Professional studies

    Team Project

  • Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery
  • IT Industry Experience *
  • Plus 2 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units (2 credit points) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)

    OR

    Professional Practice

  • Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)
  • Professional Practice (2 credit points)*
  • Plus 2 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units (2 credit points) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)

    OR

    Research Project^

    1 unit (2 credit points) from the following:

  • Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points)+
  • Minor Thesis (2 credit points)+
  •  Plus 2 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units (2 credit points) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)

    *Students undertaking this unit must have successfully completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit)

    + Entry is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

    ^Students interested in pursuing a Higher Degree by Research, including a Masters by Research or PhD are encouraged to undertake the Professional Studies – Research Project pathway and consider using their additional research units (e.g. SIT724, SIT746 and/or SIT747). Students are encouraged to contact Student Central and speak to a course advisor if they are interested in pursuing this option. 

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 3 - November

    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

    Workload

    You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

    Participation requirements

    Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Students commencing in Trimester 3 will be required to complete units in Trimester 3.

    Work experience

    You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course. For more information, please visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related* discipline
    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years' relevant* work experience (or part-time equivalent).

    * Related to the broad field of Information Technology which may be considered to include: artificial intelligence, cyber security, information technology management, data science, information technology, computing, computer science and software engineering.

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
    $32,600 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.  

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.  Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Information Technology (Professional) (16 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
    • is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
    • of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Pathways

    Pathways for students to enter the Master of Information Technology (Professional) are as follows:

    Alternative exits

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Graduates of this course may find employment as a business analyst, network administrator, database administrator, security analyst, solutions architect, software developer, technology consultant, data analyst, augmented/virtual reality developer, or security systems manager.

    Professional recognition

    The Master of Information Technology (Professional) is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the IT discipline, including its dynamic environment, with expert knowledge of the technological aspects of IT, and in-depth knowledge in the chosen area of specialisation.

     

    Design, develop and implement advanced IT systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use and apply industry standards and best practice in one or more specialised areas of IT.

     

    Assess the role of IT in the context of modern organisations and society in order to add value.

     

    Communication

    Communicate in professional and other contexts to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through information technology and to motivate and effect change by drawing upon advances in technology, future trends and industry standards, and by utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences including specialist and non-specialist clients, industry personnel and other stakeholders.

     

    Digital literacy

    Identify, evaluate, select and use advanced digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of information technology to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and justify digital tools selection to influence others.

     

    Critical thinking

    Questions assumptions and seeks to uncover inconsistencies and ambiguities in information and judgements, critically evaluates their sources and rationales, to inform and justify decision making in the field of information technology.

     

    Problem solving

    Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of information technology and apply expert, specialised cognitive, technical, and creative skills from information technology to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate solutions to complex real-world and ill-defined computing problems.

     

    Self-management

    Apply reflective practice and work independently to apply knowledge and skills in a professional manner to complex situations and ongoing learning in the field of information technology with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal and professional accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.

     

    Teamwork

    Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments to achieve team goals, contributing specialist knowledge and skills from information technology to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles to cultivate creative thinking, interpersonal adeptness, leadership skills, and handle challenging discussions, while excelling in diverse professional, social, and cultural scenarios.

     

    Global citizenship

    Engage in professional and ethical behaviour in the field of information technology, with appreciation for the global context, and openly and respectfully collaborate with diverse communities and cultures.