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Master of Computing (MCOP) - MComp
CRICOS code (International applicants): 066847G
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Program focus
This program provides students with the opportunity to add to
their knowledge and skills obtained in an undergraduate program in
computing. This will be accomplished by students undertaking coursework
of a different type or at a higher level than in their undergraduate
program. In addition, students studying the Master of Computing will
undertake a four-unit project, and research training to qualify them
for PhD studies.
Program objectives
The general objective of the Master of Computing is to produce
graduates who possess high-level skills in computing theory, practice
and research, who are attractive to employers, and are able to contribute
to an appropriate professional body. Graduates will be able to pursue
further studies, such as a Doctor of Philosophy, will be able to contribute to the discipline of computing, take
advantage of research literature, and have an understanding of how
to undertake their own research.
Graduates will be able to:
-
design, manage and develop complex software systems in an effective
manner
-
understand a broad range of topics in theoretical computer science
-
undertake a study of the literature in an area of computer science
and make an assessment of that area
-
apply theoretical concepts from computer science to appropriate
computing problems
-
identify computing problems requiring further research and develop
research methods for those problems.
How to apply
Domestic students
Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly
to USQ. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing
dates.
International students
This program is offered to international students. An international
student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen
and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and
how to apply.
Program fees
Commonwealth supported place
A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government
makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and
you as a student pay a student contribution
amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You
are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Commonwealth
Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government
loan called HECS-HELP.
Domestic full fee paying place
Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through
the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the
courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular
course via the Course Fee
Finder.
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible
to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.
International full fee paying place
International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending
on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus,
via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees
for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Program structure
To be eligible for the award of Master of Computing, each student
is required to complete at least eight units of coursework and a four-unit
research project. Any courses completed as part of an undergraduate
program for which an award has been given, will not attract credit
for the Master of Computing. Exemptions or credit for previous study
will not be permitted except for incomplete studies.
Required time limits
Students have a maximum of 4.5 years to complete this program.
Coursework
The coursework will consist of courses chosen from those in
the table below.
At least four courses will be from Level 8 as listed in the
Group 1 Courses. Exemptions or credit for previous study will not
be permitted except for incomplete studies. However, if deemed appropriate
with the aims of the program, and subject to approval by the Program
Coordinator, students may include up to three units of other study
at the appropriate level.
Research
In addition to the coursework, each student is required to complete
a four-unit research project. To satisfy this requirement, students
will complete both of the two-unit courses, MSC8001 Research Project Methodology and MSC8002 Research Project Dissertation. Subject to approval
by the Postgraduate Coordinator, these courses may be taken in Semester
1 or 2.
IT requirements
All students are required to have access to the Internet and
to a personal computer running Microsoft Windows and Linux. The Department
provides assistance with installing Linux for students who may not
have done so before. Note that at http://www.usq.edu.au/ict/students/standards/default.htm, USQ makes recommendations about the type of hardware and software
best suited to match our systems. Compliance with these recommendations
will ensure students receive the computing help needed if experiencing
problems.
Macintosh computers are acceptable but not recommended due to
the software used in the courses.
Software is specified on a course-by-course basis and, in some
instances, it is provided with the textbook required for the course.
The University has installed a wireless network for students'
computers. In order to take advantage of this facility and further
enhance their on-campus learning environment, students should consider
purchasing a notebook/laptop computer with wireless connectivity.
A notebook/laptop may be required for some courses.
Exit points
Students enrolled in this Master's program who wish to exit
without completing the program may be awarded the Graduate Diploma
of Advanced Computing (GDAC) if they have completed at least eight
units or the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Computing (GCAC) if
they have completed at least four units in accordance with the requirements
of the Master of Computing.
PhD program entry requirements
Students wishing to articulate from the Master of Computing
into the USQ Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program may satisfy the entry
requirements for that program in one of the following two ways:
-
Complete the Master of Computing, and achieve a GPA of 5.5 or
higher;
-
Exit the MCOP via the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Computing
(GDAC) having completed 4 level 8 courses and 4 units of research
with a GPA of 6.5 or higher.
Recommended enrolment pattern
The following enrolment patterns represents possible plans and
may be modified to suit individual needs. Students should plan their
enrolment making sure that they have fulfilled all requirements as
shown in the program structure information. Enrolment requirements
must be satisfied before enrolling in a course. If unsure about a
suitable enrolment pattern, students should contact the Program Coordinator.
Semester 1 Intake
Semester 2 Intake
