Master of Computer Science

Experiment and innovate in computer science

Our Master of Computer Science has a major research component and projects are supervised by leading academics from world-class research groups. Their fields of expertise include computer vision, evolutionary computation, distributed systems, computer networks, high-performance computing, formal verification and systems modelling. 

What will you do?

  • Build advanced technical knowledge and skills.
  • Learn to design and construct large software systems.
  • Propose and conduct an advanced research project.
  • Deliver a report and public presentation on your work.

Foundational programming skills and familiarity with at least one object-oriented programming language are required to enter the program. Our assignments are usually written in Java or C++.

Where could it take you?

High-performing graduates may be able to proceed to further research study. You could take gaming environments to a whole new level. You could break ciphers or automate cloud security analyses. Perhaps you’ll develop interfaces for the visually impaired. A master degree will give you a competitive edge in all sorts of exciting computer science careers.

This program is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) – please see the Careers section below for more accreditation and careers information.


  • Ranked #50 in the world for computer science and engineering^
  • Ranked #7 in the world for Artificial Intelligence*
  • Home of the world-leading Australian Institute of Machine Learning

* US Global Rankings, 2023
^ ARWU, 2022

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM273, 3CM039
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree in Computer Science or a completed Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems Engineering) or a completed Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) or a completed Graduate Diploma in Computer Science or equivalent. A minimum GPA of 4.5 is required.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 38 95.0%
    All students 40 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Apply

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,945

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Successful domestic applicants to the Master of Computer Science will have access to a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places, meaning a reduction of up to 80% off the course fees due to government subsidies. Offer subject to change.

To apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place, please include SATAC code 3CM273 on your SATAC application.

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates are well equipped to seek employment within the software development industry, and can build rewarding careers in the scientific, entertainment, networking, software engineering and defence sectors.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

The Master of Computer Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). It is designed to provide a professional qualification in computing and information technology. It also provides the necessary academic requirements for membership of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Computational Engineer;  Computational Scientist;  Computer Game Designer;  Computer Hardware Engineer;  Computer Programmer;  Computer Scientist;  Defence Scientist;  IT Manager;  Scientist;  Systems Programmer ...

Degree Structure

The Masters program includes:
  • one (3 units) core foundation course
  • three (9 units) core electives.
  • seven (21 units) computer science electives
  • two (15 units) research project
The 48-unit master's program normally takes four semesters of full-time study. However, duration may be reduced in the case of students with honours or master's-level qualifications in computer science. As part of the 48 units, students are required to undertake a research project, deliver a public presentation and write a report on their research. The project is normally completed over two consecutive semesters.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Master of Computer Science

Example Study Plan

Core course
Choice of Computer Security stream courses:
Choice of Data and Information Management stream courses:
Choice of Networks stream courses:
Research Project
Electives
Choice of 7 Computer Science electives:

Assessment

Research project, written assignments, practical work and/or examinations.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 31 Oct 2023