• Graduate Certificate in Information Technology: six months full-time and the fastest way to add a postgraduate IT qualification. 

• Graduate Diploma in Information Technology: one year full-time. 

• Master of Information Technology: two years full-time with three majors to choose from and an optional dissertation. 

• Master of Science in Information Technology: 1.5 years full-time, with the same three majors as the Master of Information Technology. Suited to students with an Australian Computer Society (ACS)-accredited IT degree or approved postgraduate IT qualifications. 

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available for eligible students to help make postgraduate study more affordable. 

Our postgraduate IT courses at a glance

Use the table below to compare study options, majors, research pathways and ACS accreditation. 

Course structures, study modes and professional accreditation may change. Check the relevant course and major pages for the latest information before applying. 

What do I need to get in? 

Entry requirements depend on your qualifications and IT experience: 

• Graduate Certificate: an IT bachelor’s degree; a STEM degree with programming or data training; or any bachelor’s degree plus two years of relevant professional experience. 

• Graduate Diploma: an IT bachelor’s degree; or a non-IT bachelor’s degree plus either an approved IT qualification or two years of relevant IT experience. 

• Master of IT: an IT bachelor’s degree; or a non-IT bachelor’s degree plus an approved postgraduate IT qualification, such as a graduate certificate or diploma. 

• Master of Science in IT: an ACS-accredited IT bachelor’s degree; or any bachelor’s degree plus an approved postgraduate IT qualification. 

Don’t have a bachelor’s degree? You may be considered for the Graduate Certificate if you have five or more years of relevant experience and approval from the Academic Chair. Check each course page for full entry requirements. 

Graduate Certificate in Information Technology 

In one semester of full-time study, you’ll develop and practise your professional and technical practice skills while choosing from a range of study units covering: 

• Information systems and business analytics 

• Computer network design and implementation 

• Programming and data science  

• Project management 

Graduates move into roles such as IT project manager, digital transformation officer and technology services officer. 

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology 

Over one year of full-time study, you’ll build advanced technical and professional skills in business analysis, data communications and project management. 

You’ll complete study projects across the course’s subject areas and units, putting your learning into practice and developing your research and applied knowledge skills. 

If your bachelor’s degree isn’t in IT, an approved graduate diploma is one way to qualify for our master’s degrees. 

Master of Information Technology 

Over two years of full-time study, you’ll specialise in one of three majors: 

Both the AI and Data Science and Cybersecurity and Networking majors are accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). The Cyber Security and Networking major will also prepare you to sit crucial industry certification exams, including Cisco’s CCNA and CCNP. If your plans change, you have the option to graduate early with a graduate certificate after one semester or a graduate diploma after one year (subject to meeting the relevant course requirements).  

Master of Science in Information Technology 

The Master of Science in Information Technology is designed for students who already have an established background in IT and are looking to progress into advanced or senior-level practice. 

Unlike the Master of Information Technology, this is a shorter 1.5-year qualification, making it a suitable option for professionals who already possess relevant knowledge and experience and want to accelerate their postgraduate studies. 

If you already have strong IT qualifications, this is the master’s degree for you. It offers the same three majors as the Master of IT, completed in 1.5 years of study (coursework only). Graduates from this degree are prepared to move into senior roles such as chief information officer and director of technology.  

Master of IT or Master of Science in IT? 

The majors are the same, so the choice usually comes down to your existing qualification.  

• Your bachelor’s degree is in IT and ACS accredited: you could take the Master of Science in IT and finish in 1.5 years.  

• Your IT degree isn’t ACS accredited: the two year Master of IT is your path.  

• Your degree is in another field but you have an approved graduate certificate or diploma in IT: you may be eligible for either.  

Not sure whether your degree is ACS accredited? Our Meet Murdoch team can help you check.  

Which course is right for you? 

The best course for you will depend on your existing experience, qualifications and career goals. 

• You want a postgraduate qualification in six months: Graduate Certificate in Information Technology. 

• You want a year of study with applied study projects: Graduate Diploma in Information Technology 

• You want to specialise and your IT degree isn’t ACS accredited, or you wish to undertake the dissertation pathway to strengthen your research experience and prepare for future higher degree by research opportunities, such as a PhD: Master of Information Technology  

• You already have an ACS accredited IT degree and want to finish sooner: Master of Science in Information Technology 

Ready to take the next step?