#1 Melbourne university for median graduate salary
#1 Melbourne university for course satisfaction
#1 Melbourne university for facilities and resources
Why choose Deakin
The Master of Information Technology (Professional) equips you with specialised IT skills and offers the opportunity to undertake industry-based learning or a research project under the supervision of Deakin’s internationally recognised research staff. You will develop expert knowledge of technical IT concepts while deepening your skills in your chosen area of specialisation.
With a strong industry focus, the course empowers you to apply your knowledge and skills in professional practice and create innovative IT solutions to real-world challenges. You will develop teamwork and leadership capabilities through close mentorship on industry projects and exposure to cutting-edge IT research, ensuring you graduate with the job-ready skills employers are looking for. Tech is transforming everything. Be the one who drives it.
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Proven employability
Build advanced IT capability aligned with industry demand, preparing you for roles across software, systems and enterprise environments.
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Practical learning for every student
Undertake a professional placement or industry project to apply your skills in real organisational settings.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a curriculum informed by industry input, ensuring your learning reflects current technologies and practices.
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Specialise your IT expertise
Tailor your studies through focused areas and electives to align with your career goals.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build specialised IT skills and practical experience to stand out in a rapidly evolving field. Apply your expertise to solve real-world challenges, create innovative solutions and pursue diverse career opportunities in technology.
Software engineer
Create and maintain complex software systems that meet user and business needs. Work across the entire software development lifecycle, creating solutions ranging from mobile applications to enterprise platforms.
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Business analyst
Work with stakeholders to analyse business needs, identify technology solutions and help deliver digital projects that improve organisational performance.
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Network administrator
- Database administrator
- Security analyst
- Solutions architect
- Devops practitioner
- Security systems manager
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Master of Information Technology (Professional)?
This course builds your IT capability from foundational knowledge to advanced practice, with a strong focus on industry application through a professional experience.
Enhance your core IT knowledge
Reinforce core IT concepts
Expand upon your existing IT knowledge and skills to both broaden and deepen your exposure and understanding.
Develop problem-solving and technical skills
Learn to analyse challenges and design practical digital solutions using contemporary tools and approaches.
Further develop professional communication skills
Strengthen your ability to explain technical ideas clearly in both technical and business contexts.
Advanced application, specialisation and professional study
Choose your professional pathway
Complete professional studies through a team project, industry placement or research project, each offering a distinct way to apply your learning.
Work on applied IT projects and challenges
Tackle scenarios that build your confidence in designing and implementing solutions.
Broaden your technical and strategic thinking
Develop the ability to connect technical decisions with organisational needs and outcomes.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Information Technology (Professional), you must pass 16 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete four core units within Part A (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete a 0-credit point unit which are compulsory for all Deakin University degrees.
You are required to complete three core units and one course elective unit within Part B.
Plus 1 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective unit (1 credit point) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)
You must choose four core units from a chosen specialisation (4 credit points).
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Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.
You must choose from one of these Professional Studies options.
Team Project
Plus 2 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units (2 credit points) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)
OR
Professional Practice
Plus 2 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units (2 credit points) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)
OR
Research Project^
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 and/or SIT747). Students are encouraged to contact Student Central and speak to a course adviser if they are interested in pursuing this option.
Professional recognition
The Master of Information Technology (Professional) is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This course is recognised internationally for entry to professional practice by other accrediting bodies through the Seoul Accord.
In order to meet ACS requirements for professional membership, students must satisfy the completion requirements for the whole degree. In addition, ACS guidelines require that the following specific units are completed at Deakin or equivalent units undertaken within another ACS-accredited program: SIT722, SIT725, SIT726, SIT740, SIT753, SIT764, SIT782, SIT723, SIT792, SIT791, SIT709.
What to expect while studying
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a laptop or desktop computer. For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook,
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
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.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Students commencing in Trimester 3 will be required to complete units in Trimester 3.
You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course. For more information, please visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
- Award granted
- Master of Information Technology (Professional)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S779
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$45,800
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Students intending to gain professional membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) on the basis of their study of this program must complete the following units at Deakin University, or equivalent units undertaken within another ACS-accredited program: SIT722, SIT725, SIT726, SIT740, SIT753, SIT764, SIT782, SIT723, SIT792, SIT791, SIT709.
Pathways
Pathways for students to enter the Master of Information Technology (Professional) are as follows:
- Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578) followed by a 16-credit-point Master of Information Technology (Professional)