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.

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

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 ...

Bachelor degree with a major in Computer Science or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.5 or Graduate Diploma in Computer Science.

IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 and Band score of 6 in all bands; TOEFL Paper-based: total score of 577 with a minimum of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE) or Internet-based: total score of 79 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking and 13 in Reading and Listening; Pearson Test of English (Academic) overall score of 58 and Skills profile of no less than 50 in all skills; and Cambridge English-Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 176 and Individual score of 169 in all skills.