Master of Information Systems

The MIS is the Department of Information Systems showcase postgraduate coursework suite of programs, designed for IS/IT graduates and professionals looking to take a step up in the IS profession. It is ideal for those planning to work in roles spanning IT and business organisations.

The key objective of the Master of Information Systems is to equip students with capabilities to integrate key information technologies and systems into contemporary organisations. Thus the degree covers knowledge about how IT infrastructure, applications, emerging technologies and systems can be used by organisations.

Additionally, it covers the managment capabilities in handling IT strategy, providing IT governance, understanding project lead change, achieving compliance, protecting against threats, and in IT service provision.

Those without working knowledge of IT management also require grounding in concrete real-world business processes and the roles assumed by technicians in developing information systems.

Additional to the core knowledge areas above, students should also gain a broad business and real world perspective together with experience in applying business communication, interpersonal, and team skills to real situations. Further, critical thinking and analytical skills are honed through a mixture of advanced teaching models including case-based, experiential, and team-based approaches.

Finally, specific career directing electives in areas demanded by industry are available for students to round out their information systems education.

Students will normally complete four foundation subjects in the areas of business and information systems to complement their first degree studies which may include:

• 433-520 Programming and Software Development
• 615-570 Database Systems and Information Modelling
• 615-502 Fundamentals of Information Systems

The specific subjects selected will be determined after consultation with the MIS Coordinator taking into account the academic background of the student.

The remaining 150 points will be comprised of the following:

'Lower' Core Subjects: 50 points

The following four 'lower' core subjects have no prerequisites and, in a student's first year of full-time study, are normally taken in parallel with the foundation subjects as described above.

IS skills

• 615-680 Information Technology Infrastructure
• 615-681 Business Analysis Modelling and Design

IS management

• 615-682 IS Project and Change Management
• 615-695 Professional IS Consulting

'Upper' Core Subjects: 50 points

The following four 'upper' core subjects each have a prerequisite of 50 points of study (for students in the 200 point 2 year MIS) and are therefore normally taken in parallel with elective subjects in a student's second year of full-time study in the course.

IS skills

• 615-671 Business Applications and Architectures
• 615-652 Emerging Technologies and Issues

IS management

• 615-660 IS Strategy and Governance
• 615-683 Impact of Digitisation

Elective Subjects: 50 points

Four elective subjects as approved by the Department of Information Systems. The following information systems elective subjects are available in 2009:

• 615-644 Data Warehousing
• 615-655 Business to Business Electronic Commerce
• 615-656 Knowledge Management Systems
• 615-657 Enterprise Systems
• 615-659 Advanced IS Project Management
• 615-661 Innovation and Entrepreneurship in IT
• 615-662 Advanced IS Change Management
• 615-670 Internet Software Development Principles
• 615-672 Pervasive Computing
• 615-684 Models of IS Project Management
• 615-685 Managing In-house IT Service Provision
• 615-686 ICT Outsourcing Fundamentals
• 615-687 ICT Contract Law Basics
• 615-688 ICT Outsourcing Contract Management
• 615-692 Organisational Behaviour for IS Managers
• 615-610 Research Methods in Information Systems
• 615-690 Minor Research Project in IS (25 points)

Further information in regards to elective subjects is available at: http://www.dis.unimelb.edu.au/current/postgrad/subjects/index.html

An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year of study or equivalent.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

An entry pathway to PhD is possible if students complete the following elective subjects:

• 615-610 Research Methods in Information Systems; and
• 615-690 Minor Research Project in IS (25 points).

Graduates should have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical inquiry, analysis and reflection. The degree has significant engagement and involvement from local and international practicing information systems professionals.

Graduating students qualify for membership of the appropriate professional body, the Australian Computer Society, and are informed by the most up-to-date evidence based research in information systems throughout the degree.