Master of Information Systems

The Master of Information Systems (MIS) 200 point program is a professional degree for those seeking an advanced career in IT management and digital business. The MIS is taught in the Department of Information Systems.

The key objective of the MIS is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and change business processes through information and communications technology (ICT) and information systems. The MIS is also designed to connect students with the real world of IT Management through the industry links of staff teaching in the program.

The degree covers recent developments in IT infrastructure, applications, and emerging technologies. It also covers IT strategy, IT governance, IT project and change management, achieving compliance, protecting against threats, and IT service provision. The program contains a wide range of elective subjects, allowing the student to organise their study towards particular careers in IT Management and digital business.

In addition to these essential areas of knowledge, 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. Critical thinking and analytical skills are honed through a mixture of advanced teaching models including case-based, experiential, and team-based approaches.

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

• ISYS90026 (615-502) Fundamentals of Information Systems
• COMP90041(433-520) Programming and Software Development
• SINF90001 (615-570) Database Systems and Information Modelling
• BISY90001 (306-490) Business and Information Technology

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
• ISYS90048 (615-680) Information Technology Infrastructure
• ISYS90049 (615-681) Business Analysis Modelling and Design
IS management
• ISYS90045 (615-695) Professional IS Consulting
• ISYS90050 (615-682) IS Project and Change Management

'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
• ISYS90032 (615-652) Emerging Technologies and Issues
• ISYS90043 (615-671) Business Applications and Architectures
IS management
• ISYS90038 (615-660) IS Strategy and Governance
• ISYS90051 (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 2011:
• SINF90002 (615-636) Interaction Design and Usability
• SINF90004 (615-644) Data Warehousing
• SINF90006 (615-670) Internet Software Development Principles
• ISYS90034 (615-655) Business to Business Electronic Commerce
• ISYS90035 (615-656) Knowledge Management Systems
• ISYS90036 (615-657) Enterprise Systems
• ISYS90037 (615-659) Advanced IS Project Management
• ISYS90039 (615-661) Innovation and Entrepreneurship in IT
• ISYS90040 (615-662) Advanced IS Change Management
• ISYS90052 (615-684) Models of IS Project Management
• ISYS90055 (615-688) ICT Outsourcing Contract Management
• ISYS90068 (615-504) Service Science
• SCIE90004 (600-6160 Science in Context
• SCIE90007 (615-505) e-Science
• SCIE90009 (615-668) Critical Analysis in Science
• ISYS90069 eHealth
• ISYS90070 Information security consulting
• ISYS90031 (615-610) Research Methods in Information Systems
• ISYS90044 (615-690) Minor Research Project in IS (25 points)

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

The Master of Information Systems welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Master of Information Systems requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:
(1) the ability to comprehend complex science and technology related information;
(2) the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, and technology principles and practices during assessment tasks;
(3) the ability to actively and safely contribute in clinical, laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

There may be additional inherent academic requirements for some subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these subjects.

Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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

• ISYS90031 (615-610) Research Methods in Information Systems; and
• ISYS90044 (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.