Master of Information Systems

The Master of Information Systems (MIS) is a 200 credit point coursework degree for those interested in professional or research careers in IT management and digital business.

Students choose between one of two specialisations:

The MIS Professional Specialisation has advanced coursework for careers in IT management and digital business.

The MIS Research Specialisation combines coursework in IT management and digital business with a strong grounding for undertaking research in that context.

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. A research specialisation is available for students intending pursuing a research career.

The MIS 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 professional and research 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.

The Master of Information Systems 200 credit point program has two specialisations: professional and research. Students take ONE specialisation.

MIS Professional Specialisation:

All students must complete 200 credit points comprising:

• Foundation subjects (50 points). Students normally complete four foundation subjects in the areas of business and information systems to complement their first degree. The specific subjects selected will be determined after consultation with the MIS Coordinator taking into account the academic background of the student.
• Lower Core subjects (50 points). Four Lower Core subjects must be completed. They have no prerequisites are normally taken in parallel with the selected foundation subjects in the first year of full-time study.
• Upper Core subjects (50 points). Four Upper Core must be completed. Each has a prerequisite of 50 points of study (for students in the 200 point 2 year MIS) and the four are normally taken in parallel with elective subjects in a student's second year of full-time study. Two of the Upper Core subjects (25 points, ISYS90032 Emerging Technologies and Issues, and ISYS90051 Impact of Digitisation) form the capstone of the MIS requiring students to engage in scholarly work within the discipline.
• Discipline Elective subjects (50 points). Four specific subjects will be selected taking into account the future career direction of the student. These electives have prerequisites of 50 points of study (for students in the 200 point 2 year MIS).

MIS Research Specialisation

All students must complete 200 credit points comprising:

• Foundation subjects (37.5 points). Students normally complete three foundation subjects in the areas of information systems and research.
• Lower Core subjects (25 points). Four Lower Core subjects must be completed. They have no prerequisites and, in a student's first year of full-time study, are normally taken in parallel with the foundation subjects selected.
• Upper Core subjects (50 points). Four Upper Core subjects must be completed. Each has a prerequisite of 50 points of study (for students in the 200-point 2-year MIS) and the four are normally taken in parallel with elective subjects in a student's second year of full-time study in the course.Two of the Upper Core subjects (25 points, ISYS90032 Emerging Technologies and Issues, and ISYS90051 Impact of Digitisation) form the capstone of the MIS requiring students to engage in scholarly work within the discipline.
• Discipline Elective subjects (37.5 points). Three specific subjects will be selected taking into account the future career direction of the student. These electives have prerequisites of 50 points of study (for students in the 200 point 2 year MIS).
• Research Project (50 points). This is typically taken in the form of two subjects: 12.5 points in one semester followed by 37.5 points in the following semester. The specific sequence of subjects will be determined in consultation with the MIS Coordinator and the student’s supervisor.

MIS PROFESSIONAL SPECIALISATION

Foundation

50 points

Lower Core

50 points

Upper Core

50 points

Discipline Elective

50 points

Students would normally select four subjects from the following. However, students may study electives from elsewhere in the University and if interested they should discuss this with the MIS coordinator.

IS Project and Change Management

IT Service Provision

Business Analytics

IT Innovation and Interaction Design

General Management

Accounting & Finance

Operations & Marketing

People Management

Industry Based Experience Project

MIS RESEARCH SPECIALISATION

Foundation

37.5 points

PLUS ONE of:

Note: The specific subject will be selected by the MIS Coordinator in conjunction with the student’s supervisor.

Lower Core

25 points

Upper Core

50 points

Research Project

50 points

This would typically be in the form of two subjects: 12.5 points in one semester followed by 37.5 points in the following semester. However, the specific sequence will be made by the Specialisation Coordinator and the student’s supervisor.

The following subjects are available as building blocks to make up 50 points of the Research Project in a configuration to suit each student's study plan.

Discipline Elective

37.5 points

Students would normally select three subjects from the following. However, students may study electives from elsewhere in the University and if interested they should discuss this with the MIS Coordinator

IS Project and Change Management

IT Service Provision

Business Analytics

IT Innovation and Interaction Design

General Management

Accounting & Finance

People Management

Operations & Marketing

Entry into the MIS Professional Specialisation, applicants must:

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

Entry into the MIS Research Specialisation, applicants must:

• Have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year of study or equivalent.
• Obtain approval by the MIS Coordinator based on submitting a 2000 word research proposal. Candidates may be invited to interview to discuss their proposal. Entry is highly competitive and will depend on the research proposal demonstrating ability to complete a research project. Entry is also dependent on the availability of a suitable supervisor for the chosen area of research. Candidates are encouraged to contact the MIS Coordinator to discuss their application.

Language Requirements

All students studying at the University of Melbourne must satisfy the University's English language entry requirements in accordance with Selection Principles: Regulation 11.1.A2 – Admission and Selection to Courses.
http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/entry-requirements/language-requirements

For graduate students the University's English language entry requirements are set out at:
http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/entry-requirements/language-requirements/graduate-toefl-ielts

The University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP)

The UMELBP provides a direct English language pathway from Hawthorn-Melbourne to specific courses at the University of Melbourne. Students who have achieved an IELTS band 0.5 lower than their University of Melbourne course entry requirement may be able to proceed directly to their University studies upon successful completion of the UMELBP. More information is available from the Hawthorn Melbourne website. http://www.hawthornenglish.com/

The Melbourne School of Engineering's English Language alternative may affect the duration and cost of your course http://www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/study/english-requirements.html

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:

a) the ability to comprehend complex science and technology related information;
b) the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, and technology principles and practices during assessment tasks;
c) 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 from the ‘Research’ specialisation.

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.

The Master of Information Systems (Professional) is conditionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society. Full accreditation is pending. The Master of Information Systems (Research) will not be accredited by the Australian Computer Society as it is a Research Degree.

On completion of the course:

• Have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection
• Have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• Have in-depth knowledge of their specialist area
• Reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication
• Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
• Be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• Have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment
• Be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces