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: professionals supporting, managing and changing business processes through information and communications technology (ICT) and information systems. Elective streams are available in areas such as: IS Project and Change Management, IT Service Provision, Business Analytics, IT Innovation and Interaction Design, Spatial Information, and eHealth.

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.

A graduate of the MIS should:

1. Have developed a sound knowledge and understanding of the discipline of Information Systems
2. Have acquired skills that will enable them to manage and change business processes through information and communications technology (ICT) and information systems.
3. Have a broad business and real world perspective together with experience in applying business communication, interpersonal, and team skills to real situations.
4. Have developed and demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills to apply information system theory to ICT management practice
5. Have gained professional practice knowledge within the real world of IT Management through the industry links of staff teaching in the program
6. Have developed skills and had experience in communication of ICT issues to justify, critically evaluate and explain real-world situations leading to IT management decisions
7. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of professional codes of conduct and ethical standards
8. Have advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in Information Systems

The Master of Information Systems consists of 200 points of study, typically across four semesters, and has two specialisations: the Professional Specialisation and the Research Specialisation. Students take ONE specialisation.

Students with relative work experience may be awarded Advanced Standing within the MIS, as described in the entry requirements below.

The MIS Research Specialisation is only available to students who have received 37.5 points or less of Advanced Standing.

See each specialisation for the core (compulsory) and elective subject requirements.

Specialisations within the Master of Information Systems

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%), or equivalent
Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 (http://about.unimelb.edu.au/academicboard/resolutions) is required.

Notes:
• Up to 50 points of credit may be awarded to applicants who have:
– an undergraduate degree in any discipline with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) and at least one year documented relevant work experience; or
– a Graduate Certificate in Information Systems with a weighted average mark of at least (65%) or equivalent.

• Up to 100 points of credit may be awarded to applicants who have:
– an undergraduate degree in Information Systems with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent and two years of documented relevant work experience; or
– a four-year Honours degree in Information Systems with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent; or
– an undergraduate degree in any discipline with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) or equivalent, at least one year of documented relevant work experience and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Information Systems with at least an H3 (65%) average or equivalent; or
– an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least an H3 (65%) average, and an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Systems with at least an H3 (65%) average or equivalent.

• References above to a degree in Information Systems means a degree with at least 60% of specialised information systems studies, including a balanced mix of technical and management topics, project management and professional ethics. Many IT or Computer Science degrees do not meet this requirement.

• There are three possible early exit point qualifications for students enrolled in the Master of Information Systems:
– Graduate Certificate in Information Systems, for students who have completed four foundation or lower core subjects;
– Advanced Graduate Certificate in Information Systems, for students who have completed four lower core or upper core subjects;
– Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Systems, for students who have completed 8 upper and lower core subjects.
The Advanced Graduate Certificate and Advanced Graduate Diploma are only available as exit awards.

For more information on meeting the University's English language requirements, see: http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/info/international/english_and_foundation_programs

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 Student Equity and Disability Support: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The preferred pathway to PhD study is through the ‘Research’ specialisation. Students who have been granted 50 points or more of advanced standing may use the Research Studies elective stream as a PhD study pathway.

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 accredited by the Australian Computer Society. 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