GraduateComputer Science
Master of Computer Science
Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
About this program
ECU's Master of Computer Science is a conversion-friendly degree: it's designed to take graduates from unrelated bachelor's disciplines and get them industry-ready in computing, which is why the first-year units look like a compressed CS undergrad (data structures, algorithms, systems, databases) before the program moves into more advanced electives in the second year. It's accredited by the Australian Computer Society, and ECU folds in its considerable cyber security research strength as an elective pathway rather than keeping the two programs walled off from each other.
That cyber security connection is worth noting specifically because ECU is one of only two Australian universities recognised by the federal government as an Academic Centre of Cyber Security Excellence, and the only one in Western Australia. Students in the computer science degree who want a security-adjacent skill set can pull electives from that research base without needing to enrol in the separate Master of Cyber Security. Beyond security, elective streams commonly run toward data science, machine learning, and software engineering practice.
Perth's tech employment market is smaller and more resources-and-mining-services-oriented than Sydney or Melbourne's, so ECU's industry placements and capstone project partners often skew toward that sector along with WA government IT roles, rather than the startup-heavy scene more associated with the east coast.
Fees & duration
English test scores
Verified ecu.edu.au ↗
Course structure
Study plan in 4 parts
- Programming Fundamentals
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Software Engineering Principles
- choose electives across cyber security
- data science and analytics
- artificial intelligence
- or advanced software engineering
- industry-linked project or research-based minor thesis
- 2 years full-time (shorter with credit for a relevant undergraduate background)
- accredited by the Australian Computer Society
Career & PR pathway
Occupations this degree typically leads to, and their skilled-migration list status
Software EngineerANZSCO 261313
On both MLTSSL and CSOL, so it supports the points-tested 189, 190, and 491 as well as the employer-sponsored 482 and 186. Needs an ACS skills assessment, which usually wants the degree plus one to two years of relevant work, or a Professional Year in ICT in place of some of that experience.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Developer ProgrammerANZSCO 261312
On MLTSSL, so it supports the 189, 190, and 491. Assessed by the ACS on the same basis as Software Engineer. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Systems AnalystANZSCO 261112
On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, with an ACS skills assessment. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Computer Network and Systems EngineerANZSCO 263111
On both MLTSSL and CSOL, supporting 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
List membership changes over time and does not guarantee an invitation. See the skilled occupation lists guide and the points calculator before relying on this for a visa decision.
Admissions
Special entry may allow a reduced course duration of 1.5 years full time (or 3 years part time, for 180 credit points) for applicants with a cognate first degree or appropriate experience. Admission is based on a bachelor degree in a computing or ICT related discipline, a bachelor degree in any discipline plus five years of relevant senior or managerial work experience, a Graduate Certificate of Computer Science or equivalent, or evidence of equivalent academic capability. Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following: a bachelor degree, or equivalent prior learning including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
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