Master of Science (Computer Science)

Master of Science (Computer Science)

RESEARCH

Extend your research skills and contribute to the innovative field of computer science. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Research Training Scheme

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$36,480 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Further your research skills and contribute to advancements in computer science.

As a computer science masters by research candidate, you have the flexibility to pursue an individual topic, or contribute to one of our existing research areas.

You will join an active research community and work with academics, peers and partner organisations who have demonstrated research success in a range of specialities, including:

  • artificial intelligence
  • machine learning
  • data science and analytics
  • distributed systems and networking
  • heuristic optimisation
  • information retrieval and web search
  • software engineering.

RMIT's success is demonstrated in international university rankings, with computer science at RMIT being placed in the top 200 universities in the Shanghai Jiao Tong rankings and joint sixth in Australia for computer science and information systems in the 2015 QS World University rankings. The Australian Research Council identified our research in Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing and Information Systems as above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) reports.

Research collaborations

There are many research collaborations with national and international institutes, centres, groups and partners, including strategic partnerships with:

  • NICTA RMIT Data Analytics Lab
  • Australian-India Research Centre for Automation Software Engineering (AICAUSE)

Support

Throughout your candidature, you will be supported through:

  • expert supervision
  • participation in high-quality professional development programs delivered by RMIT's School of Graduate Research
  • access to RMIT’s extensive facilities, laboratories and equipment and those of our partners.

Research scholarships

Computer science master by research candidates may be eligible for a range of scholarships including:

  • Australian Postgraduate Awards – funded by the Australian Government
  • PhD and Research Masters Scholarships – funded by RMIT University.

Details

Expand all sections

Research at RMIT

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Computer science and information technology projects are heavily based on industry needs. We are currently working with Microsoft, CSIRO, Seek, Sensis, RealThing Entertainment Pty Ltd, Deloitte Digital and the Australia Council for the Arts.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will undertake the master's program under the supervision of an appointed research supervisor.

The master's program is structured to enable you to:

  • Complete a compulsory research methods course
  • Receive training in research integrity and ethics
  • Select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
  • Complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex research for peers and the community to an international standard.

Research integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

  • Research integrity
  • Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for sciences

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered by the university, College and School according to your needs and interests.

This master's degree may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s prior to application.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Science (Computer Science)
Program code: MR221
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Science
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
MR221
079697J
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
MR221
CRICOS
079697J
View plan
Master of Science
City Campus
2 years full-time
MR221
079697J
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MR221
CRICOS
079697J
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

A masters degree with a foundation for further studies into a PhD as well as employment in senior leadership and management research-based positions in a variety of government, non-government and corporate organisations.

Entry requirements and admissions

The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

None

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate. 

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

None

Research proposal and supervisor

Proposal

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable)

Supervisor

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year Bachelor and Honours degrees or Postgraduate programs.

Further study

If you excel in your master degree by research, you can continue your research in a doctorate (PhD). This involves four years of research under the supervision of a senior researcher.

Fees

Expand all sections

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Expand all sections

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information