POSTGRADUATE · AQF 9 · MELBOURNE

Master of Information Technology

More than a degree. A professional edge. 

Build advanced IT capability and professional readiness together. HEA’s Master of Information Technology combines postgraduate study with Professional Edge – structured career preparation and access to paid, course-relevant work opportunities. 

Study over two years full-time, with flexible delivery designed around work and life. You can shape the course through electives, choose an optional specialisation and seek Recognition of Prior Learning for relevant previous study or professional experience. 

Duration 2 years full-time equivalent
Credit Points 192
Application Deadline 1st February 2027
Study Mode On-campus
Next Intake February 2027
Orientation 15th February 2027

Build technical capability and professional readiness together 

The Master of Information Technology develops the technical, analytical and professional capability required to work across a changing technology landscape. 

You will build a broad foundation across programming, data, cybersecurity, networks, artificial intelligence, project management and research. Six elective units then allow you to broaden your knowledge or build greater depth in an area of interest. 

Throughout the course, theory is connected to professional application. You will work on practical problems, develop evidence of your capability and learn how to communicate your value to employers. 

Technical capability 
Develop contemporary knowledge across core areas of information technology, supported by practical assessment and applied learning. 

Professional capability 
Build the communication, collaboration, problem-solving and self-management skills expected in modern workplaces. 

Applied learning 
Use what you learn to respond to realistic challenges, produce practical work and build evidence of your developing capability. 

Build your career while you build your qualification 

Professional Edge runs alongside the Master of Information Technology from the beginning. Each student works with an HEA coach to develop their professional direction, workplace readiness and evidence of capability. 

When you are ready, HEA works with you to arrange placement with employers recruiting for paid, course-relevant roles. Your HEA coach supports you throughout the process, and once placed, you are also supported by a workplace mentor. 

Through this combination of coaching, paid work and workplace mentoring, you can build relevant experience, professional relationships, references and evidence of capability before graduation. An employer that already knows your work can provide a valuable pathway after graduation, while the experience and evidence you build give you a stronger platform to pursue opportunities elsewhere. 

Professional Edge includes: 

  • More than 50 hours of personalised professional readiness coaching  
  • Professional capability profiling aligned with the Skills Framework for the Information Age  
  • Support to build a portfolio that demonstrates your capability  
  • Preparation for employer interviews and workplace expectations  
  • Individual support to arrange placement in paid, course-relevant work  
  • Ongoing HEA coaching, with workplace mentoring once placed 
  • Industry connection throughout your studies  
  • ACS membership and a funded industry-certification pathway  

Professional Edge at no additional cost 

The first 25 students commencing the Master of Information Technology in February 2027 will receive Professional Edge at no additional cost. 

Build your qualification, develop your professional capability and access support designed to help you move towards course-relevant work. 

Designed for people who want study to move their career forward 

Whether you are establishing yourself in Australia, advancing your existing career or moving into IT from another field, HEA helps you build academic knowledge and professional readiness together. 

International students 
Study in Melbourne through blended on-campus and online learning, with evening and weekend classes designed around work and life commitments. 

Working professionals 
Fit postgraduate study around your existing commitments while building capability you can apply in the workplace. Recognition of Prior Learning may reduce the study required where your previous learning or professional experience meets course requirements. 

Career changers 
Build credible IT capability and evidence of professional readiness, with entry pathways that recognise relevant prior study and professional experience. 

Employer-supported learners 
Develop capability aligned with your current role or your organisation’s future workforce needs. 

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Your previous experience could count towards your degree 

Recognition of Prior Learning recognises relevant knowledge and skills gained through previous study, employment and professional experience. 

If your existing learning meets the outcomes of particular units, you may be eligible for credit towards the Master of Information Technology – reducing the time and cost required to complete your qualification. 

Applications are assessed individually and supporting evidence is required. 

16 units across two years 

The Master of Information Technology comprises: 

  • 10 core units 
  • Six electives 
  • 192 credit points 
  • Two years full-time equivalent 

Students completing a specialisation undertake four prescribed specialisation units as part of their six electives. The remaining two units are selected from a broader elective list. 

Core units 

All students complete the following 10 core units: 

  • MT811 Data Modelling 
  • MT812 Programming 
  • MT813 Professional Practice and Project Management 
  • MT821 Cybersecurity Principles 
  • MT822 Data Analytics and Visualisation 
  • MT912 Artificial Intelligence 
  • MT913 Network Management 
  • MT914 Research Methodology 
  • MT921 Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance 
  • MT924 Research Project 
Indicative Full-time Course Sequence
Code Unit Name Type Pre-req.
Year 1
Semester 1
MT811 Data Modelling Core None
MT812 Programming Core None
MT813 Professional Practice and Project Core None
MT821 Elective (1)/Specialisation Elective (1) Elective None
Break
Semester 2
MT821 Cybersecurity Principles Core MT812
MT822 Data Analytics and Visualisation Core MT812
Elective (2)/Specialisation Elective (2) Elective MT812
Elective (3)/Specialisation Elective (3) Elective MT812
Break
Year 2
Semester 1
MT912 Artificial Intelligence Core MT822
MT913 Network Management Core MT822
MT914 Research Methodology Core MT822
Elective (4)/Specialisation Elective (4) Elective MT822
Break
Semester 2
MT921 Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance Core MT821
MT924 Research Project Core MT914 + 8 Core Units
Elective (5) Elective None
Elective (6) Elective None

Shape the course around your professional direction 

A specialisation is optional. It allows you to focus four of your six elective units within a defined area of professional interest. 

Business Analytics 

Build capability in using data to understand performance, support decisions and identify opportunities for improvement. 

Artificial Intelligence (coming soon)

Develop deeper capability in artificial intelligence and its application within contemporary organisations.

Cyber Security (coming soon)

Build specialist capability in protecting information, managing cyber risk and supporting organisational resilience. 

Project Management (coming soon)

Develop the capability to plan, lead and deliver technology-enabled projects and change. 

Broaden or deepen your capability 

Students not completing a specialisation select six electives from the elective group options available per semester. 

Depending on your prior experience, chosen units and professional direction, the Master of Information Technology can support progression towards roles such as: 

Career opportunities depend on individual experience, capability, employer requirements and labour-market conditions.

Your pathway into the Master of Information Technology 

Applicants must: 

  • Be at least 18 years of age 
  • Hold a completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a registered Australian higher education provider or recognised equivalent 
  • Have completed Year 10 Mathematics or equivalent 
  • Meet HEA’s English-language requirements where applicable 

English-language requirements 

International applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements: 

English Language Test Minimum Required Score
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet Based Test (iBT)79 (writing no less than 21)
Pearson Test of English (PTE)58 (no section less than 50)
Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)  176 (no band less than 169)

International applicants must also meet the Australian Government’s Genuine Student requirement and all applicable student visa requirements. 

Alternative entry through Recognition of Prior Learning 

Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience or previous study may be considered through HEA’s Recognition of Prior Learning process. Outcomes are based on the evidence supplied and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate the required learning outcomes. 

Understand the cost of your study 

Course fees vary according to student category, applicable scholarships and any credit granted through Recognition of Prior Learning. 

Fees are generally payable by teaching period. Your Letter of Offer will confirm the fees and payment schedule applying to your intake. 

Students need access to a suitable laptop and reliable internet connection throughout the course. 

Component
Minimum Requirements
Recommended Requirements
Processor (CPU)Dual-core Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, 2.0 GHz or higherQuad-core Intel i5 / i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 / 7, 2.5 GHz or higher
Memory (RAM)8 GB16 GB or more
Hard Disk / Storage256 GB SSD (solid state drive)512 GB SSD or larger
Display13–14 inch screen, 1080p (Full HD)15–16 inch, 1080p or higher resolution, anti-glare
Graphics Memory (VRAM)Integrated graphics (shared memory)Dedicated graphics or high-end integrated graphics if doing light media work
Operating SystemWindows 10 64-bit (latest updates)Windows 11 64-bit
.NET Version / Software Framework.NET Framework 4.8 or .NET 6 (or as required by specific Windows/MS Office versions).NET 6+ or latest stable runtime required by institutional software
Video / WebcamWebcam (720p)Webcam (1080p) plus external mic or headset for high quality audio/video calls
Devices / Ports / ConnectivityUSB 3.0 ports, WiFi (802.11ac/n), Bluetooth, audio jackUSB-C or USB 3.1, Ethernet port or adapter, dual-band WiFi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5+, backup storage (USB drive or external SSD), optional dock or extra display support

Build your qualification and your professional edge together. 

Applications are open for the February 2027 Master of Information Technology intake.