Graduate Diploma in Computer Science

The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is embedded within Master of Computer Science program.

It is designed for Computer Science graduates who wish to study advanced postgraduate-level topics to enhance their career prospects.GD057 - Graduate diploma in Computer Science is an interim award within MC061- Master of Computer Science program.

Upon completion of the first year of the program (96 credit points), including core courses, you will be eligible to exit the program with the Graduate Diploma in Computer Science (GD057).This program develops a skill set that spans from theoretical and algorithmic foundations to cutting-edge developments in computing.

As a graduate of this program, you will be knowledgeable and creative;

have excellent programming skills;

be capable of designing, implementing and maintaining complex software systems;

and be able to readily adapt to new advances in the rapidly changing information technology environment and/or continue towards a research degree.This program aims to help you develop the knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skills that are essential to be employed as a competent software developer, with potential to move into a leadership role.

Undertaking the Master of Computer Science program you will move from theory to the practice of coding solutions to a wide range of real-world problems.

It will also provide you the opportunities to undertake further studies in related programs, including Master of Computer Science by Research and PhD in Computer Science.There are two pathways in this program:

Research pathway -- you will undertake a research project under the supervision of a senior academic;

or Projects pathway -- you will undertake a major software engineering project in the final semester of the program.

In addition to this capstone project or research thesis, you will be able to specialise in one of the following areas:Big Data Management Cloud Computing Intelligent Systems Mobile Computing Security Software Architecture Web Systems and Search TechnologyCourses in these specialist areas are at the cutting edge of research and development.

They are designed to allow you to explore the area thoroughly, while providing the knowledge and skills for true mastery.In addition, you are required to undertake a large-scale software engineering project or a research project in the area of your specialisation.

All courses listed may not be available each semester

Group One - Core Courses:

Complete the following Three (3) Courses:

AND

Group Two - Advanced Topics Courses

Select and Complete Four (4) of the following Courses:

AND

Group Three - Capstone Courses:

Research Stream: Complete the following One (1) Course:

Project Stream : Complete the following One (1) Course:

This program is not available for direct entry. Entry to this program is via MC061P14 Master of Computer Science as an intermediate exit point.

Students in the MC061P14 program who wish to exit the Masters before completion, may be eligible to take out the intermediary award of GD057P14 Graduate Diploma in Computer Science.

You are expected to develop the following Program Learning Outcomes:

Enabling Knowledge

You will gain skills as you apply knowledge with creativity and initiative to new situations. In doing so, you will:

• Demonstrate mastery of a body of knowledge that includes recent developments in computer science and information technology;
• Recognise and use research principles and methods applicable to computer science and information technology.

Critical Analysis

You will learn to accurately and objectively examine, and critically investigate computer science and information technology (IT) concepts, evidence, theories or situations, in particular to:

• Analyse and model complex requirements and constraints for the purpose of designing and implementing software artefacts and IT systems;
• Evaluate and compare designs of software artefacts and IT systems on the basis of organisational and user requirements.

Problem Solving

Your capability to analyse complex problems and synthesise suitable solutions will be extended as you learn to:

• Design and implement software solutions that accommodate specified requirements and constraints, based on analysis or modelling or requirements specification.

Communication

You will learn to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences through a range of modes and media, in particular to:

• Interpret abstract theoretical propositions, choose methodologies, justify conclusions and defend professional decisions to both IT and non-IT personnel via technical reports of professional standard and technical presentations.

Team Work

You will learn to work as an effective and productive team member in a range of professional and social situations, in particular to:

• Work effectively in different roles, to form, manage, and successfully produce outcomes from collaborative teams, whose members may have diverse cultural backgrounds and life circumstances, and differing levels of technical expertise.

Responsibility

You will be required to accept responsibility for your own learning and make informed decisions about judging and adopting appropriate behaviour in professional and social situations. This includes accepting the responsibility for independent life-long learning and a high level of accountability. Specifically, you will learn to:

• Effectively apply relevant standards, ethical considerations, and an understanding of legal and privacy issues to designing software applications and IT systems.

Research and scholarship

You will have technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship, specifically you will have cognitive skills:

• to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice or scholarship;
• to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship.