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Master of Information Technology (Software Development)

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Course overview

Gain expertise and effect meaningful change

Designed for those ready to deepen their expertise in software development, object-oriented design, and advanced algorithms, this master’s course gives you the capabilities to lead projects and solve complex software challenges. With an emphasis on delivering reliable, secure and maintainable software, the course prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully across a range of professional environments.

You’ll learn through hands-on experience, including an industry capstone project where you will apply your knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. Core units explore important topics in enterprise architecture, software lifecycle management, and cyber security, with hands-on experience using industry tools like Git, UML modelling, and CI/CD pipelines. This practical focus ensures graduates enter the job market with the confidence and capability to deliver secure, maintainable software from day one.

This ACS-accredited program is delivered fully online, with flexible entry options and advanced standing pathways that allow IT graduates to complete the course in as little as one year. Graduates will be confident in applying advanced software development methods, communicating effectively across technical and non-technical teams, and leading collaborative projects.

Learn more about the Master of Information Technology (Software Development) with QUT Online

Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct

Academic Calendar
Start Date

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Duration

AUD $ 19,400

Includes 70% off with CSP subsidy.
Fees in Detail
Estimated Total Fees

Domestic Student

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Entry Criteria

*Limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for domestic students only. Annual fees are subject to change and are dependent on selected units. For more information on CSPs, see below.

Course units

You must complete a total of 192 credit points.

Programming Fundamentals

12 credit points

Rapid Web Development with Databases

12 credit points

Computer Systems and Security

12 credit points

Systems Innovation and Design

12 credit points

Complete 60 credit points of advanced core units

Machine Learning

12 credit points

Cyber Security and Governance

12 credit points

Software Lifecycle Management

12 credit points

Human-Centred Design of IT Systems

12 credit points

Introduction to Research

12 credit points

Select one capstone pathway (industry or research) and complete 36 credit points of study. Please note that the research pathway requires on-campus attendance.

Industry Project (Phase 1)

12 credit points

Industry Project (Phase 2)

12 credit points

Industry Project (Phase 3)

12 credit points

Complete 36 credit points of study. Please note, this is optional and provides a pathway to the PhD program. These units would be taken in place of the capstone units above (IFQ735, IFQ736-1 and IFQ736-2) and require on-campus attendance.

Industry Research Project (Phase 1)

12 credit points

Industry Research Project (Phase 2)

12 credit points

Complete the following units (36 credit points of study):

Object-Oriented Design and Development

12 credit points

Enterprise and Security Architecture

12 credit points

Advanced Algorithms and Computational Complexity

12 credit points

Choose one of the following (12 credit points of study):

Enterprise Systems Lifecycle Management

12 credit points

Advanced Business Analysis

12 credit points

Software Security

12 credit points

Entry requirements

You can gain entry into the Master of Information Technology (Software Development) with the following:

2-year program

  • A completed recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7-point scale)

1.5-year program

  • A completed recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher) in information technology with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7-point scale)

or

  • A completed recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7-point scale) plus 3 years FTE of professional work experience in information technology

or

  • A completed recognised Graduate Certificate in Information Technology with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7-point scale)

or

  • A completed QUT IQ14, IQ15, IQ16, IQ18, or IQ30 Graduate Certificate

1-year program

  • A completed recognised Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (in the same discipline as the planned IQ20 major) with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7-point scale)

or

  • A completed QUT IQ19 Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (in the same discipline as the planned IQ20 major)

Early exit options

Students who are enrolled in this course may be eligible to exit their course with a Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (IQ18) after successful completion of an approved 48 credit points of units, or a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (IQ19) after successful completion of an approved 96 credit points of units.

Course outcomes

Graduates of this course possess demonstrable advanced knowledge in software development, with the ability to apply industry-standard tools and techniques to design and implement complex IT systems. You’ll be equipped to critically analyse development challenges, create solutions, and clearly communicate across technical and non-technical teams. Alongside your technical expertise, you’ll develop important traits in leadership, ethical awareness, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse professional environments.

Skills and tools in this course

  • Demonstrate advanced specialist knowledge in the software development discipline
  • An optional research stream can lead to a PhD entry for future academics
  • Apply advanced software development practices to build and implement complex IT solutions
  • Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgements in professional contexts
  • Critically analyse complex software development problems and use creativity to generate innovative and novel solutions
  • Create positive change by addressing social, ethical, legal and cultural issues in data science, with awareness of First Nations and diverse perspectives

Potential career opportunities

Software developer

Responsible for designing, coding, testing and maintaining software applications across desktop, web and cloud platforms.

  • Average Salary

    $100,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4/5

  • Industry Growth

    +27.0%

    Projected job growth in next 5 years

, 2026

Frontend developer

Builds the user-facing components of applications, typically using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and frameworks such as React or Angular.

  • Average Salary

    $110,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4/5

  • Industry Growth

    +27.0%

    Projected job growth in next 5 years

, 2026

Backend developer

Works on server-side logic, data processing and integration. Programming languages such as Python or Java and knowledge of APIs and databases are relevant to this area.

  • Average Salary

    $145,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4.5/5

  • Industry Growth

    +27.0%

, 2026

Software architect

Designs the high-level structure of large-scale or complex systems. The course includes enterprise and security architecture, which supports this career pathway.

  • Average Salary

    $200,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    3.5/5

  • Industry Growth

    +27.0%

    Projected job growth in next 5 years

, 2026

Data scientist

Data scientists look for patterns in raw data that will help provide insights into, or solve, real-world problems.

  • Average Salary

    $120,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4/5

  • Industry Growth

    +11.0%

    Projected job growth in next 5 years

, 2026

How online study works

Learn in your own way

Experience the unwavering support of our university as you embark on your online learning journey.

  • Flexible and supportive options for your lifestyle
  • The easy application and enrolment process
  • Alignment with career aspirations

Ready to apply?

Apply online by filling out an application form, or speak to a course consultant on 1300 104 196.

Apply now
Download brochureContact us

We do have a shortened master’s program for eligible applicants. Please see the entry requirements for this course.

Any experience in the IT field could help you with this course; however, it is not essential to be successful.

Yes, CSPs are available for all Information Technology courses, including bootcamps. CSPs allow domestic students to have a significant portion of their university or higher education fees subsidised by the Australian government.

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If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you submit your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 104 196 or by completing our enquiry form.

Ready to apply?

Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.

Apply Now

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