The MBC information booklet - RMIT University

CHAPTER 1 Introduction
1.1 Terminology
1.1.1 Programs and
Courses
‘Courses’ = ‘Subjects’
‘Programs’ = ‘Courses’
Chapter 1: Introduction
Australian Universities offer courses (such as Graduate Diploma or Masters degrees),
which in turn are made up of individual subjects. At RMIT, in line with administrative
changes introduced in 2001, the terminology has changed. A 'course' (e.g. Graduate
Diploma in Software Development) is now known as a 'program'. A 'subject' (e.g.
Programming Techniques) is referred to as a 'course'.
1.1.2 Portfolios ‘Portfolios’ replace the previous concept of ‘Faculties’. There are three academic Portfolios
at RMIT - Business; Design and Social Context (DST); and Science, Engineering and
Technology (SET). The School of Computer Science and Information Technology comes
under the umbrella of the SET Portfolio.
1.1.3 Semesters Semesters are also refered to as terms. They will be written as follows:
1.2 Program Purpose
Semester Year Code
February 2006 0610
July 2006 0650
January (summer) 2007 0700
February 2007 0710
July 2007 0750
Table 1: Semesters / Terms
This program is designed for graduates of Computer Science (major) and Computing
Professionals who:
• are concerned about their job security and future, and who
• understand that they cannot rely on their existing set of IT skills, and who
• understand the need to undertake a Masters level program to ensure that they gain
exposure to International level technologies that are not just at the crest of the “IT
mountain”, but offer a view of the “other side” of the mountain, and who
• are prepared to invest in their future.
The program offers groups of courses (clusters) in specialist areas of computer science
that are linked to the research strengths of the School. Students choose courses from a
range of these areas and go on to specialise in one. Students who complete the degree by
completing a good minor thesis and having a CGPA of at least 3.2 are likely to gain direct
entry to a PhD program.
Students who are looking for a two year program see Master of Applied Science
(Information Systems) MC060 (see page 69)
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