Master of Systems Development

What is this course about?

The Master of Systems Development provides professionals in the IT industry with an advanced course of study in software development. Preparation for a range of IT industry certifications is included as an integral part of the course.

Why study this degree?

The Master of Systems Development features a unique blend of academic and industry-based content. As with all CSU's courses, the Master of Systems Development is designed and delivered with study flexibility in mind. Our students choose between full-time and part-time study options to fit in with work and lifestyle commitments.

You could choose to study one subject per session or, following consultation and approval from your Course Director, complete up to four subjects per session, allowing you to fast track your degree completion.

More reasons to study this degree

Find out where this course can take you

Industry streams

Students can tailor their qualification by choosing to study one of three industry elective streams.

More information about the available Industry Streams

Course Structure

The Master of Systems Development consists three core subjects, one elective from an elective set, two restricted electives and an industry-based elective stream.

The Graduate Certificate in Systems Development consists four subjects including two subjects from the restricted list of CSU subjects offered in the Master of Systems Development as well as two subjects selected from one of the industry-based streams.

More information about the course structure

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 96 points, which includes the completion of the relevant industry stream certificate (for which credit of 48 points is given) for the Master degree and 32 points, which includes the completion 16 points of relevant industry stream subjects for the Graduate Certificate.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.