Master Technology

Overview
ACAP's Master of Information Technology (MIT) is designed to give you the technology, project management, and people skills you need to advance your career and secure your position as an IT professional into the future. In this course, you will develop skills and modernise your knowledge of emerging and evolving technologies such as AI, blockchain, mobile and software development, and cyber security. You'll graduate confident, independent and with a real-world expertise that's highly sought-after by employers.
Project based learning (PBL) is an integral and vital design feature of this course. You will have opportunities to tackle challenging real-world problems through projects tailored to your interests, that require critical thinking, problem-solving, iteration, collaboration, leadership, reflection and evaluation.

What you'll learn
Accelerate your career potential with applied learning and practical skills. Explore with an applied focus:
-
Advanced Software Development
-
Project Management and Teamwork
-
Cognitive Skills and Critical Thinking
-
Communication, Adaptive and Interactional Skills
-
Global Outlook

Project based learning
Immersive, experiential learning is a fundamental part of this course. Our project-based learning approach ensures you develop practical skills on real business and technical challenges early in the course so you can hone these skills throughout your learning.
Real-world briefs
You will experience the full process of undertaking a project with a client – from initial brief and development to review and final presentation, as well as gaining the best practice skills to provide effective handover of a completed project.
Client Projects
Some projects are also client based, offering the opportunity to practise these new skills in a professional environment. You will develop an understanding of a client’s business, needs and expectations, as well as building all-important professional networks and a portfolio of work achievements to take into the workforce.
These client projects offer a supportive and guided introduction to the Australian workforce and tangible work experience to list on your CV.
Capstone
These and other projects, at the earlier stages of the course, can be the inspiration for your final Capstone, an applied project designed to help you demonstrate the mastery of the skills you’ve developed throughout the course, to be presented at a final industry showcase event.

Dr. Luke Bozzetto
Luke Bozzetto, Course Leader – Information Technologies

Career Pathways
With a focus on software development, current and emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, graduates of the course will be well placed to secure rewarding roles worldwide in a range of IT roles. You'll also be able to use the skills you learn on this course in areas outside of IT, such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and entertainment. This gives you flexibility in your career choices after you graduate.
Course structure
This course is made up of 13 core units
The course duration is 2 years full time or up to 6 years part time. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.
Example full time study load
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
In this unit, you will get a practical introduction into foundational topics across a range of IT specialisations – many of which will be crucial for other units throughout this course and the project work. Overall, the unit covers:
- a general understanding of the hardware and software used in computers and how they work together
- data storage in both relational and flat-file databases and how we can query or use this data for given applications
- an understanding of the devices used in computer networks, the process of how data is transmitted and received, and addressed on a network
- an introduction to cybersecurity and the various threat landscapes
- an introduction to cloud computing – what it is, different deployments, how it compares to local solutions and discussions as to the applicability of cloud computing services in current or future projects.
You will apply your learning of these areas in weekly tasks and across a range of real-world projects to further your understanding of the key elements, attributes and applicability of IT Essentials.
Learning outcomes:
- Recognise the main hardware and software functions within a computer and their interrelationships.
- Devise conceptual data storage solutions for a range of complex problems.
- Manipulate data to frame, provide evidence for, or solve practical problems.
- Critically evaluate the advantages and challenges of different distributed network structures in order to make informed choices to serve a project.
- Review the modern cybersecurity threats and be able to advise ways to stop or limit the chances or severity of such attacks.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
In this unit, you will engage in a problem and project-based learning environment to analyse and implement software development solutions for given scenarios or requirements. This unit will set out the key, foundational programming concepts which you will build upon throughout the course and continue to develop in your IT career. The later topics in the unit guide you toward a more autonomous approach to learning with the expectation of self-directed research on libraries and/or APIs as a means to extend the functionalities of your programs. This unit is designed as the starting point for cultivating a creative mindset to help you foster ideas for future projects in the course (and beyond).
Learning outcomes:
- Create clear, logical, and concisely written code that is well-documented throughout.
- Evaluate given code to be able to apply debugging techniques to identify and correct issues.
- Model real-world problems using object-oriented abstractions.
- Design, develop, and test problems using the specified programming language to develop solutions to problems using a range of programming concepts and principles.
- Critically reflect upon the knowledge learnt in the provided tasks throughout the unit to justify their level of achievement against the specified goals with evidence.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
In this unit, you will be introduced to and gain experience using a range of web development technologies to design and develop web applications, including frontend and backend tools and functionality. You will also build knowledge of industry standards and best practice and demonstrate how these can be implemented in different contexts. You will apply your learning of unit topics in weekly tasks and across a range of real-world projects to further your understanding of the key elements, attributes and applicability of web development.
Learning outcomes:
- Design and develop user-friendly web pages following usability principles at different levels of fidelity including creating the final HTML and CSS documents.
- Analyse, evaluate and apply web development skills in a range of front and backend technologies.
- Integrate databases with front and backend technologies to create database-driven web applications.
- Synthesise non-functional with functional requirements of web development applications in order to create software that meets the qualitative expectations of end-users.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: TC4001 IT Essentials
Unit Description:
For students of the Graduate Certificate of Software Development, this unit is the culmination of their studies. For Master of Information Technology students, this unit is the first of five applied research project units which form the spine of MIT. In this unit, you will be introduced to the principles of project management for IT solutions focusing on the use of Agile methodologies. You will gain an overview of software development processes and be introduced to project management tools and techniques including: project management software, running sprints, working with user stories, task estimation and understanding analytics.
In this unit, you will create project documentation and be introduced to key presentation skills. In addition, you will be introduced to skills and methods that enable you to reflect on the social impact of IT solutions in the context of global sustainability needs. You will work on an allocated individual project to apply the skills learned in this unit and in the foundational units ITC4001 IT Essentials, ITC4002 Software Development, and ITC4003 Web Development.
Learning outcomes:
- Create a software solution for a given problem using a contemporary range of technologies.
- Plan and implement an approach to project development using Agile methodologies and relevant technology tools for task management, documentation, and testing.
- Research and critically analyse project requirements and create an abstract model to solve identified problems.
- Develop professional project documentation that effectively communicates a software solution to project stakeholders.
- Critically reflect on the impact of the software solution in reference to sustainability goals.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: ITC4002 Software Development
Unit Description:
In this unit, you will leverage your programming skills to code for sophisticated problem solving, including using a range of data sets and sources, developing decision-making algorithms that encompass machine learning, and designing human-centred outputs. Evaluation of your work will be central to your design methodology. You will learn to ground your work in the principles of sustainability and social impact.
Learning outcomes:
- Select appropriate tools, processes, algorithms and approaches to artificial intelligence solutions modelling current practice.
- Develop problem specifications that accurately reflect the complexity of real-world issues in order to build innovative and sustainable solutions.
- Research and critically evaluate the appropriateness of artificial intelligence solutions across a range of disciplines.
- Identify and integrate the needs of a variety of stakeholders into the design of artificial intelligence solutions including developing and utilising measures of success.
- Situate artificial intelligence solutions in broad social and ethical contexts.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: TC4002 Software Development, ITC4003 Web Development
Unit Description:
Mobile Development is one of the fastest-growing discipline specialisations in software development and engineering. In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the mobile development space, and build theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to develop apps for smartphones and other handheld devices. You will be introduced to and critically analyse both the technical aspects of mobile application development and effective user experience in online and offline environments. You will apply your learning in weekly tasks and across a range of real-world projects to further your understanding of key development elements including application lifecycles, cross-platform development, the mobile application/web relationship and how to launch your mobile app in the market.
Learning outcomes:
- Identify and analyse current and emerging mobile technology trends.
- Design solutions that effectively meet user needs by applying knowledge of relevant mobile application technologies.
- Demonstrate industry-standard processes across the application/project development lifecycle.
- Present effectively the design, value and function of mobile applications to diverse audiences.
- Implement fundamental ethical approaches to professional practice.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
Good decisions are informed by good data. This means that how we collect, manage, analyse and present data is fundamentally important and has wide-ranging and ethical implications for people, projects, businesses, and government. In this unit, you will be introduced to the key concepts of data analysis, techniques, tools and applications. You will apply your learning in weekly tasks and across a range of real-world projects to further your understanding of data analysis project pipelines from defining the initial question/context right through to the visualisation and communication of data sets.
Learning outcomes:
- Identify and implement relevant tools and data project pipelines.
- Apply relevant techniques to accurately and appropriately analyse data.
- Critically evaluate the role of data analysis to ensure compliance in answering questions and providing ethical solutions to real-world problems.
- Create and deliver effective communication strategies to inform stakeholders of data analysis outcomes.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: All Level 400 units
Unit Description:
This unit is the second of five applied research project units which form the spine of the MIT. In this unit, you will develop team-based project skills using project management tools to allocate and monitor tasks and work cohesively with your peers. You will deepen your understanding and application of the IT software development process with a focus on team collaboration, communication and problem resolution. You will build skills in facilitating design processes in groups and use methodologies for problem identification and critical assessment of solutions. You will also develop your ability to reflect on the social impact of IT solutions in the context of global sustainability needs.
This unit centres on a negotiated group project where you will work with your team to apply the skills learned in this unit and from earlier units in the MIT.
Learning outcomes:
- Create a comprehensive software solution via a range of contemporary technologies in a team development environment.
- Plan and implement an agreed approach to project development using Agile methodologies that ensures good team communication, task allocation, and uses reporting tools to influence future work.
- Research and critically analyse project requirements and create abstract models to solve identified problems.
- Develop professional project documentation that effectively communicates a software solution to internal and external project stakeholders.
- Critically reflect on and analyse the impact of the software solution in reference to sustainability goals and the role of the IT professional as change agent.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: ITC4002 Software Development
Unit Description:
Blockchain technologies have enormous potential for 21st Century technology and Society 5.0 in terms of the advancement and digitalisation of the global economy and have become an essential knowledge area for IT professionals. This unit is designed to prepare you to work competently and strategically in the field of blockchain technologies. You will build your knowledge of the business processes blockchain is redefining and how blockchain interconnects with complementary technology ecosystems. Likewise, you will develop expertise to adapt and apply your knowledge and technical skills and embed processes and analytical thinking to challenges that balance the economic advancement of business with social responsibility through the deployment of blockchain solutions. You will apply your learning in weekly tasks and across a range of real-world projects to further your understanding of Blockchain Systems and Architecture, Token Economics, Cryptocurrencies, Digital Asset Law, Smart Contracts, and use cases for small and medium enterprises.
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate the practical application of knowledge about the philosophy, principles, properties, and context of blockchain technologies.
- Identify blockchain based strategies and solutions, and their implications for a range of social, economic, and business problems.
- Integrate knowledge about regulatory and compliance requirements into blockchain strategies and solutions.
- Critically analyse relevant use and implications of blockchain technologies in a wide variety of settings.
- Contribute to the construction of informed solutions to support the deployment of blockchain technology using appropriate identification, development and communication strategies.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
This unit introduces you to effective data security risk management processes in contemporary networked and cloud-based environments. You will develop your understanding of cybersecurity principles, methodologies and technical solutions. The unit will equip you to identify a range of threats and security vulnerabilities in contemporary business and personal information technology infrastructure and introduce you to a range of assessment tools and processes for contingency planning and risk mitigation. The unit will also address the relationships between ethics, cybersecurity and privacy in the contemporary legal and regulatory compliance environment.
Learning outcomes:
- Develop strategies for incident analysis, research and action planning in the context of organisational cyber security.
- Apply contemporary cybersecurity risk management frameworks to develop a plan that addresses data integrity, network security, privacy compliance, and threat mitigation strategies in a business context.
- Critically review information security risks and threats to privacy in an organisational context.
- Identify and communicate the variety and impact of cybersecurity threats in a contemporary business context to a range of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 12
Prerequisites: ITC5004 Team-Based Design Processes in Software Development
Unit Description:
This unit is the third of five applied research project units which form the spine of MIT. In this unit, you will develop skills working with clients including methodologies to gather client project requirements, negotiate and manage client expectations, and present clear concept proposals that communicate expected outcomes. You will work on a client designated group project to apply the skills learned in this unit and the pre/co-requisite unit ITC5005 Blockchain Technology. You will extend your skills in using agile project methodologies to facilitate design processes in groups and use methodologies for problem identification and critical assessment of solutions. You will also extend your ability to reflect on the social impact of IT solutions in the context of global sustainability needs.
Learning outcomes:
- Implement a comprehensive software solution that addresses client needs using relevant current or emerging technologies.
- Plan and implement an agreed approach to project development using the Agile methodology with emphasis on good team communication, task allocation, and meetings, and using reporting tools to influence future work.
- Research and critically reflect on the needs of the project and develop a solution based on the given requirements that results in an innovative solution appropriate to the client’s needs.
- Develop professional project documentation, exhibit professional discourse with stakeholders, and be able to effectively present the developed software solution to a range of stakeholders.
- Critically reflect on and analyse the impact of the software solution in reference to sustainability goals and how the solution may influence further projects.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 12
Prerequisites: ITC5100 Client-Based Project Management in IT
Unit Description:
This capstone is delivered in two parts, A and B; this unit is ITC5201 Capstone Industry Project A. The capstone is the final applied research project that forms the spine of the Master of Information Technology. In the two capstone units, you will demonstrate your mastery of skills in project management and project design methodologies and an ability to deliver innovative software solutions that respond to complex real-world problems. You will also demonstrate your depth and breadth of knowledge and skills across contemporary IT issues and solutions and an ability to reflect on the social impact of IT solutions in the context of global sustainability needs. You will complete either a negotiated entrepreneurial project (group or individual) or an allocated industry project (group). As part of this project, you will produce a comprehensive set of project documentation that addresses the project development, deployment, and maintenance lifecycle. You will curate and present a comprehensive portfolio of work from throughout the course that clearly shows your abilities and mastery as a reflective IT professional. Weekly sessions will include project updates, seminar presentations on innovative practices, value creation and mentor and peer critiques.
Learning outcomes:
- Plan, develop, and implement innovative and sustainable solutions to complex real-world problems following current development methodologies and frameworks to work with other professionals.
- Critically assess and analyse interdisciplinary issues and apply advanced technology solutions.
- Communicate effectively, in both formal and informal contexts, effective and responsible technology solutions responsive to a variety of professional contexts and stakeholders.
Unit Type: Core
Credit points: 12
Prerequisites: ITC5201 Capstone Industry Project A
Unit Description:
This capstone is delivered in two parts, A and B; this unit is ITC5202 Capstone Industry Project B. The capstone is the final applied research project that forms the spine of the Master of Information Technology. In the two capstone units, you will demonstrate your mastery of skills in project management and project design methodologies and an ability to deliver innovative software solutions that respond to complex real-world problems. You will also demonstrate your depth and breadth of knowledge and skills across contemporary IT issues and solutions and an ability to reflect on the social impact of IT solutions in the context of global sustainability needs. You will complete either a negotiated entrepreneurial project (group or individual) or an allocated industry project (group). As part of this project, you will produce a comprehensive set of project documentation that addresses the project development, deployment, and maintenance lifecycle. You will curate and present a comprehensive portfolio of work from throughout the course that clearly shows your abilities and mastery as a reflective IT professional. Weekly sessions will include project updates, seminar presentations on innovative practices, value creation and mentor and peer critiques.
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in contemporary software development tools, processes, applications, and approaches to applied research in a dynamically changing environment.
- Plan, develop, and implement innovative and sustainable solutions to complex real-world problems following current development methodologies and frameworks to work with other professionals.
- Critically assess and analyse interdisciplinary issues and apply advanced technology solutions.
- Communicate effectively, in both formal and informal contexts, effective and responsible technology solutions responsive to a variety of professional contexts and stakeholders.
- Engage ethically with diverse stakeholders and exhibit an understanding of the global role of the information technology sector in a changing world.
Pathways for future study
With its emphasis on teamwork and project management, the MIT will provide a basis for further study in leadership and business administration. Students with appropriate prior work experience will receive credit for entry into the ACAP MBA.
Students who enrol in the Master of Information Technology and choose to discontinue their studies after successfully completing the first four units may exit the course with a Graduate Certificate of Software Development (AQF 8).
