School of Engineering and Computer Science

Postgraduate Study

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Engineering and Computer Science are complex and fast moving disciplines, and Victoria is committed to excellence in its teaching and research. Our undergraduate degrees provide an excellent platform for careers in engineering and  computer science, but postgraduate study will enable you to explore the full breadth and depth of these dynamic disciplines.

Professional engineers also benefit from studying the latest trends in their fields. Our postgraduate programmes support new graduates, experienced professionals and those who are looking for a change of career.


Postgraduate Programmes

We offer the postgraduate programmes listed below. A diagram showing how the programmes fit together is at the bottom of the page.

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Science
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Science
  • Master of Computer Science
  • Master of Science
  • Master of Engineering
  • PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
  • Graduate Diploma in Science

Postgraduate Qualifications by Coursework

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

The BSc Honours degree is the traditional first step beyond the undergraduate degree and is typically taken immediately following completion of a BSc. It comprises one academic year of full-time study. With permission, it can be undertaken part-time over two years. It generally allows students to progress directly to PhD study.

The School offers:

  • the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science or in Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering is a programme of study combining course and project work. The degree has majors in Computer Science or Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering.
  • the BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) in Logic and Computation are programmes designed for students seeking a graduate level qualification in the major concepts and methods of logic and their use in aspects of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Philosophy.
Postgraduate Diploma in Science

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc) is a programme designed for students wanting a post-graduate course-work qualification that can be completed full-time in 2 trimesters or part-time up to 4 years. The PGDipSc is offered in the following subjects:

  • Computer Science
  • Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering
  • Logic and Computation.
Postgraduate Certificate in Science

The Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc) provides an alternative path of postgraduate study in Science for students wanting a short course work postgraduate qualification. The certificate is suitable for those students who are not admitted to the BSc (Hons) and MSc Part 1 and/or who do not want to take a PGDipSc or want to exit earlier from the PGDipSc. A candidate in PGCertSc shall normally be enrolled for at least one trimester and shall complete the requirements within two years. This program is also suitable for those who want to complete postgraduate study in a focused area within a short timeframe while in full-time work or managing other commitments.

Master of Computer Science

The Master of Computer Science (MCompSc) is master’s degree centred on course work completed over two years (or a longer period on a part-time basis). It is a graduate qualification designed for professionals seeking to advance their knowledge of Computer Science and to obtain a formal qualification that recognises their achievement. The degree will also be attractive to new graduates who wish to advance their knowledge of Computer Science before seeking employment. The degree emphasises course work as opposed to a significant research thesis.

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Postgraduate Degrees by Research

Master of Science

The Master of Science (MSc) is a postgraduate degree with a thesis as a major component. The degree is designed to provide an advanced level of professional competence with research experience. The School offers two MSc programmes:

  • MSc in Computer Science
  • MSc in Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering

Both MSc have two parts:

  • Part 1 is one year of full time study consisting of course work.
  • Part 2 is a thesis which typically requires 12-18 months of study.

Students with an honours degree (including a BE with honours) or a PGDipSc take Part 2 only. Students with a BSc need to take both parts 1 and 2.

Master of Engineering

The Master of Engineering (ME) is a master’s degree involving a thesis in engineering with or without a specific area such as electronic and computer system engineering, network engineering, and software engineering. The ME programme provides students with both a professional qualification attractive to employers in the engineering fields as well as opportunities to carry out a significant piece of research in engineering. The ME is a one year to one and half year full-time programme.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

The PhD degree is a research qualification that involves three to four years of original research work. A PhD is generally required by those people seeking careers in a university or research laboratory. A number of private companies and government departments also carry out research and seek new employees with a PhD.


Graduate Diploma in Science

We offer the Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc) qualification for professionals with a degree in another area who want to gain a formal qualification in Computer Science, Electronics, or Logic and Computation. The programme also appeals to graduates in other subjects who want to develop their skills in these areas. 

The School offers the GDipSc with specialisations in:

  • Computer Science
  • Electronics
  • Logic and Computation.

More information about the GDipSc, is available on the Faculty of Science website.


More Information

Contact the following people:

  • Christopher Hollitt - for BSc (Hons), PGDipSc, PGCertSc, MCompSc and MSc (Part 1) enquiries
  • Winston Seah - for PhD, MSc (Part 2) and ME enquiries
  • Pavle Mogin - for international students interested in postgraduate coursework qualifications

Download a postgraduate prospectus.

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How to Apply

Prospective students should firstly make contact with a staff member in their area of interest to discuss and confirm that their thesis topic can be supervised by the School.

For postgraduate research degrees (PhD, MSc Part 2, ME), candidates may enrol at any time, but students enrolling in course work programmes must abide by the regular enrolment deadlines. Prospective PhD students must apply for admission by 1 March, or 1 July or 1 November.

Further information about applying for postgraduate programmes is available for New Zealand students and international students.

Students are encouraged to apply for the many scholarships on offer to support their study. Note that international PhD students pay only domestic fees.

The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) provides a first contact point for all students applying for a PhD at Victoria. The Faculty website provides application forms, details of available funding, application dates and answers to frequently asked questions. The FGR continues to support PhD students throughout their studies at Victoria University.


Postgraduate Qualifications