Master of Management Information Systems

The Master of Management Information Systems at Edith Cowan University is a two-year coursework degree for people who want to work at the point where business problems meet technology solutions. You will study how organisations use information systems to run operations, make decisions and manage change. Core topics typically include systems analysis and design, database management, enterprise systems, project management, IT governance and business process improvement. You will also look at how data is collected, stored and turned into information managers can act on.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees by coursework usually run over four semesters or trimesters, and this one is no different. You complete units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you need a defined total to graduate. The first half of the degree builds your core knowledge in information systems and management. The second half lets you choose electives or a specialisation, and many students finish with a capstone unit or a research project where they tackle a real information systems problem. Some programs include an industry placement or work-integrated learning unit, so you spend time in an organisation applying what you have learned. Credit arrangements vary, so check the official page for the exact unit list and credit-point requirements.

What you actually learn

You will learn to gather business requirements, model processes, design systems and manage IT projects from start to finish. There is work on data modelling, SQL, enterprise resource planning systems and the frameworks that keep IT aligned with business strategy. You also cover the human side: change management, stakeholder communication and the ethics and security issues that come with handling organisational data. Group projects and case studies are common, and you will often present to a panel or write a business case. These are the skills employers ask for when they hire business analysts, systems analysts and IT project coordinators.

Who it suits

This degree suits two groups. First, people with a business, commerce or management background who want to move into IT roles without becoming programmers. Second, IT professionals who want to step up into management, consulting or enterprise systems work. It also works for recent graduates from any discipline who want a qualification that combines business and technology. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Edith Cowan University has campuses in Perth, and the city has a growing technology and business services sector. Confirm English requirements, tuition and intake dates on the official course page.

• Business analyst – work with stakeholders to define requirements and recommend system solutions. Hired by banks, insurers, government agencies and consultancies.
• Systems analyst – design and improve information systems that support business operations. Common in health, education, retail and logistics organisations.
• IT project manager – plan, budget and deliver technology projects. Needed across mining, construction, finance and the public sector.
• Enterprise systems consultant – help organisations implement and optimise ERP and CRM platforms. Consulting firms and software vendors hire for these roles.
• Data or business intelligence analyst – turn raw data into reports and dashboards that guide decisions. Found in almost every industry, including government and not-for-profit.
• IT manager – oversee a team, manage budgets and align technology with business goals. Usually after some years of experience.
• Digital transformation analyst – support organisations moving manual processes to digital platforms. Growing demand in healthcare, aged care and government services.