Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2025 course information

Award granted Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence
Deakin course codeS736
Faculty

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

CampusOffered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
OnlineYes
Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent. Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications you may be eligible for credit which could reduce your course duration.

Course Map - enrolment planning tool

The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

CRICOS course code0100305 Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course sub-headings

Course overview

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, many companies are looking to understand and harness this transformative technology. With Deakin’s Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence, you will acquire the specialised knowledge and skills essential for designing and developing software solutions that leverage the power of AI. Get ready to graduate as an in-demand professional worldwide. 

Embrace the future of digital disruption and embark on a journey that immerses you in the realms of AI technologies, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. Explore the application of these algorithms in computer vision and speech processing, paving the way for innovative solutions across diverse sectors. Better yet, experience practical learning that mirrors real-world scenarios, utilising state-of-the-art software, robotics, VR, and cyber-physical systems in our fully equipped labs and studios. 

Are you ready to lead the charge in the AI revolution? 

As an AI specialist, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including software engineers, data scientists, application developers, and business analysts, to ensure appropriate integration of AI into software solutions from a technical and human perspective. You will learn to apply advanced knowledge of AI to the research and evaluations of AI, while also exploring the complexities of introducing AI solutions in a human context, considering both ethical and engineering aspects. 

Our world-leading research in AI feeds directly into our classrooms, meaning you will be learning at the cutting-edge of industry expectations and capabilities. Graduate with the hands-on experience to confidently work on the design, development, and operation of AI-driven software solutions. 

Artificial intelligence is driving digital disruption across almost every sector, redefining the workforce, and creating global demand for skilled professionals. AI and machine learning specialists top the list of the fastest-growing jobs worldwide.* There are projected to be more than 200,000 roles (25.1% growth or 36,700 new jobs) for software and application programmers in Australia in the next 10 years.^With this significant projected job growth, now is the time to future-proof your career. By enrolling in our Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence, you position yourself at the forefront of this thriving field, equipped to drive innovation and shape the future of technology. 

*World Economic Forum, The Future of Jobs Report 2023.

^Jobs and Skills Australia, National Employment Projections 2023 to 2033. 

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

The Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Career opportunities

With artificial intelligence estimated to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030*, it's fast becoming the cornerstone to technological progress across industries. Businesses and organisations are increasingly recognising how AI can be harnessed to optimise their growth and operations. This means careers in AI are more exciting and varied than ever before. 

Job opportunities are thriving everywhere from healthcare, to retail, to financial services, to transport and logistics – and they will only continue to grow as AI advances. Set yourself up with a career that holds an important place in the employment opportunities of tomorrow. 

As a graduate, you will have the specialist knowledge to become a sought-after professional in a range of roles, including: 

  • AI technology software engineer
  • API integration expert
  • AI researcher
  • data scientist
  • language model trainer
  • prompt engineer
  • natural language processing engineer
  • AI product manager
  • AI ethicist
  • AI architect.

*PwC’s Global Artificial Intelligence Study: Exploiting the AI Revolution. 

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Pathways

Pathways for students to enter the Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence are as follows:

Pathway options will depend on your professional experience and previous qualifications.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence (S536)
Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (S578)
Graduate Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (S636)

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities Develop an advanced and integrated knowledge of the technologies of artificial intelligence, including deep learning and reinforcement learning, with detailed knowledge of the application of AI algorithms across a range of domains and applications including computer vision and speech processing.

Design, develop and implement software solutions that incorporate novel applications of artificial intelligence.

Apply advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence to the research and evaluation of AI solutions and provision of specialist advice.

Design artificial intelligence solutions that incorporate safe ethical decision making.

Communication

Communicate in professional and other context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through artificial intelligence and to motivate and effect change by drawing upon advances in technology, future trends and industry standards, and by utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences including specialist and non-specialist clients, industry personnel and other stakeholders.

Digital literacy

Identify, evaluate, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of artificial intelligence to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and justify digital tools selection to influence others.

Critical thinking

Questions assumptions and seeks to uncover inconsistencies and ambiguities in information and judgements, critically evaluates their sources and rationales, to inform and justify decision making in the field of artificial intelligence.

Problem solving

Apply expert, specialised cognitive, technical, and creative skills from artificial intelligence to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate solutions to complex real-world and ill-defined computing problems.

Self-management

Apply reflective practice and work independently to apply knowledge and skills in a professional manner to complex situations and ongoing learning in the field of artificial intelligence with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal and professional accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.

Teamwork

Work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary environments to achieve team goals, contributing advanced knowledge and skills from artificial intelligence to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles to cultivate creative thinking, interpersonal adeptness, leadership skills, and handle challenging discussions, while excelling in diverse professional, social, and cultural scenarios.

Global citizenship

Engage in professional and ethical behaviour in the field of artificial intelligence, with appreciation for the global context, and openly and respectfully collaborate with diverse communities and cultures.

 

Course rules

To complete the Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence students must pass 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate: 

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
  • Part A: Foundation Information Technology studies:
    • 4 credit points of core units
  • Part B: Fundamental Artificial Intelligence studies:
    • 4 credit points of core units
  • Part C: Mastery Applied Artificial Intelligence studies:
    • 4 credit points of core units
  • Part D: Applied Artificial Intelligence capstone studies:
    • 3 credit points of core units
    • 1 credit point of course elective units, level 7 SIT or MIS-coded.

Depending upon prior qualifications and/or experience, you may receive credit towards Parts A and B.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary. 

Course structure

Part A: Foundation Information Technology Studies

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

SIT771Object-Oriented Development

SIT772Database Fundamentals

SIT773Software Requirements Analysis and Modelling

SIT774Web Technologies and Development

Part B: Fundamental Artificial Intelligence studies

SIT720Machine Learning

SIT787Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence

SIT788Engineering AI Solutions

SIT799Human Aligned Artificial Intelligence

Part C: Mastery Applied Artificial Intelligence studies

SIT744Deep Learning

SIT796Reinforcement Learning

SIT789Robotics, Computer Vision and Speech Processing

SIT770Natural Language Processing

Part D: Applied Artificial Intelligence Capstone studies

SIT753Professional Practice in Information Technology

SIT764Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices

SIT782Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery

Plus 1 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective (1 credit point)

Work experience

You may have an opportunity to undertake a placement as part of your course. For more information, please visit deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.


Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Other course information

Other learning experiences

You may choose to use one of your elective units to undertake an internship or participate in an overseas study tour to enhance your global awareness and experience.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.