Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (Professional)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2025 course information

Award granted Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (Professional)
Deakin course codeS737
Faculty

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

CampusOffered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
OnlineYes
Duration2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
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 code0100306 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. 

The Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (Professional) extends the Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence by providing you with the opportunity to undertake industry-based learning or engage in an in-depth research project under the supervision of our internationally recognised research staff.

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. 

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. 

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.

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 (Professional), 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 (Professional) 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 (Professional) are as follows:

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

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence (S536)
Graduate Diploma of Artificial Intelligence (S636)
Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (S736)

Research information

Students interested in pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), including a Masters by Research or PhD are encouraged to undertake the Professional Studies – Research Project pathway. High achieving students with a particular interest in research should also consider undertaking either the Research Training in Information Technology specialisation or additional research units as electives (e.g. SIT724, SIT746 and/or SIT747). Students are encouraged to contact Student Central and speak to a course advisor if they are interested in pursuing this option.

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.

Have a broad appreciation of advanced topics within the IT domain through engagement with research or specialist studies.

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 advanced 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

 Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of artificial intelligence and 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 specialist 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 (Professional) 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: Fundamental Applied Artificial Intelligence studies:
    • 4 credit points of core units
  • Part B: Mastery Applied Artificial Intelligence studies: 
    • 4 credit points of core units
  • Part C: Specialisation or course electives
    • 4 credit points which may comprise of:
      • 4 credit point specialisation or
      • 4 credit points of course elective units, level 7 SIT or MIS-coded
  • Part D: Professional studies which consists of:
    • 4 credit points of professional studies units.

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: Fundamental Artificial Intelligence studies

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

SIT720Machine Learning

SIT787Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence

SIT788Engineering AI Solutions

SIT799Human Aligned Artificial Intelligence

Part B: Mastery Applied Artificial Intelligence studies

SIT744Deep Learning

SIT770Natural Language Processing

SIT789Robotics, Computer Vision and Speech Processing

SIT796Reinforcement Learning

Part C: Specialisation or Course electives

A 4 credit point specialisation from the list below or 4 level 7 SIT or MIS-coded elective units (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774).

Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.

Part D: Professional studies

Team Project

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 unit (1 credit point)

OR

Professional Practice

STP710Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SIT753Professional Practice in Information Technology

SIT764Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices

SIT791Professional Practice (2 credit points)*

OR

Research Project^

SIT753Professional Practice in Information Technology

SIT764Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices

Plus 1 unit (2 credit points) from the following:

SIT723Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points)+

SIT792Minor Thesis (2 credit points)+

 

*Students undertaking this unit must have successfully completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit).

+ Entry is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

^Students interested in pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), including a Masters by Research or PhD are encouraged to undertake the Professional Studies – Research Project pathway. High achieving students with a particular interest in research should also consider undertaking either the Research Training in Information Technology specialisation or additional research units as electives (e.g. SIT724, SIT746 and/or SIT747). Students are encouraged to contact Student Central and speak to a course advisor if they are interested in pursuing this option.

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.

Details of specialisations

Blockchain and software development

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-S000092

Overview

This specialisation introduces you to state-of-the-art blockchain technologies and allows you to explore various software platforms and tools used for large-scale data analysis. You will learn how to build software solutions using modern software engineering techniques. Additionally, you can choose to hone your studies in the design and development of cloud applications or blockchain technologies depending on your area of interest.

Units

SIT708Mobile Application Development

SIT725Applied Software Engineering

SIT728Blockchain Technologies and Real-World Applications

SIT737Cloud Native Application Development

Business analytics

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS004

Units

MIS770Foundation Skills in Data Analysis

MIS771Descriptive Analytics and Visualisation

Plus 2 credit points from:

MIS772Predictive Analytics

MIS714People Analytics

MIS781Business Intelligence and Database

Cyber security

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-S000028

Overview

Develop skills in securing data, communications and infrastructure as well as investigating, analysing and providing solutions to computer crime. Students will gain an understanding of problem solving, communication and technical capabilities related to Information Technology Security, as well as the legal, regulatory and ethical contexts in which these skills are used. The security units provide a solid foundation in areas including information security, internet and network security, access controls and firewalls. 

Units

SIT716Computer Networks and Security

SIT704Ethical Hacking

And two (2) units from the following:

SIT703Computer Forensics and Investigations

SIT735Application and Communication Protocol Security

SIT736Identity, Access Management and Physical Security

SIT738Secure Coding

SIT763Cyber Security Management

Data science

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-S000055

Overview

The data science specialisation has been designed to provide students with the opportunity to undertake study and develop technical skills in key areas of data science and data analytics.

Units

SIT718Real World Analytics

SIT720Machine Learning

And two (2) units from the following:

SIT741Statistical Data Analysis

SIT742Modern Data Science

SIT743Bayesian Learning and Graphical Models

SIT744Deep Learning

SIT731Data Wrangling

Information systems

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-MDBS012

Units

MIS701Digital Business Analysis

MIS761Cyber Security Strategies

MIS770Foundation Skills in Data Analysis

MIS782Value of Information

Networking and cloud technologies

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Online

Unit set code

SP-S000021

Overview

Learn to take advantage of modern networking and cloud technologies in the development, deployment, and scaling of enterprise solutions.

Units

Any four (4) units from the following:

SIT706Cloud Computing

SIT716Computer Networks and Security

SIT727Cloud Automation Technologies

SIT722Software Deployment and Operation

SIT737Cloud Native Application Development

Information Technology Research Training

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online

Unit set code

SP-S000011

Overview

The Information Technology Research Training specialisation is ideally suited to students who are interested in pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), including a Masters by Research or PhD. This specialisation includes four credit points of dedicated research training to support student preparedness for an HDR.

Units

4 credit points from:

SIT723Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points)^*

SIT724Research Project (2 credit points)*

SIT746Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points)*

SIT747Research Project (Publication) (2 credit points)*

SLE761Professional Research Practice

1 level 7 SIT or MIS elective unit (1 credit point) 

^Students who have completed SIT723 as part of the Professional Studies Research Project option should complete 4 credit points from SIT724, SIT746, SIT747, SLE761 and 1 level 7 SIT or MIS elective unit.

* Entry is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

Virtual reality

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

SP-S000083

Overview

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive digital environment that can replicate lifelike physical environments or portray a fictional artificial world, making the user feel  immersed in that environment as if it were real life. These can be viewed through a head mounted display (e.g. Oculus Rift and HTC Vive), a smartphone based display (e.g. Google Cardboard), or by standing within a cube or dome showing 3D projections on every surface. VR allows users to interact with these environments and can also create additional sensory experiences including virtual touch through haptic technology, smell, taste and sound. There is a strong emphasis on creating content that will assist in shaping the future of education, training and entertainment.

Career Outcomes

Virtual reality and augmented reality skills are in high demand across a range of industries and graduates may find employment as virtual reality game designers, oculus developers, game producers, 3D designers and gameplay engineers to name a few.

Units

SIT758Assembling Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

SIT755Interactive Application Design for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT756Development for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT757Content Creation for Interactive Experiences


Course duration

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

Further information

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

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.

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.