Pre-Masters (Information Technology)
Solve some of the world’s hardest problems.
What is a Pre-Masters Program?
Our Pre-Masters Program is a pathway program developed for students like you, who want to commence postgraduate studies at UNSW but don't meet the entry requirements.
Our program is developed in conjunction with UNSW approved curriculum, which means you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to a UNSW Sydney master's program.
Intakes
January, May, August
Duration
15 weeks / 1 Term (12 teaching weeks)
Weekly class time
21-23 face-to-face teaching hours per week
Progression
Master of Information Technology (8543)
Delivery mode
Face-to-face
CRICOS Code
113490D
Program Materials
Delivered via Learning Management System Moodle
Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL)
Based on English level and specialisation, you may be eligible for up to 12 units of credit towards chosen master's degree.
Your pathway with a Pre-Masters Program
- Overview
- Progress to UNSW Sydney
- Program structure
- Entry requirements
- Key dates
- Fees and scholarships
Who is this program for?
Our Pre-Masters Program is designed to assist you by providing additional academic support to meet the entry requirements needed to progress to a postgraduate degree at UNSW Sydney. It offers an opportunity for you to enhance your skills in preparation for postgraduate studies.
At UNSW College, you will receive:
- an intellectually engaging and personally fulfilling experience;
- an immersive, high-quality teaching and learning environment;
- guaranteed entry to master's coursework studies, upon successful completion;
- up to 12 Units of Credit (one or two courses) towards your master's program at UNSW Sydney;
- a student-centred approach to learning;
- a fostered sense of belonging to the UNSW Community of Learners from first contact to graduation.
Why study a master's at UNSW Sydney?
Renowned globally for its prestigious engineering programs and cutting-edge research, UNSW Sydney stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence. By pursuing a master's degree at UNSW Sydney, you open doors to world-class education and unrivalled career prospects.
#1 in Australia
For Engineering
Times Higher Education (THE). QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022*
#1 in Australia
For the School of Computer Science and Engineering’s research
CS Rankings in Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems
#36 Globally
For Engineering
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022
5 Star Rating
School of Computer Science and Engineering
Australian Research Council
Career opportunities
- Systems Analyst
- Information Systems Manager
- IT Security Manager
- IT Security Consultant
- IT Project Manager
- Software Architect
- IT
- IS
- Data scientist
- Network engineer
- Software engineer
- UI/UX designer
- Systems administration
Your future at UNSW
Once you successfully complete a Pre-Masters Program (and meet the entry requirements), you will be guaranteed entry into the Master of Information Technology at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.
On successful completion of the Pre-Masters Program (Information Technology), you may be eligible to receive up to 12 units of credit as Recognition of Prior Learning towards:
- Master of Information Technology (8543)
Note: All students entering the Pre-Masters Program will undertake at least one master’s-equivalent course to receive 6 units of credit towards their chosen master’s degree program.
Students entering Pre-Masters Program with an IELTS greater than or equal to 6.5 (or equivalent) can undertake a second master’s equivalent course and may receive an additional 6 units of credit towards their chosen UNSW master’s degree (i.e. up to 12 units of credit in total).
Top 20
Worldwide
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most
Employable Graduates
AFR Top100 Future leaders Award, 2020-2025
Best
Australian university for entrepreneurs
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
Program structure
The Pre-Masters Program comprises of three (3) core courses and one (1) elective.
- The following is a guide to the selection of courses for the Term of study.
- Enrolment conditions must be satisfied before selecting any course within the program.
- A core course is one that must be satisfactorily completed to meet the requirements of the program.
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Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week (up to) AELS1401 Academic Research and Information Skills 2
1
BMGT1402 Innovation and Entrepreneurship 4 4 CPTG1405 Principles of Programming 6 8 Academic Research and Information Skills
This course is designed to help you develop the skills necessary to conduct effective research on academic literature and improve your overall literacy skills. Through a combination of workshops readings, assignments, and discussions, you will learn how to identify research questions, develop innovative research questions, find and evaluate sources, synthesize information, and communicate their findings effectively through writing and presentation
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles and philosophy of innovation and entrepreneurship. It will focus on teaching innovative skills, project management, and entrepreneurial concepts to allow you to put your imagination and skills to the test by identifying real world problems and generating innovative solutions to address these.
Principles of Programming
This course equips you with both theoretical and practical knowledge of generic programming techniques and Python programming, which can be applied effectively in various specialised courses that require students to have a strong grasp of programming skills and a well-mastered understanding of the Python language.
The course delves deeply into the features of the language, with a strong focus on problem-solving across a wide range of application domains, some of which involve mathematical concepts. The course is designed to be self-contained and does not require any prior knowledge of programming or Python programming, provided that students have the expected mathematical background.
Note: On successful completion of Principles of Programming, you will be eligible for 6 units of credit toward your chosen master's degree.
-
Students entering the Pre-Masters Program with an IELTS equal to 6.0 (or equivalent) must undertake the below.
Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week (up to) AELS1400 Academic English for Higher Studies 6 10 Students entering the Pre-Masters Program with an IELTS greater than or equal to 6.5 (or equivalent) may choose from the elective option based on the master’s specialisation.
Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week (up to) CPTG1404 Foundations of Computer Science 6 8 Academic English for Higher Studies
Academic English for Higher Studies is a unit of study within the Pre-Masters Program intended to support students who do not yet meet UNSW’s English Language requirements. The course is designed to provide a staged, language-supported experiential process through the delivery of a structured research project on a discipline-relevant topic.
Foundations of Computer Science
Foundations of Computer Science is a unit of study within the Pre-Masters (Information Technology) Program designed to develop students’ logical and mathematical reasoning for computing. The course provides essential grounding in discrete mathematics, logic, and algorithmic thinking to prepare students for advanced study in programming, data structures, and related IT disciplines.
How is the program assessed?
There are a variety of assessment methods including - Quizzes, Exams, Assignments, Portfolios, Presentations, Seminars, Case Studies, Reports and Journals.
Entry requirements
Our Pre-Masters (Information Technology) is designed specifically for students like you, who want to study a Master of Information Technology at UNSW Sydney - before you start the Pre-Masters, you must meet the required English language proficiency and specific academic entry requirements.
Follow the link below to view the entry requirements. Requirements provided should be considered as a guide only and are subject to change.
Academic calendars
The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.
Pre-Masters Program fees
2025 tuition fees (international)
A$23,500
2026 tuition fees (international)
A$24,400
For additional information on our fees and other non-tuition fees, please see the Fees page.
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Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included.
Scholarships
If you're starting your Pre-Masters Program in 2025, you could be eligible for a scholarship.
Ready to apply?
At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to join us, click the button below – or visit how to apply for a step-by-step guide.
CRICOS Program Code
113490D
Why study with UNSW College?
Your path to a global top 20 university
Successfully complete a Pre-Masters and secure guaranteed entry to UNSW Sydney.
Support as you learn
Our dedicated support teams are here to help you manage life and achieve success at university.
Directly connected to UNSW
The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world-class libraries, clubs and societies.
I chose UNSW College as it is a pathway to study at UNSW Sydney and has a great academic environment. While at UNSW College I have improved my independent study skills. I have made great friends and my teachers have a friendly attitude.
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Foundation Studies, Academic English and Pre-Masters Program
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, and Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Diplomas
UNSW College delivers its UNSW College Diplomas under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). UNSW College delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.