IT and Computer Science

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Computer code and lights projected over a woman's face

Join a community of researchers who are dedicated to creating a better world through information technology.

As a graduate researcher, you will study in a multidisciplinary research environment, where important discoveries are being made, and where research outcomes have real-world impact.

You will work alongside and be supervised by researchers who are world leaders in information technology (IT) and computer science.

You will contribute technological solutions to some of the key challenges of the 21st century. In doing so, you will have the potential to improve the lives of many people.

Learn how we’re making a difference

We are designing intelligent agents whose decisions can be easily understood by humans, as part of a project that is examining the problem of “Explainable AI”.

Our distributed computing research group is pushing the boundaries of how we can extract more performance and computer-power from large-scale networks of computing devices. These include fog, edge, cloud and grid computing issues.

We are examining how to keep your data private and safe by developing effective protections against malicious attack and intrusion.

We are working with health researchers to examine how new technologies can deliver better outcomes for patients in a range of health domains, from youth mental health to aged care. Our Smart Hospital Living Lab is developing technology to improve how hospitals run.

Working with Melbourne Zoo, we have created a motion-based video game to provide cognitive enrichment for the orang-utans.

This is just a snapshot of research in IT and computer science. We’re continuing to push the boundaries of technological inquiry, on a global scale. And to tackle great challenges in a collaborative environment.

Explore our research themes

We aim to create a better world by devising solutions to significant societal problems. Research focuses on several key themes within the following core disciplines.

Biomedical engineering

Research covers medical technologies, health informatics and healthcare delivery. We create innovative medical solutions that benefit society and the economy. Research themes include:

For information on current projects, visit research projects.

Chemical engineering

As chemical engineering researchers, we use our knowledge of chemistry, biology, computation and engineering to solve problems. Research covers the following themes:

For information on current projects, visit research projects.

Computing and information systems

Research groups include:

Research centres and themes include:

For information on current projects, visit research projects.

Electrical and electronic engineering

Through electrical and electronic engineering research, we solve significant challenges across many areas within society.

Research takes place across the following specialised research areas:

For information on current projects, visit research projects.

Mechanical engineering

In mechanical engineering research, we create machines to solve complex problems and work across the following themes:

For information on current projects, visit research projects.

Partner with an overseas institution

Current funded Joint PhD opportunities

When you undertake a Joint PhD, you are supervised by academics from two institutions. As well as the University of Melbourne, you can partner with an international institution. This means your research will benefit from a truly global perspective. And you will enhance your prospects for an international research career.

We are currently offering the following fully funded Joint PhD opportunities within the theme of IT and Computer Science:

Work with experts from other disciplines

Hallmark Research Initiatives

These initiatives support priority areas of research. In some cases, they run for three years. In other cases, they become a permanent Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institute.

Right now, IT and computer science researchers are working within Creativity and Wellbeing. This initiative investigates the impact of creativity on wellbeing across the lifespan.

Previous Hallmark Research Initiatives involving IT and computer science include:

Ageing – brought together researchers working in creative ageing solutions across disciplines, including technology and ageing.

Computational Biology – established to strengthen collaborations between the faculties of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Materials – an initiative created to support and develop interdisciplinary research in scaleable nano to meso-materials across three research themes: Materials into Medicine, Materials for Energy, and Controlled Assembly of Materials.

Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes

The Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes strengthen and spark interdisciplinary research at the University. They involve industry, government and communities in areas of importance to society.

Previous IT and computer science related institutes include:

The Networked Society – created to realise the opportunities of a society connected through digital, networking and automated technologies.

Materials – created to enable researchers and industry to work with leading researchers at the University of Melbourne on innovative solutions in the materials science domain.

The Melbourne Neuroscience Institute – this institute contributed to the translation of neuroscience research into clinical outcomes for institutional, hospital and commercial partners.

Interdisciplinary PhD Programs

PhD Programs enrich your core PhD studies. They create the opportunity to extend your networks beyond your own faculty. You will attend seminars and workshops with researchers from other relevant disciplines.

As an IT and computer science PhD candidate, you could explore the Biomedical Engineering Innovation PhD Program.

Other interdisciplinary opportunities

Interdisciplinary PhD opportunities are also available in digital ethics and cognitive computing for medical technologies.

Join a stimulating research community

Melbourne Connect

There will be a new and exciting innovation centre in the heart of Melbourne: Melbourne Connect. It will be situated within walking distance of our Parkville campus.

It will place researchers, industry groups and other great thinkers in one place. This will encourage collaborative innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Melbourne Connect will include a variety of workspaces and labs including the ‘Superfloor’ – a place to connect, learn and share.

It will also house the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre and Science Gallery Melbourne. The gallery is a living laboratory that shows how art and science collide. As a researcher, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with artists and curators. Together, you could create an interactive exhibit to explain your research to the public.

Next steps

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