IT and Computer Science

Today's changing world needs engineering and technology leaders who identify opportunities and create solutions. It needs trusted leaders who work across sectors and industries to deliver security and sustainability. Learn how we support graduate researchers to become leaders.

The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) has a long history of tackling big challenges to benefit society. This has been our mission for more than 160 years. Confronted with new global challenges, complex issues such as climate change and digital disruption need our attention. They need a contemporary approach to IT solutions. In the face of these challenges, we’re using research to create more impact than ever before.

As a graduate researcher, you’ll find a wide range of research topics available. We employ more than 450 academic staff, all experts in their field. This means you’ll find deep knowledge in your chosen area – mentors who think creatively about complex issues, and  who will help you achieve your research goals.

When completing your graduate research degree, you’ll access outstanding research training opportunities. You can join multidisciplinary initiatives, mentoring programs, networking events and fellowships. You can also work with industry partners to help solve their business needs. You’ll create real-world impact, while expanding your networks and your career prospects.

Diversity is important to us. We promote an inclusive culture, with strong female representation and an increasing number of Indigenous students and staff. More than half of the Faculty's students come from overseas.

Together, we’re driven by a passion to keep finding solutions to the biggest challenges of our time.

Explore our research themes

As a graduate researcher in FEIT, you can pursue exciting opportunities in a range of projects. Our priority research disciplines are:

AI, data science and robotics – Artificial intelligence, big data and robotics are disrupting the world. No one will remain untouched. FEIT is collaborating across the University to pursue multidisciplinary research opportunities, including with the Melbourne Centre for Data Science in the Faculty of Science.

Smart and sustainable development – At a global level, we need more efficient and sustainable use of resources. FEIT research focuses on energy, water distribution, food production and smart infrastructure.

Health technologies – Expertly designed technologies can have significant impact on global health and wellbeing. FEIT is working with health professionals and patients to deliver healthier communities.

Defence technologies - Our increasingly complex world requires excellent security and cybersecurity technologies. FEIT is a national leader in defence research.

We also offer research innovation programs by sector. Work on real-life business challenges with our industry partners in these areas:

• Transport – creating more sustainable transport systems and more liveable cities
• Defence – keeping Australians safe in a complex security landscape
• Water, environment and agriculture – securing vital natural resources for future generations
• Sustainable mining – improving sustainability in the mining sector
• Food and agribusiness – assisting food businesses with new products and processes
• Infrastructure – meeting the infrastructure needs of rapidly growing urban populations
• Energy – understanding how to transition to a clean energy system
• Cybersecurity – detecting cyber attacks and governing cyber operations
• Medical technologies – improving health outcomes and quality of life.

Depending on your research theme, you’ll be aligned with one of three schools within FEIT:

• School of Computing and Information Systems (CIS)
• School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (CBE)
• School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering (EMI)

FEIT is also home to more than 20 major research centres and institutes. These organisations represent joint ventures between universities, industry and government bodies in Australia. Each centre offers its own research opportunities.

Work with experts from other disciplines

We work across disciplines to address big, bold questions. Collaborating with researchers from other disciplines leads to creativity and innovation. Depending on the topic, you might work with experts in design, economics or health.

Current interdisciplinary projects include:

• Creativity and wellbeing – investigating the impact of creativity on wellbeing across the lifespan
• Digital ethics – understanding the ethical, regulatory and legal issues surrounding AI and digital technologies
• Cognitive computing for medical technologies – exploring AI in data-intensive medical contexts

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.

Next steps

• Search for a supervisor in your field of research.
• Learn more about completing a Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering and IT.
• Learn more about completing a Master of Philosophy - Engineering and IT.
• Find out more about international applications or domestic applications.
• Explore the School of Computing and Information Systems website to learn more about engineering research.
• Read about the latest research findings in IT and computer science.