Course Options
Can MInfoTech and MIntDes students take Studio 3 instead of Thesis?
Master of Information Technology (32-units) and Master of Interaction Design (32-units) have Practitioner Options (as alternatives to Thesis). For Practitioner Options, students take DECO7380 in S1 (Design Computing Studio 3 Proposal) and DECO7381 in S2 (Design Computing Studio 3 Build). Students work in structured teams of 6 and can choose their own team members if they like. This is an alternative to REIT7841/REIT7842.
Should I take REIT7841 (4 unit) or REIT7820 (2 unit)?
4-units: If you want an individual topic and expanded research experience and are possibly look at doing further research after graduation, then 4-unit projects are suitable (e.g. REIT7841).
2-units: For students in 16-unit or 24-unit Masters programs: if you are doing REIT6811 (or have already completed it), you may enrol in the 2-unit REIT7820 instead of REIT7842/7841.
This option is particularly recommended for one-year Masters programs.
REIT7820 runs at a less intense pace over 1 semester and dovetails cleanly with REIT6811. REIT6811 (S1) plus REIT7820 (S2) together provide 4 units of research credit, equivalent to the year-long 4-unit thesis projects.
In REIT7820, you will be assigned to a broad thesis theme (no need to find a specific topic or supervisor) and the course combines structured, workshop-style learning with strong research components and individual assessment.
These practitioner options are not available for 32-unit professional masters: MSoftEng(Prof), MElecEng(Prof), MInfTech and MIntDes
Please note: If you commenced prior to 2026 and you wish to complete REIT7820, you must complete an additional 2-units from either compulsory courses, discipline electives or advanced electives to ensure that you meet the overall unit requirement for your program.
Can I do an 8-unit thesis?
Generally students planning to pursue a PhD would usually take a 4-unit thesis, however under exceptional circumstances they may be allowed to do an 8-unit thesis. You will need to check your program to see if REIT4881/REIT4882/REIT7881/REIT7882 are available to you.
There are conditions that must be met for acceptance:
- Typically, students will have a GPA of 6 or higher.
- You must find a supervisor who is willing to supervise an 8 unit thesis.
- You need to apply to the course coordinator for permission with your thesis topic and with confirmation from the supervisor in writing (email thesis_enquiries@eecs.uq.edu.au).