61st in the world

Ranked 61st globally for engineering and technology by the 2020 QS University Rankings by Subject

1st for employability

Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2020 QS Graduate Employability Rankings

The Master of Complex Systems degree will provide you with the expertise to model, analyse and design resilient technological, socioeconomic and socioecological systems, as well as develop strategies for crisis forecasting and management.

Smart cities, megaprojects, power and data grids, ecosystems, communication and transport networks are all complex systems. They generate rich interactions among components with interdependencies across systems. This interdependent behaviour creates challenges for designing and managing complex systems.

Complex systems are composed of numerous diverse interacting parts, making them susceptible to unexpected, large-scale, and apparently uncontrollable behaviours. Small changes can generate large, amplified effects. For example, a single malfunction in a local substation can lead to cascading state-wide electricity grid failures; and the emergence of a new pathogen in a remote village can give rise to a devastating global epidemic.

The Master of Complex Systems will develop your skills in quantitative modelling and computational simulation of system dynamics, complementing your existing skills in engineering, computer science, information technology, physics, mathematics, health, biology or business. These unique skills will enable you to operate across discipline boundaries, providing key input and insights to help solve complex global challenges.

As an expert in complex systems, you could pursue a career in major multinational research and development companies, government and crisis management agencies, health, construction or transport organisations.

You have the flexibility to tailor your learning to your professional interests with the choice of three specialisations: Engineering; Biosecurity; Research Methods; Transport.

You will undertake an industry-based capstone project. A research pathway is also available.

Graduates of this program will be suitable for careers in major multi-national research and development companies, government and crisis management agencies, and large health, construction and transport organisations, or continue on an academic research pathway. MCXS graduates will operate across discipline boundaries, in environments outside the experience of most professionals, providing key modelling input and insights to resolution of complex challenges across the globe.