Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) students will be able to:

• apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science in diverse contexts and domains, using critical thinking and judgment, while integrating and respecting Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems
• apply appropriate methods and contemporary tools to the scoping, analysis, design, construction, verification and operation of software systems 
  
• communicate proficiently to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a team, and use the basic tools and practices of project management within project work 
  
• develop professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of professional practice in a global context 
  
• apply problem analysis and decision-making methodologies to identify, design and implement solutions to industry-relevant problems with intellectual independence 
• reflect on personal performance, learning, and self-management processes as a means of continued professional development and lifelong learning 
  
• appraise workplace expectations and opportunities related to their discipline, and integrate their studies with professional practice to enhance their career readiness.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course will have extensive skills in system development, particularly relating to medium- and large-scale projects, will have developed experience in working on team projects, and will have well-developed oral and written communication skills.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) students must complete 375 credit points comprising:

• Eight (8) Computer Science Core units (100 credit points)
• Eight (8) units of study from one of the following Computer Science Majors: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Software Development, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence (100 credit points)
• Four (4) units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points) (between 1672 and 1976* hours of professional placement); and
• Six (6) units of other studies (75 credit points) comprising of minor/s, advanced minor/s, co-major or electives

Students must complete 4 mandatory professional placement units. Students cannot complete more than 150 credit points (12 units) at Stage 1 (unit codes with a first digit of '1') A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

* The total hours may vary depending on the number of weeks of placement completed.

Academic Progress – Special requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, this course has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):

1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they:

(a) fail any unit of study

(b) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a professional placement

(c) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final year of study.

2. A student is classified as 'unsatisfactory progress' if they:

(a) fail any unit of study in the next Progress Review period after being classified as being 'at risk'

(b) fail a Professional Placement or Work Experience in Industry unit

(c) have their professional placement terminated early by an industry partner. In the case of early termination of an industry placement by an industry partner, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review hearing may be convened within 2 weeks of the cessation of the placement.

(d) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final semester of study

Students in this situation may be invited to transfer to an alternative undergraduate course. Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.

Volume of Learning

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) consists of 375 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps). A standard annual full-time load comprises 100 credit points and a part-time load comprises 50 credit points.

This course requires students to complete between 1672 and 1976* hours of professional placement.
* The total hours may vary depending on the number of weeks of placement completed.

The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) is typically 4.0 years.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) is 200 credit points (normally sixteen units).

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered). 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered). 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Educational history 

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered). 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent.