Bachelor of Computer Science

General Information

Overview

Crack the code for a rewarding career at the fore of the digital revolution. With a focus on software development, this course is taught by some of the best computer minds in the business. Learn in industry standard labs and choose to specialise with a major in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Software Development or Internet of Things.

Double degree options

You can also study Computer Science in a double degree with Applied Innovation, Engineering, Games and Interactivity and Laws.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Core units

100 credit points

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Computer Systems Core unit, 12.5 credit points	COS10004
Introduction to Programming Core unit, 12.5 credit points	COS10009
Web Technology Project Core unit, 12.5 credit points	COS10026
Technology in an Indigenous Context Project Core unit, 12.5 credit points	COS10025
Object Oriented Programming Core unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20007
Networks and Switching Core unit, 12.5 credit points	TNE10006
Computing Technology Project A Core unit, 12.5 credit points	COS40005
Computing Technology Project B Core unit, 12.5 credit points	COS40006

Majors and units

100 credit points

Artificial Intelligence

Units of study	Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20019
Database Design Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20031
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30019
Intelligent Systems Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30018
Computing Technology Innovation Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30049
Applied Machine Learning Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30082
Software Architectures and Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30003
Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS40007

Cyber Security

Units of study	Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20019
Database Design Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20031
Malware Analysis Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20030
Computing Technology Innovation Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30049
Internet and Cybersecurity for Engineering Applications Major unit, 12.5 credit points	TNE20003
Network Security and Resilience Major unit, 12.5 credit points	TNE30009
Software Architectures and Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30003
IT Security Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30015

Data Science

Units of study	Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20019
Data Science Principles Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS10022
Database Design Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20031
Big Data Architecture and Application Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20028
Computing Technology Innovation Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30049
Software Architectures and Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30003
Data Visualisation Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30045
Software Deployment and Evolution Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE40006

Games Development

Units of study	Unit code
3D Modelling for Objects and Environments Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20022
Artificial Intelligence for Games Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30002
Database Design Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20031
Software Development for Mobile Devices Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30017
Games Programming Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30031
Computing Technology Innovation Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30049
Software Architectures and Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30003
Software Deployment and Evolution Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE40006

Internet of Things

Units of study	Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20019
Database Design Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20031
Network Administration Major unit, 12.5 credit points	TNE10005
Software Development for Mobile Devices Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30017
Computing Technology Innovation Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30049
IoT Programming Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30011
Software Architectures and Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30003
Advanced Web Development Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30020

Software Development

Units of study	Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20019
Database Design Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS20031
Data Structures and Patterns Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30008
Software Testing and Reliability Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30009
Computing Technology Innovation Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30049
Interface Design and Development Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS30043
Software Architectures and Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SWE30003
Concurrent Programming Major unit, 12.5 credit points	COS40003

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

Second majors

100 credit points

A second major can be chosen in addition to your first major and will be named on your testamur certificate. Please note you cannot choose the same major as your first major. To see specific units for the second major go to major units accordion.

Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Data Science
Games Development
Internet of Things
Software Development

Co-majors

100 credit points

A co-major is a major in a field of study outside this course. You can choose one in addition to a first major. Co-majors will not be named on your testamur certificate however will be shown on your transcript of results.

Accounting
Advertising
Animation
Biotechnology
Business Analysis
Business Analytics and Analysis
Cinema and Screen Studies
Climate and Social Justice
Computer Science
Creative Writing and Literature
Criminology
Data Analytics
Digital Advertising Technology
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Environmental Science
Environmental Sustainability
Ethics and Technology
Finance
Financial Planning
Games and Interactivity
Global Studies
History
Human Resource Management
Indigenous Studies
Information Systems
Journalism
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Management
Marketing
Media Industries
Neuroscience
Perspectives on Globalisation
Philosophy
Politics and International Relations
Politics, Power and Technology
Professional and Creative Writing
Professional Writing and Editing
Psychology
Public Relations
Screen Production
Screen Studies and Popular Culture
Social Media
Space Technology

View co-major units

Advanced Minors

50 credit points

Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - see here for more information.

Accounting
Advertising
Animation
Business Analytics and Analysis
Biotechnology
Business Analysis
Climate and Social Justice
Cinema and Screen Studies
Criminology
Creative Writing & Literature
Data Analytics
Digital Advertising Technology
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Environmental Science
Environmental Sustainability
Ethics and Technology
Finance
Games and Interactivity
Human Resource Management
Indigenous Studies
Journalism
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Management
Media Industries
Marketing
Neuroscience
Professional and Creative Writing
Perspectives on Globalisation
Politics, Power and Technology
Psychology
Public Relations
Professional Writing and Editing
Screen production
Social Media
Space Technology
Screen Studies and Popular Culture

Minors

50 credit points

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.

Accounting
Advertising
Animation
Applied Mathematics
Applied Psychology
Aviation
Biotechnology
Biomedical Science
Business Law
Chemistry
Climate and Social Justice
Cinema and Screen Studies
Criminology
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Data Analysis and Forecasting
Data Analytics
Data Science
Digital Advertising Technology
Design History & Theory
Design Principles & Proceses
Digital Marketing
Diversity & Multiculturalism
Editing
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Sustainability
Ethics and Technology
Finance
FTV Production
Film and Television Theory
Games and Interactivity
Global History
Global Studies
Gende & Sexualities
Healthy Societies
Health Statistics
History
Health Planning and Evaluation
Human Resource Management
Information and Communication Technology
Indigenous Studies
Innovation
International Relations & Security
Journalism
Literature
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Management
Management for Health
Media Industries
Managing Information Systems
Marketing
Neuroscience
Nutrition
Professional and Creative Writing
Perspectives on Globalisation
Philosophy
Photomedia
Physics
Politics and International Relations
Politics, Power and Technology
Public Relations
Sociology
Social Impact
Social Media
Sports Management
Space Technology
Screen Studies and Popular Culture
UX Interaction Design
Web Development

View minor units

Work placement

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for either 6 or 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.

Optional professional work placement

50 or 100 credit points

Units of study	Unit code
Professional placement - Major (12 months)
Work Experience in Industry A Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	ICT20013
Work Experience in Industry B Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	ICT20014
or
Professional placement - Minor (6 months)
Work Experience in Industry A Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	ICT20013

Recommended elective units

These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

Artificial Intelligence major

COS30002 Artificial Intelligence for Games
COS30015 IT Security
COS30020 Advanced Web Development
COS30031 Games Programming
COS30045 Data Visualisation
COS40003 Concurrent Programming
ICT30010 e-Forensic Fundamentals
ICT30015 Technology Internship
SWE30001 Real-Time Programming
SWE30009 Software Testing and Reliability
SWE30011 IoT Programming
SWE40006 Software Deployment and Evolution
TNE30019 Unix in the Internet

Cybersecurity major

CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
COS20001 User-Centred Design
COS30008 Data Structures and Patterns
COS30017 Software Development for Mobile Devices
COS30020 Advanced Web Development
COS30031 Games Programming
COS30041 Creating Secure and Scalable Software
COS30045 Data Visualisation
COS40003 Concurrent Programming
CRI10002 Fundamentals of Criminology
FOR10001 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
ICT30015 Technology Internship
SWE20001 Managing Software Projects
SWE30001 Real-Time Programming
SWE30009 Software Testing and Reliability
TNE10005 Network Administration
TNE30018 Enterprise Network Server Administration
TNE30019 Unix in the Internet
TNE80013 Software Managed Networks

Data Science major

COS20001 User-Centred Design
COS30008 Data Structures and Patterns
COS30015 IT Security
COS30017 Software Development for Mobile Devices
COS30019 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
COS30041 Creating Secure and Scalable Software
COS40003 Concurrent Programming
ICT30015 Technology Internship
INF10025 Data Management and Analytics
INF20016 Big Data Management
INF20031 Cybersecurity for Business
INF30004 Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation
MBP10001 Technology and Data Acquisition
MTH00007 Preliminary Mathematics
STA20008 Statistics for Forensics
SWE20001 Managing Software Projects
SWE20004 Technical Software Development
SWE30010 Managing IT Projects
SWE30011 IoT Programming
TNE10005 Network Administration

Games Development major

ART10004 Introduction to Game Studies
COS30008 Data Structures and Patterns
COS30019 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
COS30020 Advanced Web Development
COS30041 Creating Secure and Scalable Software
COS40003 Concurrent Programming
COS80022 Software Quality and Testing
DDD20022 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
GAM10002 Principles of Game Design
GAM20001 Introduction to Games Production
GAM20002 Pervasive Game Design Lab
ICT30015 Technology Internship
SWE20004 Technical Software Development
SWE30011 IoT Programming
SWE40006 Software Deployment and Evolution

Internet of Things major

COS20001 User-Centred Design
COS30008 Data Structures and Patterns
COS30018 Intelligent Systems
COS30019 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
COS30020 Advanced Web Development
COS30031 Games Programming
COS30041 Creating Secure and Scalable Software
COS30045 Data Visualisation
COS40003 Concurrent Programming
COS80022 Software Quality and Testing
ICT30015 Technology Internship
SWE20001 Managing Software Projects
SWE30010 Managing IT Projects

Software Development major

COS30002 Artificial Intelligence for Games
COS30015 IT Security
COS30019 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
COS30020 Advanced Web Development
COS30031 Games Programming
COS30045 Data Visualisation
COS40003 Concurrent Programming
ICT30010 e-Forensic Fundamentals
ICT30015 Technology Internship
SWE30001 Real-Time Programming
SWE30009 Software Testing and Reliability
SWE30011 IoT Programming
SWE40006 Software Deployment and Evolution
TNE30019 Unix in the Internet

Find more detail about elective units

Outcomes and course rules

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science 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.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Computer Science students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

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)
eight [8] units of other studies (100 credit points) comprising a co-major, minor/s, advanced minor/s or electives

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.

Students complete no more than 150cp (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level (i.e. Stage 1). A unit of study can only be counted once. Where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternative unit.

Professional recognition

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

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be required to change courses in order to complete a placement and should consider visa implications and extended study duration prior to applying.

Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and 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); and
six [6] units of other studies (75 credit points) comprising a minor, advanced minor or electives

Students who undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:

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)
two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points); and
seven [7] units of other studies (87.5 credit points) comprising a minor, advanced minor or electives

Volume of learning

The Bachelor of Computer Science consists of 300 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. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Computer Science is typically 3 years. For students who complete a Professional Placement, the Bachelor of Computer Science consists of 337.5-375 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points with placement units carrying 25 credit points each. A standard annual full-time student load comprises 100 credit points, and a standard part-time load comprises 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Computer Science with a 6-month placement is typically 3.5 years. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Computer Science with a 12-month placement is typically 4 years.

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Entry requirements

A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 70 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course.

Selection rank adjustments

Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEASapplication, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 25 in Algorithmics (HESS), any Information Technology, any Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 15 points.

Meeting course prerequisites

VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.

VCE Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of any Mathematics or equivalent.

Bridging courses

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2024

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds	ATAR Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	89.7	95.05
Median rank to receive an offer	69.55	72.3
Lowest rank to receive an offer	52.7	62.95

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than ten years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. STAT results are valid for two years.

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

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than ten years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than ten years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. STAT results are valid for two years.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Student Profile table

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
	Semester 1, 2024
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	65	16%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	35	8%
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	14	3%
(D) Recent secondary education:
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	49	12%
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	N/A	N/A
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)	23	5%
International students	238	56%
All students	424	100%

Notes:
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.

Interested in the Bachelor of Computer Science?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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