Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Professional)
Majoring in Software Technology
Choose your major
Information Technology
Gain professional expertise through eight units of training in advanced web development, data visualisation, business systems design, requirements analysis and modelling.
Network Technology
Learn about the design, installation, and management of complex ICT infrastructure while benefitting from real-world experiences in our Work Integrated Learning program.
Software Technology
With a Swinburne Software Technology major you’ll learn software, how to enhance it, and what to use when, as you program yourself for a well-paid career.
Overview
Study network configurations, web and app programming, database design and more, and even specialise in an area of your choosing through an impressive selection of majors. Hone your knowledge in industry-class labs boasting 17 network racks and 700 Cisco devices at your disposal. Bolster your CV with full-time real industry experience, including a 12-month, paid work placement.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Your major
With a Swinburne Software Technology major you’ll learn software, how to enhance it, and what to use when, as you program yourself for a well-paid career. Discover how to enhance and maintain existing applications, as well as assist in make appropriate software choices for any organisation’s needs. You’ll also see how it works out in the real world with our Work Integrated Learning program.
Your industry experience
Build up your CV with real industry experience as you study with Work Integrated Learning, guaranteed for all our bachelor degrees. This Professional Degree includes a 12-month paid work placement and six industry-linked projects. Benefit from Swinburne’s industry partnerships, gain invaluable work experience and earn credit towards your degree.
Skills you’ll learn
- Identifying knowledge gaps and upskilling
- Working to client requirements
- Conducting risk assessments
- Stakeholder solutions communication
- Programming multi-platform applications
Your career opportunities
- Software designer
- Web developer
- Systems analyst or designer
- Mobile application developer
- Solutions architect
- Full stack software developer
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditations
Why Swinburne?
Ranked Top 100 in Computer Science and Engineering
ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 20225 stars for overall experience
85.1% of students found employment within 4 months of graduating
#1 in Melbourne for graduate salary 5 years out - $86.1K (national average $74.8K)
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
International students must achieve an ATAR equivalent of at least 80.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Professional) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 375 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2025 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Web Development
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10005 |
|
ICT Inquiry Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ICT10022 |
|
Network Administration
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
TNE10005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Introduction to Programming
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10009 |
|
Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS10025 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
ICT Design Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ICT20025 |
|
Object Oriented Programming
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS20007 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Fundamentals of Data Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS20015 |
|
Cloud Computing Architecture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS20019 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - 12 months | |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
ICT20013 |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
ICT20014 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Data Visualisation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS30045 |
|
Interface Design and Development
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS30043 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Advanced Web Development
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS30020 |
|
Software Development for Mobile Devices
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS30017 |
|
ICT Innovation Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ICT30016 |
2023 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$36,900
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Scholarships
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.