General Information

Overview

Innovation is the driving force behind our technolgically-charged world. Study the unique combination of Computer Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation to stay ahead of the curve. Develop expertise in software development and learn contemporary approaches to the analysis, design and implementation of large-scale systems. Apply human-centered design and innovation principles to make strategic and creative decisions.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 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.

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
Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
COS10025
Web Technology Project
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
COS10026
Networks and Switching
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
TNE10006
Object Oriented Programming
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
COS20007
Computing Technology Project A
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
COS40005
Computing Technology Project B
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
COS40006
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Exploring Creativity and Innovation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
INV10001
Fundamentals of Innovation Practice
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
INV10002
Innovation Sandpit
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
INV10003
Responsible Innovation Futures
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
INV10004

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

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

  • Accounting
  • Advertising
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Psychology
  • Aviation
  • Biomedical Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Branded Environments
  • Chemistry
  • Cinema and Screen Studies
  • Climate and Social Justice
  • Communication Design
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Science
  • Design Principles and Processes
  • Digital Advertising Technology
  • Digital Marketing
  • Diversity and Multiculturalism
  • Editing
  • Engineering
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Film and Television Theory
  • Finance
  • Games and Interactivity
  • Health Statistics
  • Healthy Societies
  • Higher Mathematics
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Industrial Design
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Innovation
  • Interior Architecture
  • Interior Documentation and Construction
  • International Relations and Security
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Management for Health
  • Managing Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Media Industries
  • Motion Design
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition
  • Perspectives on Globalisation
  • Philosophy
  • Photomedia
  • Physics
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Professional and Creative Writing
  • Public Relations
  • Screen Studies and Popular Culture
  • Social Impact
  • Social Media
  • Sociology
  • Space Technology
  • Web Development
View minor units

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.

Units of study Unit code
Option 1
Work Experience in Industry A
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points
ICT20013
Work Experience in Industry B
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points
ICT20014

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

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science and software development in diverse contexts and domains using critical thinking and judgment
  • 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
  • demonstrate 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
  • apply a series of thinking systems, creativity toolkits and innovation frameworks to design contextually-relevant solutions addressing local and global challenges in and outside their discipline
  • identify and articulate opportunities to innovate and create impact informed by user-centred research and/or data
  • adapt their discipline skillsets in new situations in response to complex and changing contexts, including interdisciplinary environments
  • facilitate and contribute to innovation teams that seek solutions to complex challenges, using inclusive collaboration practices to leverage different skills and perspectives
  • navigate commercial, human and technical requirements aided by prototyping and testing to deliver solutions that create value
  • communicate the value of experimentation, ideas and innovation with confidence in developing solutions to investors, potential partners, employers or other stakeholders
  • develop futures-focused innovations that integrate responsible social, technological and environmental factors

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.

With the development of skills and attributes through innovation capabilities, professional innovation roles may include innovation consultant, innovation lead, innovation analyst, strategic designer, creative producer, start-up founder, human-centred researcher, self-employed entrepreneur, product manager, transformation lead, innovation strategist and innovation manager.

Professional recognition

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

Course rules

To qualify for the Bachelor of Computer Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation, students must complete 400 credit points:

  • twelve [12] core units (150 credit points)
  • eight [8] units from a Computer Science major (100 credit points)
  • six [6] units from Applied Innovation major (100 credit points)
  • four [4] units of other studies comprising of a minor, advanced minor or electives (50 credit points)
     

Students must not complete more than 200 credit points (normally 16 units) at introductory level.

A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Professional placements

Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement through a competitive process. Please note that due to government regulation, international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake Professional Placements in this course.

Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 475 credit points comprising:

  • twelve [1]2 core units (150 credit points)
  • eight [8] units from a Computer Science major (100 credit points)
  • six [6] units from Applied Innovation major (100 credit points)
  • two [2] units comprising electives (25 credit points)
  • four [4] units from the Professional Placement co-major (100 credit points)


Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 437.5 credit points comprising:

  • twelve [12] core units (150 credit points)
  • eight [8] units from a Computer Science major (100 credit points)
  • six [6] units from Applied Innovation major (100 credit points)
  • three [3] units comprising of a minor, advanced minor or electives (37.5 credit points)
  • two [2] units from the Professional Placement minor (50 credit points)

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 allthe 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, SEAS application, 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 10 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 <5 <5
Median rank to receive an offer <5 <5
Lowest rank to receive an offer <5 <5

Notes:
"<5" – the number of students is less than 5.

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 from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered. 

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

Entire academic record 

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course. 

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.

  Semester 1, 2024
Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 0 0%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study 0 0%
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) 0 0%
(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) <5 <5
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) <5 <5
International students <5 <5
All students 6 100%

Notes:
“<5” – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – students not accepted in this category.

Interested in the Bachelor of Computer Science / Bachelor of Applied Innovation?

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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