Bachelor of Information Technology

The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) is a course with a difference. It is a unique undergraduate scholarship program sponsored by the IT industry that has been successfully operating since 1988 at the request of the Federal Government and the IT industry to increase the number of quality IT Professionals in Australia. It has since been developed in cooperation with industry and commerce to ensure that graduates are not only well educated but also prepared for the requirements of practice. It recognises and rewards excellence and to reflect this students are granted a scholarship.

Through a mix of academic and Industry-Based Learning environments, this innovative course is designed to provide future leaders in Australia's ICT industry.

What are the benefits for BIT sponsors?

As a BIT sponsor you will play an active role in the formulation and structure of the curriculum to ensure it maintains optimal industry relevance. Steering and Curriculum Committee meetings are held 3 times a year, and you will be encouraged to participate in these.

You will also have access to this highly motivated and skilled group of future graduates through a series of Professional Development dinners, and other networking functions to which only the Sponsors and BIT students are invited.

Recruitment opportunities abound, with 60% of all BIT graduates since inception accepting offers from sponsors of the program. Since the course commenced, BIT graduates have been able to retain relevant positions in most IT related fields.

The Program & Placement

On completion of their studies, the graduates of the BIT are equipped with the technical and managerial skills necessary for a successful career in the IT industry. These skills have been further honed and enhanced by two mandatory subjects, each consisting of a 20 week period of Industry-Based Learning with two of the sponsor organisations.

The course is conducted on a full-time basis only, and is three calendar years in length. Students are actively engaged in the course for an average of 44 weeks each year, compared with the normal full-time load of 30 weeks. The program structure is:

Year	Semester	Duration
First Year:	Semester 1 (Swinburne)	February - June
	Semester 2 (Swinburne)	July - November
	Summer Semester (Swinburne)	December - February
Second Year:	Semester 1 (Industry)	February - July
	Semester 2 (Swinburne)	July - November
	Summer Semester (Swinburne)	December
Third Year:	Semester 1 (Swinburne)	February - June
	Semester 2 (Industry)	July - November

Further course information visit Bachelor of Information Technology.

Rights and Obligations

The following guidelines have been developed to facilitate an understanding of the responsibilities of each party. While this "code of practice" in no way implies a legal commitment on an individual or organisation, prospective students and industry partners will be expected to commit to their respective responsibilities prior to joining the program.

Please refer to the details provided by the University Cooperative Education Office . It is important that all parties read and understand these and that any queries be forwarded to Jennifer Baldwin Manager, Cooperative Education.