Bachelor of Computer Science
Majoring in Software Development
70.0
Choose your major
Artificial Intelligence
Learn how to apply machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) engineering techniques to tackle challenges typically solved by the human mind.
Cyber Security
The Cyber Security industry is huge and growing quickly. For an in-demand and well-paid career, get qualified to hack the hackers.
Data Science
Learn the statistical methods and tools needed to manage big data sets and the visualisation techniques needed to represent and understand that data.
Games Development
Learn how to design and program computer games and other interactive software, plus gain skills in software development.
Internet of Things
The internet pervades almost everything - from fridges to light fittings. Gain the core skills needed to program a host of devices and develop software solutions that will impact people every day.
Software Development
Learn how to architect big systems, write phone and tablet apps and produce software that is better than industry standard.
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, Cyber security, Data Science, Games Development, Software Development or Internet of Things.
Swinburne Open Day 2026
Stop by our Hawthorn campus on Sunday 26 July for Open Day – the stop where everything starts. Got everything you need? Apply for midyear now and get on your way in Semester 2.
Your major
With our Software Development major, learn how to architect big systems, write phone and tablet apps, and produce software that’s better than industry standard.
Then scale your applications up to the cloud for hacker-proof, robust and reliable software applications. Our Work Integrated Learning program also affords you real-world experience to build your CV.
Your industry experience
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity, which could be a placement, internship or industry-linked project. In this degree, you'll apply your learning in six projects in professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
Skills you’ll learn
- Computer software development
- Secure and scalable software development
- App development
- Big software system architecture
- Cloud computing system development
- Multi-platform / adaptable app development
Your career opportunities
- Project manager
- Software designer
- Systems analyst or designer
- Web developer
- Systems architect
- Application designer
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?
#1 in Australia for Computer Science and Engineering
ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025
#1 in Victoria for Graduate Employability and Salary
QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) 2024#6 in Australia for Artificial Intelligence
US News: Best Global UniversitiesEmployability Category Winner for Work Integrated Learning Program
AFR Higher Education Awards 2024Double degrees
Combine your computer science degree with a second degree to gain diverse skills, expand your career pathays, and graduate with two qualifications. Here are some options:
Real Briefs, Real Work
When you go to uni you want more than academic study, you want practical time on the tools. Check out the Smart Parking App some of our students created.
Related courses
-
Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
-
Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional)
-
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
-
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
-
Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
-
Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional)
Qualifications
Successful completion of one of the following:
- 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, Undergraduate Certificates and Degrees).
Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
70.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 [after adjustment factors]
62.1
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 adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.
Subject adjustments:
- A study score of 25 in Algorithmics (HESS), any Information Technology, any Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- A study score of 30 in Algorithmics (HESS), any Information Technology, any Mathematics or any Science equals 3 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 15 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.
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.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of any Mathematics or equivalent
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as an Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne’s MathsLink Methods bridging program.
- VCE Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of any Mathematics or equivalent
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as an Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Exemptions
Students who have successfully completed VCE Algorithmics (HESS) will receive credit exemption for two 12.5 credit point elective units (equivalent to 25 credit points) upon admission into either the Bachelor of Computer Science or the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) course at Swinburne.
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 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- 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.
Informed Choices
Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you.
Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability:
Sensory
Mobility and movement
Legal, duty of care and professional
Learning and knowledge creation; and
Interpersonal.
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Sight
Students in the Bachelor of Computer Science will use and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Interpreting visual information and graphical outputs, including distinguishing colours
Preparing data visualisations to map attributes to visual features
Using colours to differentiate groups, identify clusters and indicate status.
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sound | Hear and respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Fine motor skills
Students in the Bachelor of Computer Science will use fine motor skills to execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment, or controls.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Navigating and operating software interfaces using precise mouse or trackpad movements to elect, move, and edit code or system elements
Controlling cursor to make small adjustments or fix errors
Assembling and connecting computer hardware or external devices by inserting and aligning cables, pins, or small components
Handling and positioning small parts during setup, testing, or troubleshooting
Adaptable components
The following mobility and movement components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Endurance | Sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue. |
| Stamina | Perform short-term, high intensity physical tasks while maintaining control and energy. |
| Dexterity | Use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control. |
Adaptable components
The following professional components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Codes of conduct | Follow professional rules, standards, and ethical guidelines provided by professional association(s). |
| Duty of care | Act in ways that support personal safety and the safety of others. |
| Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness) | Respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways. |
| Engage effectively | Interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships. |
| Professional reflection | Review your learning and performance to identify areas for improvement. |
Adaptable components
The following learning and knowledge creation components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cognition | Apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time. |
| Understand and apply information | Interpret and use information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge. |
| Critical thinking and analysis | Analyse and evaluate information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge. |
Adaptable components
The following interpersonal components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Verbal communication | Express ideas clearly through spoken language, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback. |
| Social cues | Notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations. |
| Written communication | Express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting. |
| Numeracy | Use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. |
| Collaboration and teamwork | Work with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics. |
| Conflict resolution | Address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. |
| Emotional regulation | Take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. |
| Adaptability | Respond to changes by adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. |
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.
-
Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
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.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2026 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 | |
|
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 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
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 |
|
Cloud Computing Architecture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS20019 |
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 | |
|
Database Design Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS20031 |
|
Data Structures and Patterns
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS30008 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Software Testing and Reliability
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
SWE30009 |
|
Computing Technology Innovation Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS30049 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| 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 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Computing Technology Project A
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS40005 |
|
Interface Design and Development
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS30043 |
|
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
SWE30003 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Computing Technology Project B
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS40006 |
|
Concurrent Programming
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COS40003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$9,537.00
Total fee* ($AUD)
$28,611.00
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$42,600.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
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?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
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 Finances
- 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.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 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.
Professional placement fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
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.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
Interested in a specific major?
You can apply using the main VTAC code for this course. Or, use individual VTAC codes to apply for specific majors:
- Artificial Intelligence - 3400213901
- Cyber Security - 3400213911
- Data Science - 3400213921
- Games Development - 3400213931
- Internet of Things - 3400213941
- Software Development - 3400213951
Interested in a specific major?
You can apply using the main VTAC code for this course. Or, use individual VTAC codes to apply for specific majors:
- Artificial Intelligence - 3400213903
- Cyber Security -3400213913
- Data Science - 3400213923
- Games Development - 3400213933
- Internet of Things - 3400213943
- Software Development - 3400213953
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"I chose Swinburne for its prestigious IT courses, which have now opened up a broad range of possibilities for my future. I plan to complete a semester at one of Swinburne’s partner universities in Sweden, then apply for an Industry-Based Learning placement the following year."
Bailey , Bachelor of Computer Science