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.

Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

Your major

Data Science

Swinburne’s Data Science major unlocks the statistical methods and tools you need to manage big data sets, as well as the most up-to-date visualisation techniques needed to represent and understand that data. Industry-linked projects provide invaluable real-world experience through our Work Integrated Learning program.

Your industry experience

Bolster your CV with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning programs – a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees. This can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Critical thinking
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Big data management
  • Data visualisation techniques
  • Data-driven decision making

Your career opportunities

  • Data scientist
  • Data analyst
  • Innovation analyst
  • Strategic designer
  • Innovation consultant
  • Business intelligence developer

Key codes

CRICOS course code
108352A
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400212553
VTAC Code (CSP)
3400212551
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?

Top 100 for computer science and engineering

Top 150 for computer science

5 stars for overall experience 

5 stars for learner engagement

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).

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

70.0

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.

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
  • 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 25 in any English (except EAL) or 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
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:

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 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.

18
Core units
+
8
Major units
+
4
Elective units
=
4-year bachelor degree

What your course could look like

Units are listed in a proposed sequence. However this can be amended depending on unit availability, prerequisite requirements and the semester in which you commenced your course.

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
Major units (Data Science)
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
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
Innovation for Challenges of Today
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV20001
Innovation for the Future
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV20002
Applied Innovation Internship
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV20003
Applied Innovation Studio A
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
INV30001
Applied Innovation Studio B
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
INV30002
Leadership and Facilitation of Innovation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
INV30003
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
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

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$8,948

Total fee* ($AUD)

$35,792

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$38,840.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2024 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 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.

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 2024.

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 in the capped amount for 2024.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 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.

Representatives and agents
BB-CSAIN
Search for agents

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.

Course code
BB-CSAIN
Apply directly
Course code
BB-CSAIN
CRICOS code
108352A
Apply directly

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.

VTAC Code (CSP)
3400212551
Apply through VTAC
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400212553
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
12-November-2024