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.

Course prerequisites have changed

The English and EAL study scores have been updated for Semester 1, 2025 entry. Please see the Entry requirements tab for updated information.

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

The cyber security industry is huge and growing quickly. Stake your career claim with our Cyber Security major.

Learn the fundamentals of encryption systems, access control, the internet, and get into the minds of malicious hackers and cyber-criminals. Learn their tricks and how to defeat them. All with hands-on industry experience through Work Integrated Learning.

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

  • Cyber security testing
  • Cyber security strategy
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork

Your career opportunities

  • Security consultant
  • Information security analyst
  • Cyber security penetration tester 
  • Network or systems administrator

Key codes

CRICOS course code
088400A
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400234773
VTAC Code (CSP)
3400234771
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 the world for Computer Science and Engineering

ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022

Ranked Top 150 in Computer Science

Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023

85.1% of students found employment within 4 months of graduating

5 stars for learner engagement

IT Capstone Project: Smart Parking for Smart Cities

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.

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, diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

70.0

Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2024 [after adjustment factors]

62.95

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

These prerequisites have been updated for Semester 1 2025 entry
  • 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
  • VCE Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of any Mathematics 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 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 2 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, including:

  •  12.5 credit points for COS10003 Computer Logic and Essentials
  • 12.5 credit points for one elective unit
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.

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.

8
Core units
+
8
Major units
+
8
Elective units
=
3-year bachelor degree

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
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, 12.5 credit points
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
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
Semester 2
Malware Analysis
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20030
Computing Technology Innovation Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30049
Internet and Cybersecurity for Engineering Applications
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
TNE20003
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points
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
Network Security and Resilience
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
TNE30009
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30003
Semester 2
Computing Technology Project B
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
COS40006
IT Security
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30015
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$9,314

Total fee* ($AUD)

$27,942

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$40,960.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2025 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 2025.

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 2025.

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

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 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
BA-CS
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
BA-CS
Apply directly
Course code
BA-CS
CRICOS code
088400A
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)
3400234771
Apply through VTAC
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400234773
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
  • "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