General Information

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, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Software Development or Internet of Things.

Double degree options

You can also study Computer Science in a double degree with Applied InnovationEngineeringGames and Interactivity and Laws.

Study structure

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.

  • 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
Web Technology Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
COS10026
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
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
Cloud Computing Architecture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20019
Database Design Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20031
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30019
Intelligent Systems
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30018
Computing Technology Innovation Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30049
Applied Machine Learning
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30082
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30003
Artificial Intelligence for Engineering
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS40007
Units of study Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20019
Database Design Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20031
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
Network Security and Resilience
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
TNE30009
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30003
IT Security
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30015
Units of study Unit code
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
3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
DDD20022
Artificial Intelligence for Games
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30002
Database Design Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20031
Software Development for Mobile Devices
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30017
Games Programming
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30031
Computing Technology Innovation Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30049
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30003
Software Deployment and Evolution
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE40006
Units of study Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20019
Database Design Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20031
Network Administration
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
TNE10005
Software Development for Mobile Devices
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30017
Computing Technology Innovation Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30049
IoT Programming
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30011
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30003
Advanced Web Development
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30020
Units of study Unit code
Cloud Computing Architecture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20019
Database Design Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS20031
Data Structures and Patterns
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30008
Software Testing and Reliability
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30009
Computing Technology Innovation Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30049
Interface Design and Development
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS30043
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
SWE30003
Concurrent Programming
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
COS40003

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

A second major can be chosen in addition to your first major and will be named on your testamur certificate. Please note you cannot choose the same major as your first major. To see specific units for the second major go to major units accordion.

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science
  • Games Development
  • Internet of Things
  • Software Development

A co-major is a major in a field of study outside this course. You can choose one in addition to a first major. Co-majors will not be named on your testamur certificate however will be shown on your transcript of results.

  • Accounting 
  • Advertising 
  • Animation 
  • Biotechnology 
  • Business Analysis 
  • Business Analytics and Analysis 
  • Cinema and Screen Studies 
  • Climate and Social Justice 
  • Computer Science 
  • Creative Writing and Literature 
  • Criminology 
  • Data Analytics 
  • Digital Advertising Technology 
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
  • Environmental Science 
  • Environmental Sustainability 
  • Ethics and Technology 
  • Finance 
  • Financial Planning 
  • Games and Interactivity 
  • Global Studies 
  • History 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Indigenous Studies 
  • Information Systems 
  • Journalism 
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management 
  • Management 
  • Marketing 
  • Media Industries 
  • Neuroscience 
  • Perspectives on Globalisation 
  • Philosophy 
  • Politics and International Relations 
  • Politics, Power and Technology 
  • Professional and Creative Writing 
  • Professional Writing and Editing 
  • Psychology 
  • Public Relations 
  • Screen Production 
  • Screen Studies and Popular Culture 
  • Social Media 
  • Space Technology
View co-major units

Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - see here for more information.

  • Accounting
  • Advertising
  • Animation
  • Business Analytics and Analysis
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Analysis
  • Climate and Social Justice
  • Cinema and Screen Studies
  • Criminology
  • Creative Writing & Literature
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Advertising Technology
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Ethics and Technology
  • Finance
  • Games and Interactivity
  • Human Resource Management
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Journalism
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Management
  • Media Industries
  • Marketing
  • Neuroscience
  • Professional and Creative Writing
  • Perspectives on Globalisation
  • Politics, Power and Technology
  • Psychology
  • Public Relations
  • Professional Writing and Editing
  • Screen production
  • Social Media
  • Space Technology
  • Screen Studies and Popular Culture

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

  • Accounting
  • Advertising
  • Animation
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Psychology
  • Aviation
  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Science
  • Business Law
  • Chemistry
  • Climate and Social Justice
  • Cinema and Screen Studies
  • Criminology
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Data Analysis and Forecasting
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Science
  • Digital Advertising Technology
  • Design History & Theory
  • Design Principles & Proceses
  • Digital Marketing
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism
  • Editing
  • Engineering
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Ethics and Technology
  • Finance
  • FTV Production
  • Film and Television Theory
  • Games and Interactivity
  • Global History
  • Global Studies
  • Gende & Sexualities
  • Healthy Societies
  • Health Statistics
  • History
  • Health Planning and Evaluation
  • Human Resource Management
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Innovation
  • International Relations & Security
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Management
  • Management for Health
  • Media Industries
  • Managing Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition
  • Professional and Creative Writing
  • Perspectives on Globalisation
  • Philosophy
  • Photomedia
  • Physics
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Politics, Power and Technology
  • Public Relations
  • Sociology
  • Social Impact
  • Social Media
  • Sports Management
  • Space Technology
  • Screen Studies and Popular Culture
  • UX Interaction Design
  • 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
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

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 the Bachelor of Computer Science students will be able to: 

  • apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science in diverse contexts and domains, using critical thinking and judgment, while integrating and respecting Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems
  • 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
  • develop 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.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Computer Science students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

  • eight [8] Computer Science Core units (100 credit points)
  • eight [8] units of study from one of the following Computer Science Majors: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Software Development, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence (100 credit points)
  • eight [8] units of other studies (100 credit points) comprising a co-major, minor/s, advanced minor/s or electives

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. 

Students complete no more than 150cp (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level (i.e. Stage 1). A unit of study can only be counted once. Where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternative unit.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited at the Professional level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), with graduates being eligible to apply for membership with the ACS.

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be required to change courses in order to complete a placement and should consider visa implications and extended study duration prior to applying. 

Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:

  • eight [8] Computer Science Core units (100 credit points) 
  • eight [8] units of study from one of the following Computer Science Majors: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Software Development, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence* (100 credit points) 
  • four [4] units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points); and 
  • six [6] units of other studies (75 credit points) comprising a minor, advanced minor or electives
     

Students who undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:

  • Computer Science Core units (100 credit points) 
  • eight [8] units of study from one of the following Computer Science Majors: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Software Development, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence* (100 credit points) 
  • two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points); and 
  • seven [7] units of other studies (87.5 credit points) comprising a minor, advanced minor or electives

Volume of learning

The Bachelor of Computer Science consists of 300 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps).

A standard annual full-time load comprises 100 credit points and a part-time load comprises 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Computer Science is typically 3 years. For students who complete a Professional Placement, the Bachelor of Computer Science consists of 337.5-375 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points with placement units carrying 25 credit points each. A standard annual full-time student load comprises 100 credit points, and a standard part-time load comprises 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Computer Science with a 6-month placement is typically 3.5 years. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Computer Science with a 12-month placement is typically 4 years.

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 all the 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, SEASapplication, 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 15 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: Further 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 89.7 95.05
Median rank to receive an offer 69.55 72.3
Lowest rank to receive an offer 52.7 62.95

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: Further 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, 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: Further 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

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: Further 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) 65 16%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study 35 8%
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) 14 3%
(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) 49 12%
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) 23 5%
International students 238 56%
All students 424 100%

Notes: 
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.

Interested in the Bachelor of Computer Science?

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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