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.
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.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
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?
Ranked top 100 in the world for Computer Science and Engineering
ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022Ranked Top 150 in Computer Science
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 202385.1% of students found employment within 4 months of graduating
5 stars for learner engagement
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 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.
Course prerequisites
These prerequisites have been updated for Semester 1 2025 entry
- 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 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:
- 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 above
- 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.
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.
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Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
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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, 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
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.
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.
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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