Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) is intended to provide students who have demonstrated academic ability with the opportunity to pursue their undergraduate studies to an advanced level, to deepen their intellectual understanding in the fields of Computer Science and/or Software Engineering, and to develop their research skills.
The honours course is a recognised point of entry into postgraduate research studies. Students will concentrate on a chosen problem from the fields of Computer Science and/or Software Engineering, gaining a better understanding and practising appropriate research techniques. Students will also be required to complete a substantial original piece of research for their thesis to ensure that they develop the ability to conceptualise problems, devise research strategies and carry out individual research work under the supervision of a member of staff with expertise in the area.
Graduates of this course will have advanced skills in Computer Science and/or Software Engineering and will have well-developed oral and written communication skills.
An honours year can improve your job prospects or provide a pathway to postgraduate study.
Register your interest to find out more.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 27 February 2023
- Semester 2 - 31 July 2023
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Course details
- Course structure and career opportunities.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Topics in Computer Science * | COS40004 | 12.5 |
| Honours Research Project * | ICT40001 | 50 |
| Honours Research Project A * | ICT40003 | 12.5 |
| Honours Research Project B * | ICT40004 | 37.5 |
| Research Methods * - Must Complete | ICT40005 | 12.5 |
| Honours Seminar * - Must Complete | ICT40009 | 12.5 |
| Research Report A * | ICT40010 | 12.5 |
| Research Report B * | ICT40011 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
2 units (25 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 25 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 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.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
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You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 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.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
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A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- 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
Course learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the underlying principles and concepts within the fields of Computer Science and Software Engineering that facilitate independent lifelong learning in their professional practice
- critically analyse existing knowledge and formulate a research question in the context of a specialized area within Computer Science and Software Engineering, and to use accepted research methodologies to explore possible solutions
- plan and execute a substantial individual research project that demonstrates the ability to undertake further research in a post-graduate context
- effectively communicate, both orally and in written form, the identified question, the chosen research methodology, the rationale behind the chosen methodology, and the achieved outcomes to the relevant community.
Career opportunities
If you wish to seek employment following your honours degree, the course affords the opportunity to extend your knowledge of information technology and to specialise in an area within it. The course's strong orientation to research should teach you the principles and techniques of original research and prepare you for areas of professional employment in which conceptual, organisational and research skills are in demand.
Fees
- Fees for 2023.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2023 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$8,301 | $8,301 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.