General Information

Overview

Be paid to study your passion with a professional degree that includes a 12-month paid work placement. Hone your expertise in software development and computer science, with foundational skills in hardware and operating systems. Learn in state-of-the-art labs and with the most up-to-date technology to ensure you stay ahead of the digital revolution.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 375 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
Computing Technology Inquiry 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
Computing Technology 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
Computing Technology 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
Computing Technology 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
Computing Technology 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
Computing Technology 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
Computing Technology 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
Units of study Unit code
Professional placement - 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

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 62.5 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

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.

Space Technology Advanced

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

  • Accounting 
  • Advertising 
  • Applied Mathematics 
  • Aviation 
  • Biotechnology 
  • Branded Environments 
  • Business Law 
  • Chemistry 
  • Cinema and Screen Studies 
  • Communication Design 
  • Creative Writing 
  • Criminology 
  • Data Analysis and Forecasting 
  • Data Analytics 
  • Data Science 
  • Design History and Theory 
  • Design Principles and Processes 
  • Digital Advertising Technology 
  • Diversity and Multiculturalism 
  • Editing 
  • Engineering 
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Film and Television Theory 
  • Finance 
  • Games and Interactivity 
  • Health Statistics 
  • Healthy Societies 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Indigenous Studies 
  • Interior Architecture 
  • Interior Documentation and Construction 
  • International Relations and Security 
  • Journalism 
  • Literature 
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management 
  • Management 
  • Management for Health 
  • Managing Information Systems 
  • Marketing 
  • Media Industries 
  • Neuroscience 
  • Nutrition 
  • Photomedia 
  • Physics 
  • Public Relations 
  • Social Impact 
  • Social Media
View minor units

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 (Professional) students will be able to:

  • apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science in diverse contexts and domains using critical thinking and judgment 
  • 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 
  • demonstrate 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 
  • appraise workplace expectations and opportunities related to their discipline, and integrate their studies with professional practice to enhance their career readiness.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course will have extensive skills in system development, particularly relating to medium- and large-scale projects, will have developed experience in working on team projects, and will have well-developed oral and written communication skills.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) students must complete 375 credit points comprising:

  • 8 Computer Science Core units (100 credit points)
  • 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)
  • 4 units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points); and
  • 6 units of other studies (75 credit points) comprising of minor/s, advanced minor/s, co-major or electives.
     

Students also undertake a WIL Professional Placement. Students cannot complete more than 150 credit points (12 units) at Stage 1 (unit codes with a first digit of '1') A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Volume of learning

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) consists of 375 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 (Professional) is typically 4.0 years.

Academic Progress – Special requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, this course has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2): 
 

  1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they: 
     
    (a) fail any unit of study 
     
    (b) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a professional placement 
     
    (c) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final year of study. 
  2. A student is classified as 'unsatisfactory progress' if they: 
     
    (a) fail any unit of study in the next Progress Review period after being classified as being 'at risk' 
     
    (b) fail a Professional Placement or Work Experience in Industry unit 
     
    (c) have their professional placement terminated early by an industry partner. In the case of early termination of an industry placement by an industry partner, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review hearing may be convened within 2 weeks of the cessation of the placement. 
     
    (d) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final semester of study 

Students in this situation may be invited to transfer to an alternative undergraduate course. Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) is 200 credit points (normally sixteen units).

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 80 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, SEAS application, 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 2023

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds ATAR
Excluding adjustment factors
Selection Rank
ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer 98.85 99.6
Median rank to receive an offer 80.32 84.8
Lowest rank to receive an offer 67.15 70.35

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered). 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered). 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Educational history 

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered). 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

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, 2023
Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) N/A N/A
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study N/A N/A
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) 0 0%
(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) 42 71%
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) N/A N/A
International students 17 29%
All students 59 100%

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

Interested in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional)?

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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