Bachelor of Computer Science
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Bachelor of Computer Science involves the use of the most up-to-date technology and methods, and includes a major emphasis on software development.
It is oriented towards applications in areas such as defence, aerospace and medicine, where complex software plays a major role and often of a safety-critical nature; as well as in businesses that require extensive computer support, such as banking and manufacturing.
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity, which could be a placement, internship or industry-linked project. In this degree, in the units Software Engineering Project A and B (SWE40001 and SWE40002), you’ll team up with other students to work on a real project briefed to you by an industry or community partner.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 1 March 2021
- Semester 2 - 2 August 2021
VTAC codes
- 3400234771 (CSP)
- 3400234773 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
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.
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
Some of my highlights have been volunteering with the student support program; helping with some astrophysics research (a great strength of Swinburne’s); and finding work teaching tutorials and giving guest lectures. Definitely take the opportunity to do industry placements, especially in the middle of your course.
Joshua
Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/Bachelor of Computer Science
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning, career opportunities and professional recognition.
Course 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.
View course rules and special requirements
Did you know?
If you’ve studied VCE Units 3 and 4 Algorithmics (HESS), you can gain exemption from two units of this course – the core unit, Computer Logic and Essentials, and one elective unit.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Logic Essentials | COS10003 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Programming | COS10009 | 12.5 |
| Creating Web Applications | COS10011 | 12.5 |
| Network Administration | TNE10005 | 12.5 |
| Fundamentals of Data Management | COS20015 | 12.5 |
| Professional Issues in Information Technology * | ICT30005 | 12.5 |
| Software Engineering Project A * | SWE40001 | 12.5 |
| Software Engineering Project B * | SWE40002 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
8 units (100 credit points)
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).
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 professional placement 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.
Professional Placement in Information and Communication Technology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20013 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20014 | 25 |
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.
Professional Placement in Information and Communication Technology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20013 | 25 |
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
Upon completion of their course, students will be capable graduate software developers, and able to:
- apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science and software development in diverse contexts and domains using critical thinking and judgement
- apply software engineering methods and contemporary software development 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 software development 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 software development 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.
Units of Study
Students must select four elective units, which may comprise a minor or be taken from any undergraduate units offered by the University, subject to meeting prerequisites and timetable availability.
Students in BA-CS or BA-CSPROF are not able to undertake a minor in Computer Science or Web Development as there is more than 50 percent overlap and no replacement units available.
Career opportunities
Graduates typically find employment in organisations engaged in medium- to large-scale software development. Initially graduates are usually employed in technical areas such as programming and systems analysis and design, internet systems development. They are well-prepared for progression into project leadership and management positions as their experience develops.
Professional recognition
This degree is accredited with the Australian Computer Society at the professional level.
Fees
- Fees for 2021.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2021 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) |
$23,850 | $7,950 | 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, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.