Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Professional), majoring in Software Technology, combines academic ICT study with substantial industry experience.
• The Software Technology major develops knowledge and skills in software development, programming, web development, mobile applications, cloud computing and software design.
• Students learn how to enhance and maintain existing applications and make appropriate software technology choices for organisational needs.
• The Professional degree includes a 12-month paid work placement and six industry-linked projects, allowing students to gain practical workplace experience while earning academic credit.
• Students have access to industry-class ICT facilities, including network laboratories with 17 network racks and 700 Cisco devices.
• The programme is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Swinburne identifies skills including working to client requirements, conducting risk assessments, communicating stakeholder solutions and programming multi-platform applications.
• Swinburne currently highlights university-level outcomes including #1 in Australia for Computer Science and Engineering in the ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 and #1 in Victoria for Graduate Employability and Salary in the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. These are university-level indicators and are not rankings specifically for this major.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Professional degree requires 375 credit points.

Core component:

• 8 core units
• 100 credit points

Major component:

• 8 Software Technology major units
• 100 credit points

Elective/other study:

• 6 units
• 75 credit points

Professional placement:

• 4 placement units
• 100 credit points
• 12-month professional work placement

Current Software Technology major units include:

1. User Experience Design Project — ICT20025 — 12.5 credit points
2. Object Oriented Programming — COS20007 — 12.5 credit points
3. Cloud Computing Architecture — COS20019 — 12.5 credit points
4. Data Visualisation — COS30045 — 12.5 credit points
5. Interface Design and Development — COS30043 — 12.5 credit points
6. Advanced Web Development — COS30020 — 12.5 credit points
7. Software Development for Mobile Devices — COS30017 — 12.5 credit points
8. ICT Innovation Project — ICT30016 — 12.5 credit points

The current course handbook identifies additional elective/other-study options that may be available depending on the student's approved study plan, including subjects such as:

• Computer Systems — COS10004
• Cloud Computing Architecture — COS20019
• Artificial Intelligence for Games — COS30002
• Data Structures and Patterns — COS30008
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence — COS30019
• Advanced Web Development — COS30020
• Database Systems — INF20010
• Cyber Security for Business — INF20031
• Software Architectures and Design — SWE30003
• Software Deployment and Evolution — SWE40006
• Networks and Switching — TNE10006
• Network Routing Principles — TNE20002
• Secure Remote Access Networks — TNE30012
• Enterprise Network Server Administration — TNE30018
• Advanced Switching — TNE30023
• Mathematics units may also be included where appropriate.

Professional work placement:

The Professional degree includes a 12-month placement worth 100 credit points, comprising:

• Work Experience in Industry A — WEI20001 — 25 credit points
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Information and Communication Technology — ICT20013 — 25 credit points
• Work Experience in Industry B — WEI20002 — 25 credit points
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Information and Communication Technology — ICT20014 — 25 credit points

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Professional) currently offers three majors:

1. Information Technology
2. Network Technology
3. Software Technology

The selected major for this programme is Software Technology.

The Software Technology major covers:

• Object-oriented programming
• Cloud computing
• Data visualisation
• Interface design
• Advanced web development
• Mobile software development
• User experience design
• ICT innovation projects
• Software architecture and design
• Software deployment and evolution
• Database and computing technologies
• Artificial intelligence-related technologies through available elective options.

Programme Highlights

• 4-year Professional bachelor's degree.
• 375 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS code 095881J.
• Software Technology major.
• 12-month paid professional work placement.
• Six industry-linked projects.
• Practical software development experience.
• Industry-class ICT facilities.
• Australian Computer Society professional accreditation.
• Opportunities to develop programming, cloud, mobile, web and software-design skills.
• Work Integrated Learning integrated into the Professional degree.
• Credit transfer and RPL may provide advanced standing for eligible applicants.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies career opportunities for the Software Technology major including:

• Software designer
• Web developer
• Systems analyst or designer
• Mobile application developer
• Solutions architect
• Full-stack software developer

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current 2027 commencement dates are 1 March and 2 August.
• Current application deadlines are 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027.
• The course is delivered at Hawthorn.
• Current CRICOS code: 095881J.
• International applicants require an ATAR equivalent of at least 80, assessed against their overseas qualification.
• The programme includes a 12-month paid professional placement.
• The professional degree is ACS accredited.
• Students must complete 375 credit points to qualify for the award.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed individually.
• The exact placement employer and placement arrangements depend on the student's approved Work Integrated Learning placement.
• The current course planner notes that unit offerings can change and that the study sequence may vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in Australia generally require a Student visa (subclass 500).

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the CRICOS-registered course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Satisfaction of the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health requirements.
• Meeting applicable character requirements.
• Demonstrating financial capacity where required.
• Providing required supporting documentation.
• Complying with Student visa conditions.