Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology / Bachelor of Applied Innovation is a four-year double degree combining ICT knowledge with innovation, creativity and complex problem-solving. Swinburne describes the programme as preparing students to use ICT and innovation to create meaningful change in the ICT field.

Key benefits include:

• Two bachelor's qualifications studied as one integrated four-year degree.
• ICT training covering web development, programming, networking, data management and ICT projects.
• Applied Innovation studies focused on creativity, innovation practice, responsible innovation and problem-solving.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects as part of the degree's Work Integrated Learning approach.
• Choice of three ICT majors: Information Technology, Network Technology and Software Technology.
• The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Students can develop both technical ICT skills and broader innovation capabilities relevant to technology, business and entrepreneurial environments.
• Swinburne currently reports #1 in Australia for Computer Science and Engineering in the ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 and #6 in Australia for Artificial Intelligence according to its cited ranking sources. These are university-level indicators rather than guarantees of individual graduate outcomes.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme combines two academic disciplines.

Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology core

The ICT core includes:

• Web Development — COS10005
• ICT Inquiry Project — ICT10022
• Network Administration — TNE10005
• Introduction to Programming — COS10009
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project — COS10025
• Fundamentals of Data Management — COS20015
• ICT Project A — ICT30017
• ICT Project B — ICT30018

Each is 12.5 credit points.

Bachelor of Applied Innovation core

The Applied Innovation component includes:

• Exploring Creativity and Innovation — INV10001
• Fundamentals of Innovation Practice — INV10002
• Innovation Sandpit — INV10003
• Responsible Innovation Futures — INV10004

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students select one of three ICT majors.

Information Technology

The Information Technology major includes subjects such as:

• Business Digitalisation
• User Experience Design Project
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Cyber Security for Business
• Data Visualisation
• Advanced Web Development
• Business Process Modelling
• ICT Innovation Project

Network Technology

The Network Technology major includes:

• Networks and Switching
• User Experience Design Project
• Network Routing Principles
• Data Visualisation
• Enterprise Network Server Administration
• Advanced Web Development
• Secure Remote Access Networks
• ICT Innovation Project

Software Technology

The Software Technology major includes:

• User Experience Design Project
• Object Oriented Programming
• Cloud Computing Architecture
• Data Visualisation
• Interface Design and Development
• Advanced Web Development
• Software Development for Mobile Devices
• ICT Innovation Project

Programme Highlights

• Four-year undergraduate double degree.
• 400 credit points.
• Combines ICT with Applied Innovation.
• Three ICT major choices: Information Technology, Network Technology and Software Technology.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• Applied Innovation includes a final-year semester project.
• ACS professional accreditation for the ICT component.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• CRICOS code 108357G.
• Students develop technical, creative, collaborative and problem-solving capabilities.
• A professional placement option is described in the course structure, but the current handbook specifically states that international students holding a Student visa cannot undertake the Professional Placement component.

Career Outcomes

The combination of ICT and Applied Innovation can support career directions across technology, digital transformation, software, networking, business systems and innovation.

Swinburne identifies potential ICT-related career areas including:

• Web development
• Software development
• Systems analysis and design
• Solutions architecture
• Security and risk
• Data visualisation
• Network technology

The Applied Innovation component identifies potential innovation-related roles including:

• Innovation Consultant
• Innovation Lead
• Innovation Analyst
• Strategic Designer
• Creative Producer
• Start-up Founder
• Human-Centred Researcher
• Product Manager
• Transformation Lead
• Innovation Strategist
• Innovation Manager
• Entrepreneur / self-employed professional.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current CRICOS course code is 108357G.
• The latest published starts are 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• The programme is delivered at Hawthorn.
• International Student visa holders studying in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The course includes Work Integrated Learning and industry-linked projects.
• The optional six- or 12-month Professional Placement is not available to international students holding a Student visa, according to the current course handbook.
• Academic credit can be available for previous tertiary study, subject to Swinburne's assessment and course rules.
• The maximum academic credit currently specified for the degree is 250 credit points, normally 20 units, subject to the stated discipline-specific limits.
• Students cannot complete more than 200 credit points, normally 16 units, at introductory level.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this CRICOS-registered programme in Australia generally require a Student visa (subclass 500), subject to their individual circumstances.

Course and enrolment requirements

For the Student visa, students should expect to:

• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course.
• Study the programme full-time where required by the visa.
• Maintain appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable health requirements.
• Meet applicable character requirements.
• Demonstrate financial capacity where required.
• Comply with all conditions attached to the Student visa.