Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Computer Science develops skills in software development, computing systems and practical technology problem-solving.
• The Cyber Security major covers encryption systems, access control, internet technologies and the techniques used to understand and defend against cyber threats.
• Students develop practical cyber security skills alongside broader computer science knowledge.
• Swinburne provides industry-linked Work Integrated Learning opportunities as part of its bachelor degrees.
• Students in this degree undertake six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• The programme is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• The degree can provide a pathway to further postgraduate study in areas such as cyber security and information technology.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current published course structure consists of core computer science studies, Cyber Security major units and electives.

Core units

The current indicative sequence includes:

1. Computer Systems
   • Unit code: COS10004
   • 12.5 credit points
2. Introduction to Programming
   • Unit code: COS10009
   • 12.5 credit points
3. Web Technology Project
   • Unit code: COS10026
   • 12.5 credit points
4. Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
   • Unit code: COS10025
   • 12.5 credit points
5. Object Oriented Programming
   • Unit code: COS20007
   • 12.5 credit points
6. Networks and Switching
   • Unit code: TNE10006
   • 12.5 credit points
7. Computing Technology Project A
   • Unit code: COS40005
   • 12.5 credit points
8. Computing Technology Project B
   • Unit code: COS40006
   • 12.5 credit points

Cyber Security major units

The current published sequence includes:

1. Cloud Computing Architecture
   • Unit code: COS20019
   • 12.5 credit points
2. Database Design Project
   • Unit code: COS20031
   • 12.5 credit points
3. Malware Analysis
   • Unit code: COS20030
   • 12.5 credit points
4. Computing Technology Innovation Project
   • Unit code: COS30049
   • 12.5 credit points
5. Internet and Cybersecurity for Engineering Applications
   • Unit code: TNE20003
   • 12.5 credit points
6. Network Security and Resilience
   • Unit code: TNE30009
   • 12.5 credit points
7. Software Architectures and Design
   • Unit code: SWE30003
   • 12.5 credit points
8. IT Security
   • Unit code: COS30015
   • 12.5 credit points

Electives

• The degree includes 8 elective units within the standard 300-credit-point structure.
• The exact elective selection depends on the current course handbook, unit availability and the student's study plan.
• Exact complete elective list: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

Indicative study sequence

The currently published indicative sequence is based on Semester 1, 2026 and may change for later intakes.

Year 1:

• Computer Systems
• Introduction to Programming
• Web Technology Project
• Elective
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
• Object Oriented Programming
• Networks and Switching
• Cloud Computing Architecture

Year 2:

• Database Design Project
• Three electives
• Malware Analysis
• Computing Technology Innovation Project
• Internet and Cybersecurity for Engineering Applications
• One elective

Year 3:

• Computing Technology Project A
• Network Security and Resilience
• Software Architectures and Design
• Computing Technology Project B
• IT Security
• One elective

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Bachelor of Computer Science currently provides major options in:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Games Development
• Internet of Things
• Software Development

The selected major for this report is Cyber Security.

The Cyber Security major focuses on:

• Cyber security testing
• Cyber security strategy
• Encryption
• Access control
• Internet security
• Malware analysis
• Network security
• Security resilience
• IT security
• Cybersecurity applications
• Software and computing systems

Programme Highlights

• 3-year undergraduate degree.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• Cyber Security major.
• Australian Computer Society professional accreditation.
• Hands-on learning in industry-standard environments.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• Work Integrated Learning opportunities.
• Cyber security testing and strategy.
• Malware analysis.
• Network security and resilience.
• Internet and cybersecurity applications.
• IT security.
• Cloud Computing Architecture.
• Software architecture and design.
• Computing technology projects.
• Optional professional work-placement pathways are available, subject to eligibility and additional fees.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following career opportunities for the Cyber Security major:

• Security consultant
• Information security analyst
• Cyber security penetration tester
• Network or systems administrator

The programme can also provide relevant preparation for professional work involving:

• Cyber security testing
• Security operations
• Network security
• Information security
• Cybersecurity consulting
• Systems administration
• Penetration testing
• IT security
• Cloud infrastructure security

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current 2027 intakes are 1 March and 2 August 2027.
• The programme is delivered at Hawthorn.
• CRICOS course code: 088400A.
• International Student visa holders studying in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The degree is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
• The current published course structure is 300 credit points.
• Prior tertiary study may provide academic credit, assessed case-by-case.
• The current indicative unit sequence is based on Semester 1, 2026 and may change.
• Six-month and 12-month professional placement options are shown in the course structure. Students undertaking these placements incur an increase in total course fees.
• International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC.
• Applicants should check their individual country-specific academic equivalency with Swinburne before applying.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa for an international student studying this degree in Australia is generally the Australian Student visa, Subclass 500.

Confirmation of Enrolment

Students must:

• Receive an offer from Swinburne.
• Meet any conditions attached to the offer.
• Accept the offer.
• Complete the required enrolment/payment process.
• Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Hold a valid CoE when the Department of Home Affairs makes the Student visa decision.