Why Study/Key Benefits

• The programme combines computer science fundamentals with a specialised Data Science major.
• Students learn statistical methods and tools for managing large datasets and techniques for visualising and interpreting data.
• The programme develops skills in computer software development, machine learning applications, big-data management, data visualisation and data-driven decision-making.
• Students undertake six professionally focused, industry-linked projects through Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning programme, providing practical experience alongside academic study.
• The course is taught using industry-standard computing facilities and focuses on practical application of computer science knowledge.
• Students can also choose from a range of electives and may have opportunities to combine Computer Science with another discipline through selected double-degree options. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The current indicative study sequence is based on Semester 1, 2026 and may change. Swinburne specifically advises students to use the relevant course planner and study-plan information when planning enrolment.

Year 1 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Computer Systems — COS10004 — core — 12.5 points
• Introduction to Programming — COS10009 — core — 12.5 points
• Web Technology Project — COS10026 — core — 12.5 points
• Elective — 12.5 points

Semester 2:

• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project — COS10025 — core — 12.5 points
• Object Oriented Programming — COS20007 — core — 12.5 points
• Networks and Switching — TNE10006 — core — 12.5 points
• Cloud Computing Architecture — COS20019 — major — 12.5 points

Year 2 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Data Science Principles — COS10022 — major — 12.5 points
• Database Design Project — COS20031 — major — 12.5 points
• Elective — 12.5 points
• Elective — 12.5 points

Semester 2:

• Big Data Architecture and Application — COS20028 — major — 12.5 points
• Computing Technology Innovation Project — COS30049 — major — 12.5 points
• Elective — 12.5 points
• Elective — 12.5 points

Year 3 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Computing Technology Project A — COS40005 — core — 12.5 points
• Software Architectures and Design — SWE30003 — major — 12.5 points
• Data Visualisation — COS30045 — major — 12.5 points

Semester 2:

• Computing Technology Project B — COS40006 — core — 12.5 points
• Software Deployment and Evolution — SWE40006 — major — 12.5 points
• Elective — 12.5 points

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Data Science major is one of six majors available within the Bachelor of Computer Science:

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

Data Science focuses particularly on:

• Statistical methods
• Big-data management
• Data visualisation
• Machine learning applications
• Data-driven decision-making
• Database technologies
• Data-oriented software and computing systems

Programme Highlights

• 3-year undergraduate Computer Science degree.
• Data Science major.
• 300 credit points.
• 8 core, 8 major and 8 elective units.
• Six industry-linked Work Integrated Learning projects.
• Practical exposure to software development and data technologies.
• Data Science subjects covering data principles, databases, big data and visualisation.
• Australian Computer Society (ACS) professional accreditation.
• Optional professional placement opportunities are available within the course structure; Swinburne lists six- and 12-month professional placement options. Participation increases total course fees.
• Swinburne currently reports #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 broader university/subject-level indicators and are not guarantees of individual graduate employment outcomes.

Career Outcomes

The Data Science major develops skills relevant to careers involving data, software and technology.

Relevant career areas include:

• Data scientist
• Data analyst
• Business intelligence developer
• Data infrastructure architect
• Data-driven software and technology roles
• Database and data management roles
• Data visualisation roles
• Technology and analytics roles

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Current course: Bachelor of Computer Science, majoring in Data Science.
• Course code: BA-CS.
• CRICOS code: 088400A.
• 2027 starts are currently listed for 1 March and 2 August 2027.
• Hawthorn is the listed campus for both 2027 starts.
• International students on Australian Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• Mathematics is a prerequisite; students who do not meet the prerequisite may need MathsLink Methods.
• The current indicative unit sequence is based on Semester 1, 2026 and can change.
• Students with relevant previous tertiary study may receive academic credit after assessment.
• Students who successfully complete VCE Algorithmics (HESS) can receive credit exemption for two 12.5-credit-point elective units, equivalent to 25 credit points.
• Students may apply for selected double-degree combinations, including Games and Interactivity/Computer Science, Computer Science/Applied Innovation, Engineering (Honours)/Computer Science and Laws/Computer Science.
• Professional placement is optional and can add 50 or 100 credit points depending on the placement option; participation increases total course fees.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia normally require the Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health requirements.
• Meeting applicable character requirements.
• Meeting any financial-capacity requirements applicable to the applicant.
• Providing English-language evidence where required by Home Affairs.
• Signing the Australian Values Statement where applicable.
• Complying with all Student visa conditions.