Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional), majoring in Data Science, combines a broad computer science foundation with specialist study in data science and a compulsory 12-month professional work placement. Swinburne describes the Data Science major as developing statistical methods and tools for managing large datasets, together with data visualisation techniques for understanding and communicating data.

Key benefits include:

• Combines computer science, programming, data science and software development.
• Develops skills in big-data management and data visualisation.
• Covers data-driven decision-making and machine learning applications.
• Provides industry-linked projects through Work Integrated Learning.
• Includes a 12-month paid professional work placement as part of the Professional degree.
• Students earn academic credit while gaining full-time workplace experience.
• Provides access to Swinburne's technology-focused learning facilities and laboratories.
• The qualification is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at professional level.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 375-credit-point professional degree consists of:

• 8 Computer Science core units = 100 credit points
• 8 Data Science major units = 100 credit points
• 6 units of other study/electives = 75 credit points
• 4 professional placement units = 100 credit points.

Core units

The eight Computer Science core units are:

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

Data Science major

The Data Science major consists of eight 12.5-credit-point units:

1. COS20019 Cloud Computing Architecture
2. COS10022 Data Science Principles
3. COS20031 Database Design Project
4. COS20028 Big Data Architecture and Application
5. COS30049 Computing Technology Innovation Project
6. SWE30003 Software Architectures and Design
7. COS30045 Data Visualisation
8. SWE40006 Software Deployment and Evolution.

The major therefore covers areas including:

• Data science principles
• Database design
• Big-data architecture
• Cloud computing
• Data visualisation
• Software architecture
• Software deployment and evolution
• Computing technology innovation.

Indicative study sequence

The currently published sequence is based on Semester 1, 2026 and can change according to unit availability, advanced standing and exemptions.

Year 1 includes:

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

Year 2 includes:

• Data Science Principles
• Database Design Project
• Big Data Architecture and Application
• Computing Technology Innovation Project
• Four elective/other-study units.

Professional placement year:

• Work Experience in Industry A
• Integrated Professional Placement A – ICT
• Work Experience in Industry B
• Integrated Professional Placement B – ICT.

Year 4 includes:

• Computing Technology Project A
• Software Architectures and Design
• Data Visualisation
• Computing Technology Project B
• Software Deployment and Evolution
• One elective.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Data Science

Swinburne currently offers the following majors within the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional):

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

The Data Science major specifically focuses on statistical methods, large datasets, data visualisation and data-driven decision-making.

Students also have 75 credit points of other study. The handbook provides options including areas such as:

• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Games and Interactivity
• Health Statistics
• Human Resource Management
• International Relations and Security
• Journalism
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Management
• Managing Information Systems
• Marketing
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition
• Physics
• Public Relations
• Social Impact
• Social Media.

Programme Highlights

• Four-year professional Bachelor of Computer Science.
• 375 credit points.
• Data Science major worth 100 credit points.
• Six available Computer Science majors.
• Mandatory 12-month professional work placement.
• 100 credit points allocated to professional placement.
• Paid full-time workplace experience.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• ACS professional-level accreditation.
• Strong focus on big data, data visualisation and data-driven decision-making.
• Combination of programming, databases, cloud computing, software architecture and data science.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies the following career opportunities for the Data Science major:

• Data scientist
• Data analyst
• Business intelligence developer
• Data infrastructure architect.

The broader professional Computer Science degree develops capabilities relevant to:

• Computer software development
• Machine learning application
• Big-data management
• Data visualisation
• Data-driven decision-making
• Systems development
• Medium and large technology projects
• Team-based technology projects
• Professional oral and written communication.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BA-CSPROF.
• Current CRICOS code: 095880K.
• Current 2027 starts: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Current 2027 application deadlines: 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027.
• Standard duration: 4 years full-time.
• Total course volume: 375 credit points.
• The Data Science major contains eight specialist units worth 100 credit points.
• The 12-month professional placement is a required component of the Professional degree.
• The published study sequence is indicative and currently based on Semester 1, 2026; unit offerings can change.
• Students who do not meet the mathematics prerequisite may need to complete MathsLink Methods.
• Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning are assessed case-by-case.
• The professional placement requires students to satisfy Swinburne's placement eligibility and recruitment requirements.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for an eligible course is required when the visa is decided.
• Students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Students must comply with the conditions attached to their individual Student visa.
• Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement and provide the requested supporting evidence.
• Additional health, character and financial requirements can apply depending on the applicant's circumstances.