Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) is a four-year professional bachelor degree combining computer science foundations, specialist study through a major, industry-linked projects and a compulsory 12-month professional work placement. Swinburne describes the degree as providing practical experience alongside computer science and software development knowledge.

Key benefits include:

• Strong foundation in computer science, programming, computer systems, networks and software development.
• Choice of six specialist majors: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science, Games Development, Internet of Things and Software Development.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects plus a 12-month paid work placement opportunity.
• Practical learning through projects and professional experience.
• Development of programming, problem-solving, critical-thinking and machine-learning skills.
• Access to industry-standard/state-of-the-art laboratories and contemporary technology.
• Australian Computer Society (ACS) accreditation at professional level.
• The professional placement contributes academic credit toward the qualification and provides substantial workplace experience.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The professional degree contains four principal components:

1. Computer Science core
2. One Computer Science major
3. Mandatory professional placement
4. Other study, including approved minors, advanced minors, co-majors or electives.

Core units – 100 credit points

• COS10004 Computer Systems
• COS10009 Introduction to Programming
• COS10026 Web Technology Project
• COS10025 Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
• COS20007 Object Oriented Programming
• TNE10006 Networks and Switching
• COS40005 Computing Technology Project A
• COS40006 Computing Technology Project B

Professional placement – 100 credit points

The mandatory 12-month professional placement consists of:

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

Other study – 75 credit points

Students complete six units of other study, which can be made up of approved minors, advanced minors, co-majors and/or electives. Examples listed by Swinburne include:

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

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students select one of six Computer Science majors:

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Cyber Security
3. Data Science
4. Games Development
5. Internet of Things
6. Software Development

The major is worth 100 credit points and consists of eight units.

Examples of the Artificial Intelligence major include:

• COS20019 Cloud Computing Architecture
• COS20031 Database Design Project
• COS30019 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• COS30018 Intelligent Systems
• COS30049 Computing Technology Innovation Project
• COS30082 Applied Machine Learning
• SWE30003 Software Architectures and Design
• COS40007 Artificial Intelligence Engineering.

Programme Highlights

• Four-year professional Bachelor of Computer Science.
• 375 credit points.
• Six available specialist majors.
• Mandatory 12-month professional placement.
• Approximately 1,672–1,976 hours of professional placement.
• Paid professional work placement opportunity.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• ACS professional-level accreditation.
• Practical computer science and software development focus.
• Opportunities to combine the major with other areas through minors, advanced minors, co-majors and electives

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists career opportunities associated with the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) including:

• Data scientist
• Programmer
• Software developer
• Software engineer
• Software architect
• Systems architect.

The professional degree also develops capabilities relevant to:

• Software and system development
• Project-based technology work
• Problem analysis and solution design
• Teamwork and professional communication
• Technology implementation
• Industry-oriented computing projects
• Professional practice and continuing development.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BA-CSPROF.
• Current CRICOS code: 095880K.
• 2027 intakes: 1 March and 2 August 2027.
• 2027 application deadlines: 24 February and 28 July 2027.
• Current standard duration: 4 years full-time.
• Current total volume: 375 credit points.
• The 12-month professional placement is a mandatory component of this professional degree.
• Students must complete four professional-placement units.
• Students are expected to secure a professional placement; Swinburne's academic-progress rules identify failure to secure the placement within specified timeframes as an academic-progress issue.
• Students can be classified as at risk if they fail a unit, breach the Student Charter during placement, or have not secured a professional placement two months before the final year.
• Unsatisfactory progress can arise from subsequent unit failure, failure of a placement unit, early termination of placement by an industry partner, or failure to secure placement two months before the final semester.
• International students should carefully check placement and Student visa requirements before enrolment because the professional placement is an integral registered component of this degree.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students undertaking this on-campus Australian bachelor degree generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

Key visa requirements and conditions currently include:

• Students must be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course and provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required unless an exemption applies.
• Applicants may need to demonstrate English-language ability depending on their circumstances and the Department of Home Affairs' document requirements.
• Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student requirements and provide the required supporting information.
• Applicants may need to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity if required by the Department's Document Checklist Tool.
• A valid passport is required.
• Applicants may be required to undertake health and/or character checks depending on their circumstances.