Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional), majoring in Artificial Intelligence, combines computer science fundamentals with specialist study in artificial intelligence, machine learning, software architecture and cloud computing.

Key benefits include:

• Develop practical skills in computer software development, machine learning applications and AI engineering techniques.
• Study AI through a combination of computing foundations, technical subjects and project-based learning.
• Gain experience with AI and machine learning applications and their use in different industry contexts.
• Study cloud computing architecture and software architectures alongside AI.
• Complete professionally focused, industry-linked projects as part of the degree.
• The professional version of the degree is structured around a 12-month paid professional work placement opportunity; however, international students holding an Australian Student visa have a specific restriction on undertaking this placement, as explained below.
• The course is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Artificial Intelligence major consists of 8 major units worth 100 credit points. The professional degree also contains 8 core units and other approved studies/electives.

Core Computer Science units

The core component includes:

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

Artificial Intelligence major

The 8 Artificial Intelligence major units are:

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

Indicative study sequence

Swinburne's published 2026 indicative sequence includes:

Year 1:

• 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:

• Database Design Project
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Intelligent Systems
• Computing Technology Innovation Project
• Four elective units.

Professional placement:

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

Year 4:

• Computing Technology Project A
• Applied Machine Learning
• Software Architectures and Design
• Computing Technology Project B
• Artificial Intelligence Engineering
• One elective.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Artificial Intelligence

The major focuses on:

• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• AI engineering
• Intelligent systems
• Cloud computing
• Database technologies
• Software architecture
• Computing technology innovation
• AI applications and software development.

Programme Highlights

• 4-year professional Bachelor of Computer Science.
• Artificial Intelligence major.
• 375-credit-point professional degree structure.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• Practical study in AI, machine learning and AI engineering.
• Industry-linked project work.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects are highlighted by Swinburne.
• Professional placement opportunity is incorporated into the professional degree structure, subject to eligibility and regulatory restrictions.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• Two 2027 commencement dates: March and August.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following career opportunities for the Artificial Intelligence major:

• Machine learning engineer
• Computer vision engineer
• Data scientist.

The skills developed in the major can also support roles involving:

• Artificial intelligence engineering
• Machine learning
• Software development
• Intelligent systems
• Data and technology applications
• Cloud and software architecture.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this course in Australia normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

Course and enrolment requirements

The Department of Home Affairs requires Student visa applicants to:

• Be enrolled in an eligible full-time course registered on CRICOS.
• Provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Meet applicable financial-capacity requirements if requested.
• Provide required supporting documentation through the Department's current Document Checklist Tool.