Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence is a three-year undergraduate degree designed to develop knowledge and practical skills in artificial intelligence, computing, machine learning and natural language processing.

Swinburne describes the course as preparing students to design and deploy intelligent systems that solve real-world problems. The programme combines computer science and mathematics with specialised AI study and project-based, industry-engaged learning.

Key benefits include:

• Develop AI solution design and implementation skills.
• Learn machine learning and statistical modelling.
• Study natural language processing and generative AI.
• Develop intelligent applications and AI engineering skills.
• Build data analysis capabilities.
• Explore ethical, legal and societal implications of artificial intelligence.
• Develop multidisciplinary teamwork and professional skills.
• Complete industry-engaged, project-based coursework.
• Receive Work Integrated Learning opportunities as part of Swinburne’s bachelor-degree model.
• Study a programme accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at professional level.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence consists of:

• 8 core units
• 8 Artificial Intelligence major units
• 8 units of other approved study

Total: 300 credit points.

The following is Swinburne’s current indicative sequence, based on its published Semester 1 2026 study plan. Swinburne notes that unit offerings and sequencing can change.

Year 1 – Core foundation

Semester 1:

• Computer Systems – COS10004
• Introduction to Programming – COS10009
• Web Technology Project – COS10026
• One elective

Semester 2:

• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project – COS10025
• Object Oriented Programming – COS20007
• Networks and Switching – TNE10006
• One elective.

These subjects establish foundations in computer systems, programming, web technologies, object-oriented programming and networking.

Year 2 – Artificial Intelligence major

Semester 1:

• Database Design Project – COS20031
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – COS30019
• IoT Programming – SWE30011
• One elective

Semester 2:

• Computing Technology Innovation Project – COS30049
• Intelligent Systems – COS30018
• Natural Language Processing and GenAI – COS30081
• One elective.

These subjects introduce AI systems, intelligent applications, natural language processing, generative AI, databases and connected technologies.

Year 3 – Advanced AI

Semester 1:

• Computing Technology Project A – COS40005
• Artificial Intelligence Engineering – COS40007
• Applied Machine Learning – COS30082
• One elective

Semester 2:

• Computing Technology Project B – COS40006
• Three electives.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The formal major is Artificial Intelligence.

The degree does not currently present multiple named AI specialisations within this particular course. However, students have considerable flexibility in the remaining 100 credit points of other study.

Approved co-major options include areas such as:

• Computer Science
• Data Analytics
• Business Analytics and Analysis
• Ethics and Technology
• Games and Interactivity
• Neuroscience
• Space Technology
• Psychology
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Environmental Science
• Marketing
• Management
• Finance
• Politics, Power and Technology.

Students can also choose from a broad range of minors, including:

• Data Science
• Data Analytics
• Applied Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• FinTech
• Games and Interactivity
• UX Interaction Design
• Web Development
• Ethics and Technology
• Space Technology
• Neuroscience.

Programme Highlights

• Three-year Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence.
• 300 credit points.
• 8 core units.
• 8 Artificial Intelligence major units.
• 8 units of other approved study.
• Specialised study in machine learning and natural language processing.
• Artificial intelligence engineering and applied machine learning.
• Generative AI included through Natural Language Processing and GenAI.
• Industry-engaged, project-based learning.
• Computing Technology Project A and B.
• Broad choice of co-majors, minors and electives.
• ACS professional accreditation.

Swinburne currently presents several university-level achievements on the course page, including:

• #1 in Australia for Computer Science and Engineering, ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.
• #1 in Victoria for Graduate Employability and Salary, QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024.
• #6 in Australia for Artificial Intelligence, US News Best Global Universities.
• Employability Category Winner for Work Integrated Learning Program, AFR Higher Education Awards 2024.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne currently identifies the following career opportunities:

• AI consultant
• AI engineer
• Data scientist
• Machine learning specialist
• Software developer
• Technology innovator.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BA-AI.
• Current CRICOS code: 121174E.
• Current standard duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
• Current campus: Hawthorn.
• 2027 Semester 1 start: 1 March 2027.
• 2027 Semester 2 start: 2 August 2027.
• 2027 application deadlines: 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• Current course accreditation: Australian Computer Society at professional level.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The standard course consists of 300 credit points.
• The maximum academic credit that can be granted is 200 credit points, normally equivalent to 16 units.
• The current course structure limits students to no more than 150 credit points, normally 12 units, at Introductory Level/Stage 1.
• International Student visa holders cannot undertake the professional placement option in this course under the government regulation identified in the current handbook.
• Students without the required mathematics background may need MathsLink General.
• The published subject sequence is indicative and can change according to unit availability, advanced standing and exemptions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this degree in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Core visa requirements

The Department of Home Affairs currently requires Student visa applicants to meet the applicable requirements, including:

• Enrolment in an eligible Australian course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Genuine Student requirement.
• Applicable health requirements.
• Applicable character requirements.
• Financial-capacity evidence where the applicant's document checklist requires it.
• Welfare arrangements where applicable for students under 18.