Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Computer Science, majoring in Software Development, is a three-year undergraduate degree focused on designing, developing, testing and deploying software applications and larger computing systems.

Key benefits include:

• Develop practical software development and programming skills.
• Learn how to design and architect large software systems.
• Build applications for mobile and other platforms.
• Develop secure and scalable software applications.
• Learn cloud computing system development.
• Gain experience with software testing, reliability and concurrent programming.
• Develop skills in interface design and software architecture.
• Complete professionally focused, industry-linked projects through Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning program.
• Study in industry-standard computing laboratories.
• Gain a qualification professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The degree comprises 300 credit points divided into:

• 8 Computer Science core units
• 8 Software Development major units
• 8 units of other approved study.

The current published indicative sequence is based on Semester 1, 2026. Swinburne notes that unit availability and sequencing can change, so students should use the current course planner when enrolling.

Computer Science core units

The current structure 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.

These units establish foundations in computer systems, programming, web technologies, object-oriented programming, networking and technology project development.

Software Development major

The eight major units are:

• Cloud Computing Architecture – COS20019
• Database Design Project – COS20031
• Data Structures and Patterns – COS30008
• Software Testing and Reliability – SWE30009
• Computing Technology Innovation Project – COS30049
• Interface Design and Development – COS30043
• Software Architectures and Design – SWE30003
• Concurrent Programming – COS40003.

Together, these subjects cover:

• Cloud application architecture
• Database design
• Data structures and programming patterns
• Software testing
• Software reliability
• Technology innovation
• User interface design
• Software architecture
• Concurrent programming.

Other study / electives

The remaining 100 credit points can be completed through an approved co-major, minor, advanced minor or electives.

Examples of currently listed study options relevant to the Software Development major include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Visualisation
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Software Development for Mobile Devices
• Games Programming
• IoT Programming
• Software Deployment and Evolution
• IT Security
• Mathematics for Computing
• Linear Algebra and Applications
• Secure Remote Access Networks
• Advanced Switching.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Bachelor of Computer Science offers six majors:

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

The selected major for this programme is Software Development.

Swinburne describes the Software Development major as focusing on:

• Large-scale software architecture
• Mobile and multi-platform applications
• Cloud computing
• Secure and scalable software
• Software testing and reliability
• Interface design
• Concurrent programming.

Programme Highlights

• 3-year Bachelor of Computer Science.
• 300 credit points.
• Software Development major.
• 8 Computer Science core units.
• 8 Software Development major units.
• 8 units of other approved study.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity across the bachelor degree.
• Optional 6-month or 12-month professional placement.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• Industry-standard computing laboratories.
• Opportunities to combine the degree with another qualification through selected double-degree options.

Swinburne currently reports the following university-level rankings and awards on the course page:

• #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 lists potential career opportunities including:

• Project manager
• Software designer
• Systems analyst or designer
• Web developer
• Systems architect
• Application designer.

The broader Bachelor of Computer Science course also identifies roles such as:

• Software developer
• Solutions architect
• Systems analyst
• Information security analyst
• Data scientist
• Games designer or programmer
• Machine learning engineer.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current CRICOS course code: 088400A.
• Current course code: BA-CS.
• 2027 starts: 1 March and 2 August.
• 2027 application deadlines: 24 February and 28 July respectively.
• Hawthorn is the listed campus.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The course is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
• Students without the required mathematics prerequisite may need to complete MathsLink General.
• Students who complete VCE Algorithmics (HESS) can receive 25 credit points of elective exemptions.
• Professional placement is optional and competitive rather than automatically guaranteed.
• Professional placement can increase total course fees and may affect the duration and visa arrangements for international students.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Core requirements

The Department of Home Affairs' current Student visa process can require:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Evidence of English proficiency where applicable
• Evidence of financial capacity where required
• Genuine Student requirement
• Health requirements
• Character requirements
• Appropriate welfare arrangements for students under 18.