Why Study / Key Benefits

• Specialise in Artificial Intelligence within a broader Bachelor of Computer Science rather than studying AI in isolation.
• Develop skills in computer software development, machine-learning application and AI engineering techniques.
• Study in industry-standard computer laboratories and work with contemporary AI and computing technologies.
• The AI major includes practical study in areas such as intelligent systems, applied machine learning, AI engineering, cloud computing and software architecture.
• Swinburne states that all bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity. For this degree, students undertake six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• The course is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Swinburne currently highlights its 2025 ARWU subject ranking as #1 in Australia for Computer Science and Engineering and its 2025 US News ranking as #6 in Australia for Artificial Intelligence. These are university-level ranking claims rather than guarantees of individual student outcomes.
• Students can potentially combine Computer Science with another degree through available double-degree options, subject to the relevant course requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The degree consists of 300 credit points: 8 core units, 8 Artificial Intelligence major units and 8 elective units.

Year 1

Core and major study 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
• Cloud Computing Architecture — COS20019
• Elective study.

Year 2

Artificial Intelligence and related study includes:

• Database Design Project — COS20031
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence — COS30019
• Intelligent Systems — COS30018
• Computing Technology Innovation Project — COS30049
• Elective units.

Year 3

Advanced computing and AI study includes:

• Computing Technology Project A — COS40005
• Applied Machine Learning — COS30082
• Software Architectures and Design — SWE30003
• Computing Technology Project B — COS40006
• Artificial Intelligence Engineering — COS40007
• Elective study.

Electives

Students can use their elective component to broaden or deepen their knowledge. Swinburne's current handbook lists recommended AI-related electives including:

• Artificial Intelligence for Games
• IT Security
• Games Programming
• Data Visualisation
• Concurrent Programming
• Calculus and Applications
• Linear Algebra and Applications
• Mathematics for Computing
• Quantitative Prediction
• Stochastic Modelling
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics
• Optimisation
• Software Testing and Reliability
• IoT Programming
• Software Deployment and Evolution
• Advanced Switching.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Artificial Intelligence

The broader Bachelor of Computer Science also offers majors in:

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

Programme Highlights

• 3-year Bachelor of Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence specialisation
• 300 credit points
• Hawthorn campus
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry
• ACS professional accreditation
• Industry-standard laboratory learning
• Six industry-linked projects within the degree
• Practical AI and machine-learning experience
• Optional 6-month or 12-month professional placement
• Exposure to cloud computing and software architecture
• Opportunities to develop software-development, machine-learning and AI-engineering skills.

Career Outcomes

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

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

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current published 2027 start dates are 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• The current course page identifies CRICOS code 088400A.
• ACS accreditation is currently listed for the course.
• Students without the required mathematics background may need to complete the MathsLink Methods bridging programme.
• Professional placement is optional and carries additional course-fee implications.
• The detailed course sequence available on Swinburne's page is identified as an indicative Semester 1 2026 sequence; Swinburne notes that unit offerings and sequences can change. Students should therefore confirm the final study plan after enrolment.
• International Student visa holders studying in Australia must study full-time and on campus for this course.
• Exact 2027 tuition fees: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Key visa requirements

The Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa applicants must:

• be enrolled in an eligible Australian course and have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies
• satisfy the Genuine Student requirement
• meet applicable health and character requirements
• satisfy other visa requirements applicable to their circumstances