Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Computer Science is a five-year double degree combining professional engineering education with computer science and software development. It is designed for students who want to work across engineering, computing, automation, robotics, software and data-driven technologies.

Key benefits include:

• Combines two bachelor qualifications in one five-year programme.
• Provides theoretical and practical engineering knowledge through workshops, projects and industry-focused learning.
• Develops computer science skills including programming, computer systems, web technologies, networks and software development.
• Includes engineering projects and industry-linked learning from the early stages of the degree.
• Allows students to select one Engineering major and one Computer Science major.
• Develops skills in problem-solving, engineering principles, analytical thinking, software development and machine-learning applications.
• The engineering component is designed around professional engineering practice, while the Computer Science component is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme combines an Engineering component and a Computer Science component.

Engineering core subjects include areas such as:

• Preliminary Mathematics
• Computer Systems
• Introduction to Programming
• Web Technology Project
• Object Oriented Programming
• Humanitarian Engineering Design Project
• Engineering Materials
• Engineering Mechanics
• Engineering Technology with Indigenous Context
• Calculus and Applications
• Linear Algebra and Applications
• Energy and Motion
• Networks and Switching
• Engineering Technology Project A and B, where applicable
• Professional Experience in Engineering

The Computer Science core includes:

• Computer Systems
• Introduction to Programming
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
• Web Technology Project
• Networks and Switching
• Object Oriented Programming
• Computing Technology Project A
• Computing Technology Project B

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students select one Engineering major and one Computer Science major.

Engineering majors currently listed by Swinburne are:

• Architectural
• Biomedical
• Civil
• Electrical and Electronic
• Mechanical
• Product Design
• Robotics and Mechatronics
• Software

The course page's major selector also identifies the available Computer Science areas.

Computer Science majors currently listed in the handbook are:

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

Programme Highlights

• Five-year engineering and computer science double degree.
• 500 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• CRICOS registered for international students.
• Choice of one Engineering major and one Computer Science major.
• Engineering workshops, projects and industry-linked learning.
• Work Integrated Learning is incorporated into Swinburne bachelor degrees.
• The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) includes industry-based projects from year 1.
• Engineering graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership of Engineers Australia.
• Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society at professional level.

Career Outcomes

The double degree can prepare graduates for careers combining engineering, software and computing.

Swinburne specifically identifies opportunities such as:

• Electrical engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Robotics and mechatronics engineer
• Data scientist
• Software engineer
• Software developer

The course handbook further describes potential work involving software for:

• Robots
• CAD/CAM machinery
• Autonomous vehicles
• Aeroplanes
• Spacecraft
• Manufacturing plants

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BB-ENGCS1.
• Current CRICOS code: 107340B.
• 2027 starts: 1 March and 2 August 2027.
• Current published application deadlines: 24 February and 28 July 2027.
• International students on Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• The course requires mathematics preparation; MathsLink may be required if the mathematics prerequisite is not met.
• Professional Placement is not available to international students holding a Student visa in this course.
• Professional Experience in Engineering is a compulsory non-credit course requirement.
• Credit transfer/RPL is assessed individually.
• Engineering professional recognition: graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership of Engineers Australia.
• Computer Science professional accreditation: Australian Computer Society professional level.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa is generally the Student visa (subclass 500).

For this course, Swinburne states that international students in Australia holding Student visas must study full-time and on campus.

Current Department of Home Affairs requirements include:

• Enrolment in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required period, unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Providing English-language evidence where required, unless an exemption applies.
• Providing evidence of sufficient financial capacity where required.
• Complying with Australian visa conditions and laws.

Work rights:

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• The unlimited-work exception applies to students studying a master's by research or doctoral degree; it does not apply to this undergraduate double degree.
• Work conditions can be checked on the individual visa grant and through VEVO.