Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Computer Science is a three-year undergraduate degree focused on computer science, software development and practical technology skills. Swinburne describes the programme as preparing students for careers across the digital technology sector, with the opportunity to specialise through a major.

Key benefits include:

• Study in industry-standard computing laboratories.
• Build foundations in computer systems, programming, networking and software development.
• Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Apply machine-learning concepts and modern computing technologies.
• Choose from six specialist majors.
• Complete six professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• Receive a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity as part of Swinburne's bachelor-degree model.
• Potentially undertake a six- or 12-month professional placement.
• The course is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard 300-credit-point structure comprises eight core units, eight major units and eight electives.

The current indicative 2026 sequence includes the following core units:

Year 1:

• Computer Systems – COS10004
• Introduction to Programming – COS10009
• Web Technology Project – COS10026
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project – COS10025

Year 2:

• Object Oriented Programming – COS20007
• Networks and Switching – TNE10006

Year 3:

• Computing Technology Project A – COS40005
• Computing Technology Project B – COS40006

The major contributes eight specialist units. The exact units depend on the major selected.

The course therefore develops knowledge in areas such as:

• Computer systems
• Programming
• Object-oriented programming
• Web technologies
• Computer networks
• Software development
• Data and analytics
• Artificial intelligence
• Cyber security
• Internet-connected devices
• Games and interactive technologies
• Computing projects

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students can choose one of six majors:

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Cyber Security
3. Data Science
4. Games Development
5. Internet of Things
6. Software Development

Artificial Intelligence

Focuses on machine learning and AI engineering techniques, with topics including cloud computing and software architectures. Potential career areas include machine-learning engineering, computer vision and data science.

Cyber Security

Focuses on protecting systems, networks and information, with specialist study in areas such as network security and IT security.

Data Science

Focuses on statistical methods, big-data management and data visualisation.

Games Development

Focuses on designing and programming computer games and interactive software, together with software-development skills.

Internet of Things

Focuses on programming connected devices and developing software solutions for IoT environments.

Software Development

Focuses on software architecture, application development and development of large-scale software systems.

Programme Highlights

• 3-year bachelor's degree.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• Six specialisation options.
• Six industry-linked projects.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity within Swinburne's bachelor-degree model.
• Optional six- or 12-month professional placement.
• Industry-standard laboratories.
• Practical software and computing projects.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• CRICOS course code 088400A.
• Double-degree options are available with Applied Innovation, Engineering (Honours), Games and Interactivity, and Laws.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities including:

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

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Current programme information includes:

• Course code: BA-CS.
• CRICOS code: 088400A.
• Duration: 3 years full-time.
• Campus: Hawthorn.
• 2027 Semester 1 start: 1 March 2027.
• 2027 Semester 2 start: 2 August 2027.
• 2027 application deadlines shown by Swinburne: 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• International Student visa holders studying in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• Mathematics prerequisite applies.
• MathsLink Methods may be required if the mathematics prerequisite is not met.
• Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning are assessed individually.
• Professional placement is optional and increases total course fees.
• The standard course is ACS accredited

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the intended course.
• Study in a CRICOS-registered programme.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the student and applicable accompanying dependants.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Providing financial-capacity evidence when required.
• Providing English-language evidence when required.
• Providing the documents generated by the Department of Home Affairs' Document Checklist Tool.