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Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)

Undergraduate degree

Develop the skills required to design and develop innovative software solutions to address multifaceted information and technology challenges.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Key facts

ATAR

Burwood:
72.35
Online:
NP?
Lowest selection rank

Duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Computer scientists are problem solvers and innovators. Throughout this specialised four-year course, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to design and develop innovative software solutions to address multifaceted information and technology challenges. You will have access to specialised facilities, including dedicated robotics, cyber security and augmented and virtual reality laboratories supported by experienced, industry-connected staff.

You’ll also have opportunities to undertake a professional placement as part of your studies, work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges as part of a capstone project, focus your studies towards the area that interests you most by undertaking at least one major or minor in an area of your choosing, and culminate your knowledge in your final year through completion of an honours research project.

Want to drive change through the adoption of innovative technology?

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. You’ll explore fundamental concepts across computer systems and discrete mathematics as well as data science and analytics, before diving into more advanced topics in networking and communication, computational intelligence and distributed programming.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
Year

2024 course information

VTAC code
1400511601 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400611601 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code
S406
CRICOS code?
111441G Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) students must complete 32 credit points comprising:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • thirteen (13) credit points of core units
  • a three (3) credit point Computer Science capstone
  • a four (4) credit point Computer Science Research Training capstone
  • and twelve (12) credit points that can comprise of:
    • one major (totalling 6 credit points), and six open elective units (6 credit points)
    • two majors (totalling 12 credit points) OR
    • one major (totalling 6 credit points), one minor (totalling 4 credit points) and two open elective units (2 credit points) OR
    • two minors (totalling 8 credit points) and four open elective units (4 credit points) OR
    • three minors (totalling 12 credit points) OR
    • one minor (totalling 4 credit points), and eight open elective units (8 credit points)
  • no more than ten (10) credit points at level 1
  • minimum of 14 credit points over levels 2 and 3
  • level 3 - minimum of 6 credit points
  • level 7 – minimum 4 credit points of postgraduate units.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

13

Core units

7

Capstone units

12

Major/Minor and Elective units

32

Total

Core

Year 1 - Trimester 1

  • Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)
  • Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)
  • Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)
  • Computer Systems
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Year 1 - Trimester 2

  • Object-Oriented Development
  • Database Fundamentals
  • Linear Algebra for Data Analysis
  • Computer Networks and Communication

  • Year 2 - Trimester 1

  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computational Intelligence
  • Plus one (1) elective unit (one (1) credit point)

    Plus one (1) major or minor unit (one (1) credit point)

    Year 2 - Trimester 2

  • Professional Practice in Information Technology #
  • Advanced Algorithms
  • Plus one (1) elective unit (one (1) credit point)

    One (1) major or minor unit (one (1) credit point)


    Year 3 - Trimester 1

    Two (2) major or minor units (two (2) credit points)

    Plus, two (2) credit points from the following capstone options:

  • Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^~ and
  • IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+
  • OR

  • Professional Practice (2 credit points) ^+
  • Year 3 - Trimester 2

  • Concurrent and Distributed Programming
  • Plus two (2) major or minor units (two (2) credit points)

    Plus one (1) credit point from the following capstone options:

  • Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^
  • OR

    One (1) SIT elective unit


    Year 4 - Trimester 1

  • Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points) (Research Training capstone)^
  • Plus two (2) major or minor units (two (2) credit points)

    Year 4 - Trimester 2

    Plus two (2) electives or minor units (2 credit points)

    Plus two (2) credit points from the following Research Training capstone options:

  • Research Project (2 credit points)^
  • OR

  • Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points)^*
  • ^ offered in trimester 1, trimester 2, trimester 3

    + Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in IT.

    ~ Note: Students are recommended to undertake SIT374 and SIT378 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT374 and SIT378 consecutively.

    ^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3

    # Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)

    * Entry to SIT746 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.

    Electives

    Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

    Major sequences

    Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

    Minor sequences

    Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

    Additional course information

    For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology.

    Student equipment purchases

    The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Access to high cost specialist equipment, such as robots, is provided. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.

    S306 Bachelor of Computer Science

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

    Workload

    You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

    Participation requirements

    Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

    Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Work experience

    This course includes a compulsory work placement where you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours in industry, providing professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Alternatively, high achieving students may have the opportunity to undertake an extended full-time paid industry-based learning placement (conditions apply).

    Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    Current or recent secondary education

    If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    Year 12 prerequisite subjects

    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL

    ATAR

    • Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

    Higher education

    If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    • successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

    Vocational education

    If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    • completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
    • completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
    • at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

    Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
    • IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 30 in any English, any Information Technology or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $8,304 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.  Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.  You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.  Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply through VTAC

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.

    Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Entry pathways

    View pathways into the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) with our pathways finder.

    Further study options

    A Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) may also provide you with the opportunity to  pursue a research pathway to Higher Degree by Research.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Skilled computer science professionals are highly sought-after across the globe. As a graduate, you will have a highly specialised skill-set that enables you to push boundaries. You may find employment in software development, software engineering, systems architecture, information security, robotics and application development or telecommunications. As your experience develops, you may progress to positions including technical lead, senior developer or project management.

    By undertaking a focused research project in your final year of study, you will also acquire research skills and advanced technical expertise in your chosen topic, as well as the skills to become a creative, solutions-driven professional in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of computer science. You will also be well positioned to pursue further study including a masters by research or PhD.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

    Course Learning Outcomes

    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Develop a coherent and advanced knowledge of computer science, with detailed knowledge of programming, algorithms, and scientific approaches to problem solving and knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies for professional practice and research.

    Communication

    Communicate in a professional context to inform, motivate, and effect change, and to drive sustainable innovation, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.

    Digital literacy

    Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, analyse, evaluate, select, process, and disseminate both technical and non-technical information in computer science projects and research.

    Critical thinking

    Evaluate information and evidence, applying critical and analytical thinking and reasoning, technical skills, personal judgement and values, in decision making processes.

    Problem solving

    Apply theoretical constructs, skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative software solutions involving design and development of custom algorithms.

    Self-management

    Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in research and professional practice and/or further learning in the field of computer science with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.

    Teamwork

    Contribute effectively as a skilled and knowledgeable individual to the processes and output of a work unit or team, with specific knowledge and skills associated with using professional and research practices associated with the information technology industry.

    Global citizenship

    Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in research and in designing, developing, and deploying custom software solutions.

    Approved by Faculty Board 28 July 2022