#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Deakin sets the standard for employability
Top 150 worldwide for computer science
Why choose computer science at Deakin
Want to drive change through the adoption of innovative technology? Throughout this specialised four-year computer science degree, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to design and develop innovative software solutions to address multifaceted IT challenges.
Gain access to specialised facilities, including dedicated robotics, cyber security and augmented and virtual reality laboratories, all supported by experienced, industry-connected staff.
You will have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement as part of your studies, or work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges as part of a capstone project.
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Unbeatable employability in technology
Graduate with advanced computer science and honours research experience that sets you apart in competitive technology roles.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Study a curriculum informed by industry, with practical projects that reflect real computing challenges.
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Advanced honours research experience
Complete a substantial research project and develop advanced analytical and technical expertise.
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Future-focused specialisation
Build deep knowledge in areas such as software development, data and intelligent systems within a structured honours year.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop advanced computer science knowledge and research experience to solve complex problems and create new digital technologies across almost every industry. You'll also be well placed to pursue a masters by research or PhD.
Programmer
Write, test and maintain code that powers software applications and digital systems. You'll solve technical problems, improve program performance and help deliver reliable software solutions across a range of industries.
- $100K
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 15.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Business intelligence software developer
Design and develop business intelligence solutions that transform data into meaningful insights. You'll create reports, dashboards and data models that help organisations make informed business decisions.
- $130K
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 4.8/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Innovation lead
- Database specialist
- Technology consultant
- Software analyst
- Solutions architect
- Project manager
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)?
Combine comprehensive computing study with an integrated research year. You’ll build strong technical capability before completing advanced coursework and an independent research project in your final year.
Build the foundations of computer science
Build programming capability
Learn how to design, implement and test software while developing confidence with algorithms and structured problem solving.
Understand systems and networks
Explore how data, hardware and operating systems interact to support reliable computing environments.
Strengthen logical reasoning
Apply mathematical thinking and abstraction to analyse problems and construct efficient solutions.
Advance your computer science electives
Advance your major and minor studies
Undertake intermediate-level learning that builds depth in your selected area of computer science.
Work with complex data sets
Design and manage data-driven applications using current development tools and practices.
Collaborate on applied projects
Tackle realistic computing challenges that mirror professional and industry contexts.
Apply and consolidate your computer science knowledge
Complete advanced major and minor units
Engage with sophisticated concepts and technologies that extend your disciplinary expertise.
Apply computing in context
Participate in capstone-style experiences that integrate design, development and evaluation.
Refine professional capabilities
Strengthen teamwork, communication and ethical awareness for responsible practice.
Demonstrate advanced computer science expertise through research
Undertake a major research project
Investigate a focused computing problem under academic supervision and produce a substantial thesis.
Deepen analytical expertise
Plan, execute and evaluate research using rigorous methods and critical reflection.
Graduate with honours distinction
Showcase advanced knowledge and research capability valued in industry and further study.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), you must pass 32 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete 13 core units, three credit points of capstone units plus four credit points of research training capstone units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Plus, 2 major, minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Plus, 1 major, minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus, 3 major, minor or open elective units three (3 credit points)
Year 3 - Trimester 2
2 credit points from the following capstone options:
OR
Plus, 2 major, minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus 2 major, minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus 2 major, minor or open elective units (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 Information Technology.
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
You are required to complete 12 credit points which can be made up of either:
- one major sequence (six credit points) and six credit points of open elective units
- two majors sequences (12 credit points)
- one major sequence (six credit points) one minor sequence (four credit points) and two credit points of open elective units
- two minor sequences (eight credit points) and four credit points of open elective units
- three minor sequences (12 credit points)
- one minor (4 credit points) and eight credit points of open elective units.
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
You are required to complete 12 credit points which can be made up of either:
- one major sequence (six credit points) and six credit points of open elective units
- two majors sequences (12 credit points)
- one major sequence (six credit points) one minor sequence (four credit points) and two credit points of open elective units
- two minor sequences (eight credit points) and four credit points of open elective units
- three minor sequences (12 credit points)
- one minor (4 credit points) and eight credit points of open elective units.
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
- Computational Mathematics
- Cloud Technologies
- Cyber Security
- Embedded Systems
- Full Stack Development
- Information Technologies Research.
Students wishing to complete more than one major or minor sequence or a combination of major and/or minor sequences in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) cannot count more than two (2) units in common towards the sequences undertaken.
Where a major and minor sequence share the same title, it is not possible for students to undertake both.
Choose open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting the unit prerequisites).
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This course is recognised internationally for entry to professional practice by other accrediting bodies through the Seoul Accord.
What to expect while studying
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require students to 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.
For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the 'Bring your own device (BYOD)' guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
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.
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.
This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
For more information visit SEBE Work Integrated Learning.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| Communicate in a professional context incorporating research-driven perspective to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through computer science, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of computer science to generate, manage, process and share digital resources for research and practice. |
| Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with research and practice in computer science. |
| Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from computer science to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate innovative solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| 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. |
| Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from computer science practice and research to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions. |
| Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in research and practice in the field of computer science, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400511601 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400611601 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Deakin code
- S406
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$8,920
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.