Key facts
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 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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- S406
- CRICOS code?
- 111441G Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- 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:
- 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:
- Two majors (totalling 12 credit points) OR
- One major (totalling 6 credit points), one minor (totalling 4 credit points) and two elective units (2 credit points) OR
- Two minors (totalling 8 credit points) and four elective units (4 credit points) OR
- Three minors (totalling 12 credit points) OR
- Two minors (totalling 8 credit points) and four elective units (4 credit points) OR
- One minor (totalling 4 credit points), and eight elective units (8 credit points)
- Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- Completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- level 1 - maximum of 10 credit points
- levels 2 and 3 - minimum of 14 credit points over both levels
- level 3 - minimum of 6 credit points
- level 7 – minimum 4 credit points of postgraduate units
Core
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Plus one (1) elective unit (one (1) credit point)
Plus one (1) major or minor unit (one (1) credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
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:
OR
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Plus two (2) major or minor units (two (2) credit points)
Plus one (1) credit point from the following capstone options:
OR
One (1) SIT elective unit
Year 4 - Trimester 1
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:
OR
^ 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 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
New course from Trimester 2, 2023
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's website, www.deakin.edu.au/information-technology/students or telephone 03 9244 6699.
S306 Bachelor of Computer Science
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.
Course duration - additional information
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 classes, 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 the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
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. Click here for more information.
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, please refer to deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.)
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
If you wish for your professional, work, life or community experience to be considered you are required to complete and submit a personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your secondary education and subsequent academic records as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
If you wish for your professional, work, life or community experience to be considered you are required to complete and submit a personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
If you wish for your professional, work, life or community experience to be considered you are required to complete and submit a personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
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.
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.
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 fees - CSP: 2023 fees are currently unavailable due to a delay in the student contribution rates set by the Australian Government.
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.
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
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 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.
Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:
- recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
- applicants with work and life experience
- applicants with TAFE study
- applicants with higher education study.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.
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.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
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’ll 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
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