Which information technology degree is best?

Tech moves fast – and your career can too. Not sure which information technology (IT) degree matches your skills and goals? Whether you’re curious about how computers think, passionate about cyber security, or eager to design the next big app, Deakin offers IT degrees built for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

With hands-on learning, industry-aligned projects and strong support from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, you’ll graduate with the confidence, skills and practical experience to thrive in a rapidly growing sector.

Deakin offers several innovative, industry-led IT degrees. Here’s a quick overview:

• Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence – specialise in AI, machine learning, robotics and natural language processing. Careers include AI specialist, data scientist, AI software engineer. Real-world applications include self-driving cars, high-tech fraud detection systems and AI-powered apps.
• Bachelor of Information Technology – a broad degree covering programming, systems analysis, networking and project management. Careers include IT consultant, systems analyst, network administrator, application or software developer, web designer, AR/VR creator.
• Bachelor of Cyber Security – focus on protecting systems, networks and data from cyber threats. Careers include security analyst, penetration tester, IT security engineer, information security auditor.
• Bachelor of Computer Science – explore algorithms, programming and computational systems, with the option to major or minor in AI. Careers include software developer, data scientist, AI researcher, embedded developer, computer systems analyst.
• Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) – design, develop and deploy complex software systems for smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and more. Careers include software engineer, systems designer, application architect. Optional progression to a PhD is available after completing the industry-focused research project.

All degrees blend hands-on experience with cutting-edge theory, giving you the skills to build a career across industries like health, business, education, government and beyond.

Most courses are professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and some units even lead to Cisco certification, giving you a globally recognised edge in the job market. Software Engineering is also provisionally accredited by Engineers Australia.

While all three sit under the tech umbrella, they focus on different aspects of the digital world:

• Information technology – applies technology across businesses and industries. Focus on practical solutions, hands-on projects and teamwork.
• Computer science – the theoretical foundations of computing, programming and algorithms. Flexible, versatile, with opportunities to major or minor in AI.
• Software engineering – designing and maintaining large-scale software systems. Strong focus on applied engineering, robotics and cyber-physical systems.

All degrees include internships, work placements and capstone projects, so you graduate ready to step confidently into the workforce.

Both are excellent choices – it depends on whether you want to specialise or explore.

Deakin’s Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence builds deep knowledge in AI and machine learning, helping you understand how technology can simulate – and sometimes surpass – human abilities.

‘The Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence puts equal emphasis on both a solid math/computing foundation and the agility to adapt to and capitalise on emerging technologies,’ explains Dr Wei Luo, senior lecturer in data science.

Graduates can pursue roles as AI specialists, data scientists or AI technology software engineers – the minds behind innovations like self-driving cars and high-tech fraud detection systems.

‘Learning AI future-proofs students as more industries invest in AI to improve their business and stay competitive. There will only be more and more challenging AI problems waiting to be solved by our graduates,’ Dr Luo adds.

Alternatively, the Bachelor of Computer Science provides a broader computing foundation, with flexibility to major or minor in AI alongside programming, systems design and algorithms.

‘We have strong connections with industry, which provides opportunities for our students to gain experience of real work environments,’ says Dr Chandan Karmakar, senior lecturer of computer science. ‘This helps our students to be job-ready, and they receive credit for their learning through the work placement.’

If your goal is to build and apply AI systems, choose the Bachelor of AI. If you want flexibility across computing disciplines, go with the Bachelor of Computer Science.

In a word: huge.

Information and communications technology (ICT) roles are projected to grow by 24.7% – that's 100,100 new jobs in Australia by 2034^*. The need for skilled professionals across AI, cyber security and IT isn't just growing – it's accelerating.

Key areas of demand:

• AI and data science – interpreting and applying data for smarter decisions.
• Cyber security – safeguarding systems as digital threats rise.
• Software development – designing apps, platforms and digital tools.

'Cyber security is still a relatively young field. There are still so many open questions and things to learn. There will always be something new and exciting on the horizon,' says Dr Jesse Laeuchli, senior lecturer in cyber and networking security.

'We have a rigorous focus on both hands-on skills and theory. Students that join our degree and study hard will be well prepared to stay on top of a rapidly changing industry over the course of their careers.'

With Deakin's industry-aligned, accredited degrees, you'll graduate ready to meet this demand.

If you prefer hands-on learning, the Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Cyber Security offer the most practical experience through labs, simulations and industry projects.

Computer science is a little more theory-focused – diving deep into the foundations of programming and computation – but still includes plenty of applied projects, especially in software and AI.

No matter which path you choose, all degrees at Deakin feature real-world learning opportunities, so you graduate ready to make an impact.

Whether you want to code, secure, design or innovate, Deakin's IT degrees give you the flexibility, practical experience and accredited qualifications to succeed. With Deakin's strong graduate employability ranking, world-class facilities and industry connections, you'll graduate ready for a high-demand, future-focused career.

Explore Deakin's Information Technology degrees and find the path that matches your goals.