Bachelor of Computer Science
Adelaide, Australia
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 53,300 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Why Bachelor of Computer Science?
Create the technology of the future. Computer scientists design, develop, and analyse the software and hardware used to solve a range of problems facing society. While IT specialists work with existing technology to solve a problem, computer scientists are at the forefront of building new technology from the ground up.
With increased technology adoption driving transformation in virtually every sector – from agriculture to healthcare, education, and manufacturing – the demand for highly skilled computer scientists has never been greater (Tech Council of Australia, 2023).
Our Bachelor of Computer Science will equip you with a solid foundation in computer science skills. You’ll also acquire a strong understanding of the ethical and legal dimensions of the evolving tech landscape – preparing you well for a dynamic career in a wide range of industries.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Computer Science provides you with a solid base of essential computer science knowledge and skills.
The broad focus of this degree means you’ll study a mix of courses covering artificial intelligence, algorithms, data management, programming languages, security, computer architecture, and more.
You’ll also have the option to specialise with a major in either artificial intelligence and machine learning, human-centred computing, or programming languages. Or you may prefer to complete a general major, learning a little bit of everything.
In addition, you’ll sharpen your professional skills with courses in communication, as well as group projects where you’ll work in a team to deliver a client artefact.
Individuals with computer science expertise can be found working in a wide range of fields– from software development, finance and banking, healthcare, e-commerce, video game design, defence, and manufacturing.
What courses will you study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for all Core courses, and
- Either:
- 54 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 54 units for all Discipline courses, and
- 12 units for all work-integrated learning, and
- 12 units for Electives
Core courses
- Problem Solving and Programming
- Structured Data
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Computing Innovations in the Modern World
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Software Development Practice
- Information Technology Systems
- System Requirements
- Security Foundations
- Professional Communication and Teamwork
- Foundations in Mathematics
Discipline courses
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Systems
- Language Models, Translation, and Execution
- Operating Systems
- Theory of Computation and Formal Verification
- Distributed and Decentralised Computing
- Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology
- Cyber Security Application
- Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
Majors
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Human-Centred Computing
- Programming Languages
Work-integrated learning
- ICT Capstone Project 1
- ICT Capstone Project 2
Electives
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from University-wide electives
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of Computer Science covers core computer science knowledge, theories, principles, and technical and professional skills.
In the first year, you’ll study courses in problem solving and programming, IT systems, structured data, security foundations, and system requirements.
From the second year, you can specialise in an area of interest with a major in either:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Human-Centred Computing
- Programming Languages.
Or you may prefer to complete a ‘general major’ – enabling you to explore a little bit of everything.
Throughout, you’ll develop deep reasoning skills, an understanding of the limits and capabilities of computing, alongside technical and programming skills.
In your final year, you’ll sharpen your professional skills through a major project. Working in a project team, you’ll develop an artefact for a client. This might include the application of new technologies, developing proof of concept solutions, or analysing current business processes to identify areas for improvement.
On completion of your studies, you’ll be eligible for professional membership with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
You’ll be able to complete the majority of first-year common courses and second-year courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus, with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.
Career outcomes
With Australia needing an additional 600,000 people to join the tech sector by 2030, the demand for highly skilled computer scientists is only expected to rise (Tech Council of Australia, 2023opens in a new tab). With its rigorous focus on theory, technical and professional skill development, our Bachelor of Computer Science ensures you’ll graduate career-ready with the skills industry demands.
You could develop software to help farmers more accurately determine how much water to use in different parts of their fields. Perhaps you’ll design more immersive virtual reality technology to help train future medical professionals. Or maybe you’ll devise an algorithm that enables renewable energy grids to manage energy demand and distribution more intelligently, or code to coordinate the next generation of driverless cars.
Computer scientists can be found working in both direct and indirect tech roles in a wide range of industries and sectors, including:
- Agriculture, food, and wine
- Social media
- Defence
- Education
- Banking
- Energy
- Finance
- Health care
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Retail
- Transportation.
Explore a range of career opportunities including:
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Integration developer
- Application developer
- Backend developer
- Frontend developer
- Backend developer
- API developer
- Cloud engineer.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.