Design innovative software, applications and systems, develop programming skills, and specialise in different fields of computer science.
AU$37,440 (2023 annual)
Prepare for jobs of the future, explore multiple areas of computing and tailor your degree to your interests.
RMIT's Bachelor of Computer Science will provide you with in-depth knowledge of systems infrastructure, software methods and technologies, and application technologies from both the theoretical and practical aspects.
This degree will also provide you with a fundamental understanding of all aspects of computer technology, computer hardware, operating systems, computer networks, data structures and algorithms, database systems, software engineering and organisational issues.
Learning in RMIT's revolutionary programming bootcamps and studios, and developing the skills required by industry, you will explore real-world problems that will equip you with the knowledge and agility required to thrive in this expansive and competitive field of computer science.
This degree provides you with the flexibility to choose your career pathway. Whether you want to specialise in AI, blockchain, cloud computing, game design, computer security, data wrangling or computational science, you will have the opportunity to study industry-relevant subjects that will challenge you and advance your career.
You will graduate with outstanding programming skills, the ability to design, implement, and maintain complex software systems which drive mobile devices, social media and intelligent robots, and the ability to adapt to new advances in information technology.
There is a range of major and minor options that you can choose to tailor your degree with, allowing you to follow your area of interest and enabling a variety of potential career paths.
Major options include:
Minor options include:
RMIT University is ranked in the top 15 universities in Oceania for computer science and information systems. [QS rankings by subject 2023]
Put theory into practice, building your skills through our innovative bootcamps and studios, hackathons and capstone projects.
Take advantage of our flexibility to design your degree, choosing from a broad range of focus areas.
This career-focused degree will prepare you to work in sectors that are growing or yet to be defined.
Information Technology is a dynamic industry, with growing demand for key technical skills becoming more prevalent across a variety of sectors. Seize your opportunities for career progression in IT with a certificate, diploma or degree at RMIT.
Google Vice-President Engineering and RMIT alumnus, Hugh Williams, talks about careers in computer science, and how RMIT's programs give students the skills and experience industry needs.
This computer science degree has an active learning approach, with an emphasis on laboratory-based and work integrated learning activities that will develop your employability skills and capabilities.
You will learn through a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, studios, presentations, and syndicate work.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes challenges, essays, reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects, and practical assignments.
Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.
Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.
In the Bootcamp2Studio model, you will undertake up to six weeks of intensive, focused learning across a programming bootcamp.
Next, you'll spend nine weeks learning in a studio model. Here, you'll explore your project more deeply, working both in groups and independently to solve real-world challenges.
Through this hybrid form of teaching, you'll build transferable skills in problem solving and teamwork, learn to adapt to new projects, technologies and settings quickly, and be exposed to professional practice and standards that prepare you for your future workplace.
The School of Computing Technologies has a very strong Industry Advisory Committee, with members including staff from major IT companies with a global and local presence.
The committee provides feedback and input into the curriculum of this computer science course, ensuring it remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of employers.
In your first year of studies, you will participate in RMIT's signature programming Bootcamp2Studio model, which allow you to gain program development skills, design and implement small-scale software systems and apply software development practices and standards through project-based learning.
You will also participate in hackathons developed with RMIT Activator, that will provide testing grounds for your skills with real-life problems and valuable networking opportunities.
In your final semester, you will undertake a capstone project that simulates an industry environment. Here, you will apply your skills in large-scale software application development. Many students tackle real-world problems for their projects with close involvement and supervision by an industry mentor.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
View the learning outcomes for each stream:
In the first year, you will complete four computer science subjects to give you the foundation that you need to succeed in your chosen career path.
You will also participate in our innovative programming bootcamps and studios, which will allow you to develop your programming skills, design and implement small-to-medium scale software systems and apply software development practices and standards through practical, project-based work.
Plus, you will participate in hackathons developed with RMIT Activator, that will provide testing grounds for your skills with real-life problems and valuable networking opportunities.
After you have completed your first year, the direction you take is in your hands as you choose which computer science majors, minors and subjects you want to undertake. You can choose one or more minors, or just focus on the individual subjects and electives that interest you most.
There are 3 majors and 8 minors to choose from, providing you with the flexibility to design your degree to achieve your study and career goals.
Options for computer science majors:
Options for computer science minors:
In your third year, you will undertake a capstone project that will provide you with hands-on practical experience, preparing you for your career as a computer scientist. Here, you will apply your skills in large-scale software development in a workplace environment. Many students tackle real-world problems for their projects with close involvement and supervision by an industry mentor.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
If you are eligible* to apply via The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), copy and paste the below code into VTAC CourseSearch.
*Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
If you are eligible* to apply via The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), copy and paste the below code into VTAC CourseSearch.
*Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Please note: The BP094GEN8 plan is no longer accepting applications and from 2023, the BP094P21 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BP094P23 plan.
Computer science is a growing industry with lots of high paying opportunities for skilled professionals in Australia and overseas.
Graduates of this degree will have the cutting-edge industry knowledge and skills that are essential for a career as an IT professional, with the potential to move into a leadership role.
As a computer scientist, you may like to pursue a career in the following roles:
RMIT graduates typically work for commercial organisations, software development companies, government departments, large computer organisations, and in research. Some of these organisations include Deloitte, Apple, the Bureau of Meteorology, Adobe, Telstra and ANZ.
Job Outlook projects that career opportunities for ICT network and support professionals are set to increase by 24.5% by 2024.
This degree is not accredited by any external industry or professional body.
Please note: From 2023, the BP094P21 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BP094P23 plan. Admissions information for the BP094P23 plan is listed below.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics, or equivalent studies.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Please note: October intake is not available to students with advanced entry.
Higher Mathematics; or Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, with a study score of at least 25.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
You may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (Honours) when you successfully complete the Bachelor of Computer Science.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science with one or two semesters of advanced standing* (equivalent to 84 credit points into BP094P21 plan or 96 credit points into BP094P23 plan) when you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Information Technology and meet the following requirements:
Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a program.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
Please note: any advanced standing or credit received may reduce the choice of majors or minors available in the program.
You may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) (Honours) when you successfully complete the Bachelor of Computer Science.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.
In 2023, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2023. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,124 per standard year $515 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $8,301 per standard year $1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $11,800 per standard year $1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $15,142 per standard year $1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
For students commencing a technology-related degree; worth $5,000.
For students who identify as a woman commencing a Bachelor in computer science, data science, information technology or software engineering; worth $5,000 per year.
For commencing computer science, data science, information technology or software engineering students from diverse backgrounds; worth up to $60,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$112,320.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
