Bachelor of Computer Science
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years -
Location
Melbourne city -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 80.20
Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne city Fees
AU$33,600 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
What you will study
Learn how to develop innovative software apps for smart phones, robots, and more. You'll graduate with outstanding programming skills and the ability to design, implement, and maintain complex systems.
Your career as a computer scientist
Computer scientists work across a wide range of industries as part of software and IT teams, or start their own businesses, tech startups, or companies.
Details
You can specialise in a range of areas within computer science including:
- artificial intelligence
- cloud computing
- big data
- mobile computing
- application programming
- games, graphics and digital media
- security
- web systems
The degree has an active learning approach. A key emphasis of the program is its linkages to the current requirements of industry.
Teaching
The degree is taught by professionals with current research and industry experience.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions, and syndicate work.
Support and resources
You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Assessment
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects, and practical assignments.
Work placement
In your final semester you’ll undertake a project that simulates working in industry. In this project you’ll apply your skills in large-scale software application development. Many students tackle real-world problems for their projects, with close involvement and supervision of industry partners.
Specialisations and electives
Artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is devoted to creating software and hardware to get computers to do things that would be considered intelligent if people did them.
Many of the research discoveries have now reached the point of industrial application and products. Many companies have made and saved millions of dollars by exploiting the results of AI research. However the goal of emulating human intelligence has not been reached and many stimulating and challenging problems remain.
You’ll gain insight into search strategies for solving problems, knowledge representation, automated planning, robots and robotics, intelligent agents, reasoning under uncertainty, bio-inspired optimisation, and machine learning.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing allows computing tasks (running applications, storing data, etc.) to be carried out remotely.
You’ll explore solutions and learn design principles for building large network-based systems across geographically distributed infrastructure.
You'll gain insights into various cloud computing systems, such as Google, Microsoft Azure, Yahoo's Hadoop, Google's MapReduce, Amazon EC2 and S3, among others.
Big data
The profusion of data produced from digital sources is causing a global information overload. The capacity to store this big data is struggling to keep up with demand.
You'll learn to manage the challenges of big data and exploit its potential - capture, curation, storage, search, sharing, transfer, analysis, and visualisation.
Big data analysis develops insights that can tackle real world challenges, such as healthcare delivery or combating crime.
Application programming
Using theory to develop practical coding solutions you’ll also explore a wide range of situations studying software development skills.
You'll learn how to design, develop, and evaluate software systems and applications to high-quality benchmarks of functionality and usability.
You'll become familiar with languages, such as Java, as well as the underlying concepts, theories, and technologies.
Mobile computing
Mobile technologies are driving advances in communications, finance, and information exchange and sharing. We're still discovering the potential for this technology and the demand for skill sets in this area will grow.
You'll develop skills in the key areas of mobile computing, including integrating software and hardware, programming and application development, communications and operating systems, and data security.
Security
Vast amounts of confidential information is collected, processed, and stored on computers and database systems. The security of this data has become vitally important.
You'll develop the skills to enhance security in all sorts of computer systems by concentrating on the mathematical basis of network security, including cryptography, coding for reliable communication, and algebra for information security.
Web systems
Web users increasingly need more sophisticated search technologies and other tools for locating, managing, and exchanging all sorts of information, including documents, pictures, and other data.
You'll learn about the design and implementation of search engines, search engine optimisation, structured and unstructured information management, and web services.
With in-depth study of web development and web database applications, e-commerce and enterprise systems, web security, and web document mark-up languages, you'll develop a practical solutions-based approach.
Games, graphics and digital media
Chart the world of interactive media, digital media, imaging and animation, and 3D graphics.
Studying and building the tools needed for modern visualisation, you'll gain skills in games development, as well as business and science.
Electives
You can also study a combination of computer science electives instead of undertaking a major.
Inside the course experience
The Bachelor of Computer Science provides the essential knowledge and skills to start your career.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Computer Science | City Campus |
Three years full time
six years part time
|
Three years full time
|
BP094GEN8 | 061076G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP094
Career
Graduates are in a strong position to gain employment as computing professionals in a number of fields which may include:
- software development
- system architecture
- business and system analysis
- database development and administration
- network and system administration
- testing and quality assurance
- project management
- research
Graduates typically work for commercial organisations, software development companies, government departments, large computer organisations, and in research.
This program is accredited at the professional level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) which accredits information and communication technology-related programs that are offered by Australian universities.
The ACS has reciprocal membership agreements worldwide. ASC Certified Professional status gives you global recognition.
Admissions
*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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check 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.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Computer Science you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT honours or postgraduate programs.
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
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.
SA-HELP Loans
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.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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 2019 is $303.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$33,600.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$103,680.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.