Bachelor of Computer Science

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Computer Science is a cutting-edge course in the application and theory of computer science.

The Bachelor of Computer Science provides a broad-based education in computer science fundamentals with an emphasis on software development, computer graphics and visualisation, artificial intelligence, high performance computing architecture and games programming.

As with all our courses, the Bachelor of Computer Science is designed and delivered with study flexibility in mind. You can choose between full-time and part-time study options to fit in with work and lifestyle commitments. You could choose to study one subject in an academic session or, with approval, fast-track degree completion by undertaking four subjects per session.

Why study this degree?

Professional recognition

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) accredits courses in Information Technology to verify that they meet professional standards in terms of content, staff skills, teaching facility and quality assurance. CSU's Bachelor of Computer Science has the highest level of accreditation with accreditation at the professional level.

Workplace learning

The course places particular importance on practical experience, and all teaching involves industry standard hardware, software, methods and techniques, in addition to relevant industry site visits. Students are encouraged to seek relevant paid work experience during vacations.

In their final year project, students investigate, design and implement a substantial computer application to address a practical real-world problem.

Find out where this course can take you

Course Structure

This course comprises 24 subjects (192 points) in total with a core of 15 compulsory subjects (120 points), a major study area of 8 subjects (64 points) in Computer Graphics and Image Analysis or in Games Programming, and one free elective (8 points).

More information about the course structure

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can pursue career opportunities such as:

• software architect
• computer / IT analyst
• software engineer
• systems engineer

Credit / pathways

The course structure and enrolment pattern for the Bachelor of Computer Science with the Games Programming major are the same as those for the first three years of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Games Technology). This simplifies credit transfer between these programs.

Students who have studied and successfully completed relevant subjects at other universities or educational institutions may apply for credit for those subjects when applying to CSU courses. Credit will be granted for subjects which are equivalent in content and standard, at the discretion of the Course Director.

More information about credit and pathways.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

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