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Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)

Engineering
Australia's #1 Engineering & Technology Faculty
Computer Science focuses on the design, construction and practical use of computer systems. Throughout this computer science degree program, you’ll learn the basic principles behind computing tools and operating systems across both hardware and software, learning from industry leaders with the latest learning tools and state-of-the-art facilities.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 425800
Program code 3778
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2023 lowest selection rank
90
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$7,500*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$26,500*

Overview

Computer Science is the study of the design, construction and use of computer systems. When you complete a Bachelor of Computer Science at UNSW, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge required for computer applications to be developed.

Working with both hardware and software, this undergraduate degree teaches the basic principles behind computing tools, operating systems, compilers and translators, and computer hardware. 

The Bachelor of Computer Science also focuses on the representation of data and data structures in computer systems and the design of algorithms for automatic manipulation of this information by programming languages and machine systems.

 

Key features

This is a three-year, full-time degree that will give you the skills to shape the computer systems required by individuals and organisations of tomorrow. You’ll graduate with the right knowledge and qualifications to get a job. This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society. 

You can choose from diverse majors in industry relevant areas including: 

  • Database Systems 

  • eCommerce Systems 

  • Programming Languages 

  • Embedded Systems 

  • Artificial Intelligence 

  • Computer Networks 

  • Security Engineering 

Seize the opportunity to take part in ChallEng. The ChallENG Program connects UNSW Engineering students, academics and companies to real-world, project-based learning initiatives. With exposure to a multidisciplinary learning approach, you’ll earn academic credit and develop your technical and design skills.

 

Why study this degree at UNSW?

You’ll be studying at Australia’s leading Engineering faculty, ranked 1st in Australia and 49th in the world by QS World University Rankings.  

UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering research is ranked 1st in Australia for Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems by CS Rankings. Our strong focus on research, with our world-class research facilities feeds leading-edge discoveries straight into our degrees. Our research culture provides an education where you’ll question, test, learn and experiment, making new discoveries along the way. 

UNSW is known for its graduate employability, UNSW placed in the GradConnection AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Australia’s top employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university and we’re ranked 29th in the world for employer reputation.

At UNSW Engineering you’ll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community. No matter what your particular interest, engineering or beyond, there’s a club or society for you. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Electrical Engineering Society, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogals. UNSW’s Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.  

When you study engineering at UNSW you can take part in the ChallENG Program. This unique program connects students, academics and industry to exciting, real-world, project-based learning initiatives. The program will prepare you for your future career by helping develop technical and design skills and expanding your professional expertise.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Program Code
3778
CRICOS Code
015784F
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
425800
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
842

Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?

Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank
90
2023 A levels
16
2023 IB Diploma
34
2023 Lowest ATAR
80
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

The Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) is an alternative admission pathway for domestic undergraduate students to UNSW Faculty of Engineering degree programs who do not meet the published Guaranteed Entry selection rank. Visit the FEAS page for more info.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

Build a career of the future with a Bachelor of Computer Science. You’ll study the representation of data and data structures and the design of algorithms for programming languages and machine systems. 

Personalise your degree by either studying a general Computer Sciences degree or specialise in one of the following in-demand areas: 

  • Database Systems

  • eCommerce Systems 

  • Artificial Intelligence 

  • Programming Languages

  • Computer Networks

  • Embedded Systems 

  • Security Engineering

Study areas

    • Computer Science (eCommerce Systems)
    • Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
    • Computer Science (Security Engineering)
    • Computer Science (Computer Networks)
    • Computer Science
    • Computer Science (Database Systems)
    • Computer Science (Embedded Systems)
    • Computer Science (Programming Languages)
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Psychology
    • Information Systems
    • Mathematics
    • Marketing

Full program structure


Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.

In your first two years of the program, you might study: 

  • Two introductory courses in Mathematics 

  • An introductory course in Algorithms and Programming Techniques

  • A range of core courses in the areas of Programming, Computer Systems, Software Engineering, Data Structures, Computer Networks, Ethics, Object Oriented Design

From your second year onwards, you’ll undertake:

  • Study courses relevant to your major of choice 

  • Complete several Computing Elective and may take part in a Vertically Integrated Project from the ChallENG program. 

During your degree you’ll be required to complete two General Education electives. These courses help you broaden your education by completing two courses from outside the engineering faculty strengthening your cross-disciplinary thinking, developing a flexible approach and enhancing your critical analysis skills. 

In your final year of study, you’ll complete a Computer Science Project which allows you to showcase the skills you’ve developed. You’ll work in teams to define, implement and evaluate a real-world software system. This multidisciplinary educational approach connects students, academics and industry enabling you to develop the essential technical and professional skills, so you thrive in your future career.



Future careers

Graduates in Computer Science at UNSW benefit from our leading reputation in research and teaching, with many graduates recruited by industry partners before their degree is complete.

Graduates have gone on to work with companies such as CSIRO, Cisco, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and startups like Canva and Atlassian.  

Specialists in Computer Science are increasingly sought-after across many different industries from finance to consulting, government to healthcare. Potential roles upon graduation include: 

  • Cyber Security Consultant 

  • Information Systems Manager 

  • Database Administrator 

  • Systems Analyst 

  • Games Developer

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$7,500*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$26,500*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$54,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$172,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarships

Women in Engineering Scholarships

UNSW provides a wide range of Women in Engineering scholarships to support high-achieving female students throughout their degree.

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.

Engineering Rural Scholarship

The Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarships Program aims to assist high achieving high school students from rural or isolated areas to study in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW. 

Apply here and search for ‘Engineering’ in the keywords.

 


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

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