< Back to results

Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours)

Australia's #1 Engineering & Technology Faculty
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Want to work with industry-leading technology and make an impact through innovation? The Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours) allows you to dive deep into an area of interest across programming, software engineering, computer hardware, data structures and algorithms. This program provides a pathway into industry or higher degree research.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
4 Years(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 3779
CRICOS code 111284D
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
96.0
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$8,500*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$36,500*
Computer Science Engineer students

Overview

Use your advanced analytical skills to design and build the technologies of the future. This four-year degree is designed for students who wish to challenge themselves to develop the expertise, technical skills and practical experience that will put them in-demand, both now and into the future. Graduate ready to make an impact across information technology and innovation, wherever your career takes you.  

This degree sets you up with a solid foundation in programming, software engineering, computer hardware, data structures and algorithms. You’ll then dive into your areas of interest through advanced computing electives and an Honours thesis. Students who wish to pursue further research are well-placed to continue their studies with a PhD, with the opportunity to innovate new solutions to some of the world’s most complex issues.

Key features

This is a four-year, embedded Honours degree that will equip you with the ability to design and build the technologies of the future. You’ll graduate with advanced knowledge and skills that will allow you to either work in industry or contribute to world-leading research. 

Alongside completing Advanced Computer Science electives, you can choose from three majors unique to your interests and career aspirations:

  • Computer Science

  • Security Engineering 

  • Artificial Intelligence 

You will also have the option to complement your study with a minor in Mathematics. 

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 37th 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 four years in a row from 2020 to 2023. Australia’s top employers prefer UNSW Engineering graduates over any other university and we’re ranked 22nd 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
3779
CRICOS Code
111284D
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192

Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?

Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank
96.0
2024 A levels
17.0
2024 IB Diploma
39.0
2024 Lowest ATAR
85.7

The Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science will launch in Term 1 2024 for domestic applicants and therefore, no prior Admissions information is available.

    1. The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
    2. The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. 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 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2024 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.

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 Advanced Computer Science (Honours). You’ll study Advanced Computer Science electives to understand the representation of data and data structures and the design of algorithms for programming languages and machine systems.  

Personalise your degree by specialising in one of the following in-demand areas: 

  • Computer Science

  • Security Engineering 

  • Artificial Intelligence 

You will also complete an Honours thesis which provides an opportunity for you to bring together the computer science principles learned over your previous years of study and apply these principles to innovatively solve problems in a specially chosen area. Students who wish to continue to build on their Honours project and pursue further research can continue their studies with a PhD.  

Study areas

    • Mathematics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Security Engineering
    • Computer Science

Full program structure

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

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

  • Two mathematics courses   
  • An extension course in Algorithms and Programming Techniques  
  • A range of advanced 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:  

  • Study courses relevant to your major of choice   
  • Complete several Advanced Computing Electives 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 Thesis Project. The project is an opportunity for you to bring together engineering principles learned over your previous years of study and apply these principles to innovatively solve problems such as the development of a specific design, process and/or the investigation of a hypothesis. You’ll develop your ability to work in a research and development environment, as well as the essential creative planning and problem-solving skills that will ensure you thrive in your future career.  

Interested in studying with us, but not sure what program is right for you? We've got a comparison sheet to help you learn more about your study options within our School of Computer Science and Engineering. 

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

Graduates also have the opportunity to be at the forefront of research across diverse areas including AI, data science, cyber-security and software and systems. UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering is supported by highly competitive grant funding and industry sponsorship and conducts world-leading research focused on innovating new solutions to some of the world’s most complex issues.

Accreditation

Accreditation with the Australian Computing Society for this degree is currently in progress.

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
$8,500*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$36,500*

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
$54,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$237,500*

*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, 2025.

Most
Employable Graduates

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

Leading
Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

Studying computing at UNSW offered countless opportunities including industry experience.

Belinda Teh

Alumni

5 reasons to study Engineering at UNSW

Thinking of studying Engineering at UNSW? Here's just a few reasons why UNSW Engineering is the way to go.
Student Life

Rocket into Career-Readiness with Internships

Internships are a key part of study at UNSW Engineering. Aerospace Engineering student Sam Wilkinson describes how he landed his dream internship launching satellites into space.
Career Support

Engineer a Better Future at UNSW

Engineering at UNSW is more than figuring out how things work, it’s building and designing solutions for the good of people and the environment.
Our Degrees

Putting the Human in Humanitarian Engineering

Engineers work on finding solutions to problems. Humanitarian Engineering deals with the growing focus on human problems and finding solutions to improve lives.
Our Students