Bachelor of Information Systems

Information systems shape the technology that fuels the economy. Learn to innovate with skills, knowledge and experience in business information technology solutions.

Faculty

UNSW Business School

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Information Systems

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

3 Year(s)

Overview

The digital age transforms the way we do business, and behind every digital innovation is information systems that help a business succeed. Information systems professionals are relied upon to drive innovation, work in teams to understand data or solve problems, and safeguard businesses in a competitive global environment.

Become an adaptive thinker who is prepared to enter an agile business environment and solve problems with new digital technologies and tools. You'll learn from technical business courses such as digital transformation or enterprise systems, while covering innovative topics like java programming or database technology using Oracle.

Key features

Learn to innovate
Discover how to change the status quo through the innovative use of information systems technologies. Not only will you learn to solve business problems, but you’ll tackle social challenges to make the future better than the present with innovative digital business solutions.

Gain practical skills and accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the Professional Level, preparing you for professional practice in information and communication technology (ICT).

Build your expertise
Our flexible and interesting program offers prescribed elective streams in digital transformation and information systems, organisational databases foundations, and networking and security. Alternatively, you can tailor your degree to your interests with your choice of any two prescribed electives.

Make global industry connections
You can take part in an international information systems and technology practicum, to develop a practical understanding of international business aspects of information systems and information technology.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

We're business leaders
At the School of Information Systems and Technology Management, we’re leaders in our field. We’re ranked 1st in Australia, 2nd in the Asia-Pacific Region and 11th worldwide by the Association for Information Systems (AIS).

We’re ranked top 50 worldwide^ and ranked the #1 Business School in Australia*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.

Our graduate employability
Become heavily sought after by employers when you graduate from UNSW Business School. Our students are highly employable on graduation, we’re known for the most employable students in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards^#.

Our distinctive degrees bring the boardroom to the classroom with a range of hands-on professional learning opportunities, exclusive to UNSW Business School. Graduate career-ready with our Career Accelerator program offering real-world professional experiences from day one. These opportunities include internships, professional networking and mentoring, global opportunities and group consulting projects.

You can also take part in the Sandbox program. It’s a platform that empowers partnerships among industry, academics and students to co-create solutions for contemporary problems. We have over 22 industry partners and over 140 industry representatives taking part. It’s seen over 60 real-world projects completed and over 630 unique solutions created. By taking part in real-world projects you can show employers you already have industry experience.

Double your impact with a double degree
When you study a double degree at UNSW Business School, you’re able to set yourself apart in the job seeker market with a unique set of skills. You’ll increase your choice, career opportunities and knowledge when you study a double degree. A double degree won’t necessarily double your workload or study duration.

Double degrees allow you to combine your interests and carve out a career path that touches on your unique interests and passions. You’ll stand out and boost your employability when you add a second discipline and breadth of knowledge. Double degrees can help you become more of a specialist in a particular area or gain a breadth of skills that meets the demands of today’s organisations.

Information systems double degree options:

Commerce
Actuarial Studies

Honours program
Give yourself a competitive edge by adding honours study to your degree. With an honours degree, you’ll complete an independent research project and advanced coursework in the area of business you’re passionate about.

Why study honours?
1) Develop your research skills: Your honours thesis is an independent research project that combines theory, methods, creativity, and communication skills
2) Deepen your expertise: Honours gives you the opportunity to become an expert in the field of business that interests you the most
3) Advance your career with advanced research, problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills, you’ll stand out in the eyes of employers.

^{^QS University World Rankings 2023}

^{*AFR Boss 2023 Best Business School Rankings}

^{# AFR Top 100 Future Leaders}

Program Code

3979

CRICOS Code

068782C

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

424500

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Indicative Enrolments

450

Want to see more from UNSW Business School?

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Entry requirements

2022 Lowest Selection Rank

2022 A levels

2022 IB Diploma

2022 Lowest ATAR

76.85*

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 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.

The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 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.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Advanced

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

TAFE Admission Pathways

If you’ve studied a relevant diploma under a TAFE Training Package, you can receive credit transfer for up to 48 units of credit (UOC) into the Bachelor of Information Systems. Please see here for the Bachelor of Information Systems TAFE Pathway Study Plan.

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

I studied in:

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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The Bachelor of Information Systems is a three-year degree program consisting of 24 courses. In your first year, you’ll develop an understanding of the broader business environment and build transferable business skills along with an introduction to Information Systems.

You can choose to focus your studies in one of three different electives streams: IS in Data Analytics, IS in Programming and IS in Organisations. Alternatively, you can select the prescribed electives that interest you the most.

The degree includes:

Interdisciplinary business courses
Information systems core courses
Level 2 and 3 prescribed electives (Student can pursue one of three electives streams)
General education courses from other faculties

Professional development courses and experiences

Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning - Benefit from a guaranteed industry experience such as an internship, consulting project or practicum.
Practical Application - Solve real business problems from UX design, app design or database development. Test your code in digital playgrounds on real challenges and in real-time and complete a Sandbox project for your final Capstone course.

Study areas

IS in Data Analytics

IS in Programming

IS in Organisations

Generalist: any two prescribed electives

Sample Program

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Graduates have highly valued information systems expertise and business process skills, both practical and conceptual – a vital addition to any organisation or entrepreneurial venture. With Career Accelerator, a suite of professional development opportunities exclusive to UNSW Business School students, you'll have work experiences and professional development opportunities to help get you started.

UNSW also supports start-ups, with more founders than any other Australian university and 300+ student clubs to find co-founders (and friends). We’re one of Asia-Pacific’s best business schools, with more than 90,000 alumni worldwide who could be connections to your future career.

Potential careers

Business analyst
IS/IT architect
IT infrastructure developer
Management consultant
Network developer
Systems analyst
Technical manager

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for provisional membership at the Professional Level.

Double degrees

Design your degree to suit your career goals with the flexibility to specialise in up to two different business areas, or a subject outside the UNSW Business School faculty, such as arts or science. With a wide-ranging education, you can strengthen your career opportunities by completing a double degree.

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?

Apply now

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?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$9,935*

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.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$45,280*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$139,015*

*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.