Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Science

#1 in Australia for Engineering and Technology*

For Domestic Students only

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Begin your path to a Bachelor of Computer Science.

This certificate allows you to study four introductory Engineering courses before continuing on to the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) degree.

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Science

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

0.7 Year(s)

Overview

This Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Science is designed for students who aren't able to, or not ready to commit to a full Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. You can explore the area while undertaking study that will count towards your final degree if you choose to study an undergraduate degree with us. It's also an entry pathway for students into the Bachelor of Computer Science for those who might not have the required ATAR.

Computer Science involves the study of the design, construction and uses of computer systems. It works with 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. With computers, information technology and software increasingly underpinning our lives, study in this area will offer you a range of employment opportunities.

Key features

You’ll study at the number one engineering faculty in Australia with leading edge facilities and opportunities for practical hands-on learning.

This program provides you with a solid foundation in Computer Science concepts through four introductory courses. Upon successful completion of this program, you can use it as a pathway into the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), where your study will be recognised including the courses undertaken in this certificate

The Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) is a three-year, full-time degree that'll 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

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

7022

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

Want to see more from UNSW Engineering?

Visit Faculty

Entry requirements

2021 Lowest Selection Rank

2021 A levels

2021 IB Diploma

2021 Lowest ATAR

76.5

Please note that the ATAR will vary depending on the specialisation you choose to study. You can view the required ATAR by visiting the specific page of the specialisation.

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

Math 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 a possible alternative admission pathway for the admission of domestic undergraduate students to UNSW Faculty of Engineering degree programs, including the BSc Computer Science and the BSc Food Science (Hons), who do not meet the published Guaranteed Entry selection rank. Learn more about FEAS.

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.

Assumed knowledge

Adjustment Factors

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.

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

This program consists of four introductory computer science courses which develops your skills and knowledge in computer systems, programming, mathematics and data structures. Upon completion of this program you will have basic skills and knowledge in computing preparing you for your further studies in the Bachelor of Science (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

Full program structure

This program provides you with a solid introduction in computer systems, programming, mathematics and data structures.

In this Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Science you’ll complete four courses. You’ll learn about the fundamentals of programming and computer systems through courses in:

Programming Fundamentals
Computer Systems Fundamentals
Data Structures and Algorithms

This will be complemented by a mathematics course, which provides an understanding of some of the mathematical underpinnings of Computer Science.

When you complete this program you can articulate into an undergraduate degree at UNSW and 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

Go to the handbook

Future careers

When you graduate from this certificate you are then able to move into a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Once completed you’ll be eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia. UNSW Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our teaching.

Your career opportunities will depend on your area of specialisation in your undergraduate degree. From your second year, you can specialise in a particular field of engineering. Visit the various engineering degree specialisations for examples of career opportunities.

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 apply?

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 apply?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$4,150*

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

$24,020*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$24,020*

*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.