Computers power the technology we use every day.
Studying computer science will give you the skills to design and build the software and hardware behind the world’s most innovative technology, and set you up for success in a fast-paced field.
What computer science is (and what it isn’t!)
Computer science is about more than learning how to code: it’s the study of the design, construction and use of hardware and software. Computer science is a broad field, encompassing everything from software development to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
While there are overlaps between the two, computer science and IT are not one and the same. Computer science is concerned with the design and development of computers and computer programs, while IT focuses on how this technology runs in businesses and organisations, making sure that the networks, systems and security they use are operational.
Thanks to recent advances in AI, machine learning and natural language processing, the computer science field is evolving faster than ever before – with new technology and jobs being created today that didn’t exist a year ago.
To understand how the sector has evolved since AI went mainstream, we asked Dr Jake Renzella, Director of Computer Science at UNSW Sydney:
We’re all keeping a close eye on the impact of AI, especially recent generative AI systems such as Large Language Models. While the dust has not yet settled (and maybe never will!), it is clear that software engineers are already incorporating these tools into their software development workflows. Large language models such as ChatGPT or Github Copilot can give developers superpowers; correcting bugs, and even producing code alongside the developer! But a good computer scientist still needs to understand and review the contributions of our AI counterpart to ensure it’s correct – and often, it isn’t.
What does a career in computer science involve?
Computer science graduates can specialise in a huge number of fields, including software development, AI and machine learning, agritech, bioinformatics, cybersecurity, database systems, programming and game development. Common jobs include computer engineers, software and game developers and information security analysts.
Computer engineers design and build networks and physical hardware systems. This goes beyond everyday hardware like your laptop or your phone – computer engineers can work on anything that’s controlled by computers, from cars to robots.
Software developers, on the other hand, are programming experts, who use code – like HTML or Python – to build software and applications. Game developers are software developers who specialise in creating computer and video games for platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo, which could include programming the games’ AI or virtual landscapes.
Information security analysts are responsible for keeping businesses and organisations safe from security threats, analysing and investigating vulnerabilities in their hardware and software.
Jobs in computer science
Career opportunities for computer science graduates are aplenty and graduates are some of the most in-demand and highest-paid professionals in Australia and around the world.
Career options for people with a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) include:
- Database administrator
- Software developer
- Computer hardware engineer
- Computer systems analyst
- Computer network architect
- Website developer
- Information security analyst
- Research scientist
- Robotics
- Programmer
- Systems manager
- Project manager
- Games designer
For those looking for something a little more left-of-field, Dr Renzella shares reflects on one particularly interesting application of computer science:
Ethical hackers, or “white-hats”, use the same computer hacking skills which hackers use, but for good. They are typically hired by medium to large-sized organisations to identify vulnerabilities in their systems and networks, helping them protect against malicious actors.” Dr Renzella continues: “Hacking in this sense may not be what you imagine! While it could be in the form of writing malicious code that accesses information, it is often just as effective as photocopying a company’s ID card and walking up to an unprotected PC and accessing protected data.
Why study computer science?
Dr Renzella sums it up clearly:
“I don’t need to tell you that the computing industry is massive. If just the top five tech companies combined were a nation, they’d have the world’s third-largest GDP! And with recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence, it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.
But these aren’t good reasons to study computer science. The real reason you should be excited to study computer science is to have the opportunity to build the future. To understand the computing systems which power the world, and create even better ones. To make the world a fairer place with algorithms, AI systems and tools which better society.”
What will you learn in a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)?
Studying a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) at UNSW will equip you with the skills you need to design and build the technology of the future.
You can specialise in a number of areas, including database systems, programming languages, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, computer networks and security engineering. In your final year of study, you’ll put your knowledge into practice, working in teams to develop and evaluate a real-world software system.
As part of the Faculty of Engineering, you can also take part in the ChallENG programme and get hands-on experience working on real-world projects that will develop your technical and design skills and set you up for career success. You could play a role in projects like Sunswift Racing, a multi-discpilinary endeavour that involved designing and building a new generation of electric car, which is currently the world’s fastest electric vehicle to travel 1000km on a single charge.
Why choose UNSW?
Our School of Computer Science and Engineering is ranked 1st in Australia for Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems by CS Rankings. We’re ranked 3rd in Australia for Computer Science & IT according to QS World University Rankings 2023.
UNSW Engineering graduates earn some of the highest salaries in Australia according to QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, and we’ve been recognised for producing Australia’s Most Employable Graduates by the AFR five years running.
We’ve invested more than $700 million in new technology and equipment, makerspaces, virtual reality cinemas and modern teaching spaces and partnered with companies like Data61, a leading digital research network, researching things like artificial intelligence, programming languages and service-oriented computing.
UNSW also offers postgraduate study options in computer science, including a Master of Information Technology, Graduate Certificate in Computing and Graduate Diploma in Information Technology.
At UNSW, we don’t just aim to teach you the skills to be a great Computer Scientist. Just like we don’t aim to produce the best programmers, user interface designers or software managers. Our goal is to produce great people. The future will be shaped by the innovations and decisions made by the next generation of computer scientists, and we’re so excited to prepare students for this responsibility.
Interested in studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at UNSW?
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