Bachelor of Computer Science

The Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a three-year degree, usually studied full time, that builds from programming fundamentals through to software engineering, algorithms, data and systems. You start with the basics, writing code, understanding how computers and networks actually work, and the maths that sits underneath, then move into areas like databases, operating systems, software design and web or mobile development. Later units let you specialise, with coursework in fields such as cybersecurity, data science or artificial intelligence depending on what the school offers in a given semester.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you need to pass a required total to graduate. The academic year runs across semesters or trimesters, and most students take three or four units per study period. Notre Dame's computer science degree typically includes a capstone project in the final year, where you work on a real problem, often with an industry partner, and present your solution. Some students take an honours year after the bachelor degree, which adds a research thesis and is the usual path if you're thinking about a PhD or a research career. Work-integrated learning, internships, industry projects or placements, is common in computing degrees because employers expect graduates to have worked in a team on real code.

What you'll actually learn

You'll learn to write and debug software in more than one language, design and query databases, build web applications, and reason about algorithms and data structures. You'll also cover software engineering practice: version control, testing, working in teams, and delivering a project on time. Depending on your electives, you might pick up cybersecurity, machine learning, mobile development or cloud computing. By the end you should be able to take a problem, break it down, choose the right tools, and build something that works.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who like solving problems and building things, and who are comfortable with maths and logic. You don't need to have programmed before you start, first-year units assume no prior coding, but you do need to be willing to spend time at a keyboard, because that's how you get good. It's also a good fit if you want a qualification that leads to a job in Australia or overseas, since computing skills travel well. International students should note that the Student visa generally allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate courses, though some fields ask for higher. Check the official CRICOS register and the university's page for current fees, intake dates and unit details.

• Software developer or engineer, building and maintaining applications for tech companies, banks, government agencies and startups across Australia.
• Web or mobile developer, front-end and back-end work for digital agencies, retailers and media organisations.
• Data analyst or data engineer, working with databases and pipelines in finance, health, retail and the public sector.
• Cybersecurity analyst, monitoring and protecting systems for banks, insurers, defence contractors and consultancies.
• Systems or network administrator, keeping IT infrastructure running in large organisations, hospitals and universities.
• IT consultant, advising businesses on software, cloud migration and digital projects at firms like the big four consultancies and specialist tech consultancies.
• Graduate roles in government, federal and state agencies hire computer science graduates for digital service delivery, data and cyber roles.
• Further study, an honours year or master's degree for research, specialised engineering or academic careers.