Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Business

This is a four-year double degree. You come out with two qualifications: a Bachelor of Information Technology and a Bachelor of Business. That means you study the technical side of computing alongside the commercial side of how organisations actually run. You'll cover programming, databases, networking and systems analysis, and pair that with accounting, marketing, management and economics. The point is that you graduate able to talk to both the tech team and the board.

The degree is delivered in semesters. You'll complete units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and accumulate enough credit points to meet the requirements of both awards. Because it's a double degree, you'll usually take a heavier load than a single bachelor degree, which is why it runs four years full time rather than three. Some units include a work-integrated learning component, where you work on a real project with an organisation or complete a placement. That's common in IT and business degrees because employers want to see you've applied your skills, not just studied them. You can usually choose electives or a major to shape the degree around the area you want to work in.

Southern Cross University is based in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland, with campuses in the region. The university has links with local industry and business communities, so placement and project opportunities tend to be with organisations in that area. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream lets you stay and work in Australia for a period, provided you meet the requirements. English proficiency is required for international applicants, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the usual standard for undergraduate courses, though some fields ask for higher. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, separate from the university's admission requirement.

This degree suits someone who wants a career in tech but doesn't want to be stuck in a purely technical role. If you're interested in managing projects, running a business, or working at the intersection of IT and strategy, the double degree gives you credibility in both areas. It's also a good fit if you're not sure whether you want to be a developer or a manager, you finish with the option to go either way. Check the official CRICOS entry and the university's course page for the current structure, unit list and entry requirements.

• IT project manager
• Business analyst
• Systems analyst
• Software developer
• Network administrator
• Management consultant
• Operations manager
• Digital transformation analyst
• Product manager
• Entrepreneur or small business owner

These roles are found across Australian industries including technology, finance, health, government, retail, education and professional services. Many graduates move into management positions after gaining some technical experience.