Bachelor of Computer Science

Adelaide University's Bachelor of Computer Science (BCOMP) is a three-year, on-campus degree spanning the Adelaide City and Mawson Lakes campuses, focused on building new technology from first principles rather than applying existing systems (the university's own framing for distinguishing computer science from general IT study). The degree covers a broad core of artificial intelligence, algorithms, data management, programming languages, computer architecture and security.

From second year, students choose either a general major — sampling across the full breadth of the discipline — or specialise in one of three streams: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Human-Centred Computing, or Programming Languages. Throughout the degree, professional skills (communication, teamwork) are built alongside technical ones, culminating in a final-year major project where students work in a team to deliver a real client artefact, which might involve applying new technologies, building proof-of-concept solutions, or analysing and improving existing business processes.

Entry requires SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods (or equivalent), reflecting the degree's technical rigor. On graduation, students are eligible for professional membership with the Australian Computer Society (ACS), and typical career paths span software development, finance and banking, healthcare technology, e-commerce, video game design, defence, and manufacturing — industries reflecting the near-universal current demand for computer science skills.