Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) balances computer science theory with practical application over four years. It equips you with a strong foundation in essential computer science knowledge and skills, with a broad focus taking in security, mathematics, language models, data structures, operating systems and cybersecurity.
You start by building a foundation in IT and computing courses such as problem solving and programming, IT systems, structured data and system requirements. In second year you choose a major — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Human-Centred Computing or Programming Languages — or complete a general major covering a mix of courses.
Through a variety of approaches to learning you develop critical thinking, creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and as an honours student you can also choose from a range of specialised electives based on your interests. Industry-linked projects and courses in communication and group collaboration provide real-world experience and networking opportunities.
In third year you complete a major project, working in a small project team on an artefact for an Adelaide University client. Your fourth and final honours year is spent on an open-ended computer science thesis: you devise a topic and work both independently and collaboratively with academics and researchers, developing transferable research skills that serve as a pathway to further postgraduate study, including a PhD.
The program totals 192 units and runs full time across the Adelaide City and Mawson Lakes campuses, with some potential cross-campus study. Assessment may include case studies, critical analysis, essays, exams, programming exercises, presentations and tests. On completion you are eligible to apply for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported

Duration

4 years full-time

Intakes

February, July

Study Mode

Full time or part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students
Assumed knowledge: None
SATAC code: ABP145
Entry scores:
• 2026 cut-offs — Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based): 80
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based): A, A, B
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
• Secondary education (Year 12) — Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) — Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
• Higher education study — Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program in an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher.
• Work and life experience — Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR Qualify for special entry
ATAR profile (2026 Semester 1 intake, ATAR-based offers):
• Highest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 99.95, selection rank 99.95
• Median rank to receive an offer — ATAR 90.6, selection rank 95.4
• Lowest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 66.4, selection rank 71.3

International students
Assumed knowledge: None
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum entry requirements:
• Secondary education (Year 12) — Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) — Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
• Higher education study — Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program in an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher.
Indicative academic entry requirements by country:
• Australia — ATAR: 80
• Canada — Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD): 75%
• China — Gaokao: 70%
• Denmark — Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma): 4 (Fair)
• France — French Baccalaureate: 12.0
• Global — International Baccalaureate: 28
• Hong Kong — Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): 18
• India — CBSE and CISCE: 75
• India — State Board Examinations: 85
• Indonesia — SMA III: 80%
• Kenya — Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE): B+
• Malaysia — Matrikulasi: 3.00
• Malaysia — Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM): 3.00
• Malaysia — United Entrance Certificate (UEC): 21
• Norway — Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering: 4.0
• Phillippines — High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12: 88%
• Singapore — Singapore GCE Advanced Levels: 9
• South Korea — College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 325
• Sri Lanka — GCE A Levels: 10
• Sweden — Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate: 15.0
• Taiwan — GSAT %: 70%
• Taiwan GSAT — Score out of 60: 40
• Thailand — Matayom 6: 3.60
• UK / Global — GCE Advanced Levels: 9
• USA / Global — Advanced Placement (AP): 9
• USA / Global — America College Test (ACT): 24
• USA / Global — Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): 1170
• Vietnam — Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12): 8.3
English language requirements (achieved within the two years before admission):
• IELTS Overall 6.5
• IELTS Reading 6
• IELTS Listening 6
• IELTS Speaking 6
• IELTS Writing 6

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates with computer science expertise can look forward to career opportunities in a range of fields, from software development to healthcare, banking and defence.
• Software development
• Healthcare technology
• Banking and finance
• Defence
The honours thesis also serves as a pathway to further postgraduate study, including a PhD.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units34 units

COMP1002

Problem Solving and Programming

COMP1003

Structured Data

COMP1015

Computing Innovations in the Modern World

INFO1012

Information Technology Systems

COMP1005

Object-Oriented Programming

INFO1013

System Requirements

INFO1016

Security Foundations

MATH1000

Foundations in Mathematics

COMP2000

Computer Systems

COMP2021

Software Development Practice

COMP2022

Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology

MATH1006

Discrete Mathematics

COMP2001

Language Models, Translation and Execution

COMP2002

Operating Systems

COMP2017

Data Structures and Algorithms

INFO2032

Professional Communication and Teamwork

COMP2003

Theory of Computation and Formal Verification

COMP2040

Grand Challenges

COMP3008

Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms

INFO2007

Cyber Security Application

COMP2004

Distributed and Decentralised Computing

COMP3900

Intensive Computing Project

COMP4901

University-wide electives2 or one of: ICT Internship 1

COMP4003

Database Theory and Models

COMP4800

Computer Science Thesis A

MATH4048

Quantitative Methods

COMP4001

Large Language Models and Knowledge Representation

COMP4002

Distributed Ledger and Contractual Execution Languages

COMP4801

Computer Science Thesis B

COMP4802

Computer Science Thesis C

COMP4901

ICT Internship 1

COMP4902

ICT Internship 2

COMP4903

ICT Internship 3

COMP4904

ICT Internship 4

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) take to complete?

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) at Adelaide University has a duration of 208 weeks (approximately 4 years).

Does the course include any work placement or industry experience?

Yes, the course includes a mandatory work component of 380 hours spread over 11 weeks, providing students with practical, hands-on industry experience as part of their degree.

How much does the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) cost for international students?

Adelaide University publishes an indicative annual tuition fee of AU$55,400 for international students commencing in 2027, which is AU$221,600 across the four-year program. No additional non-tuition fees are listed.

At which campuses can I study the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)?

The course is offered at two Adelaide University locations: the Adelaide City Campus and the Mawson Lakes Campus, both owned and operated by the provider.

Is the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

The course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights as it is a Skills Level 1 qualification (Bachelor Honours Degree) with a duration greater than 92 weeks and falls under the Computer Science field of education (0201). Eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review. Contact ESOS-PolicyTeam@education.gov.au for more information.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $110,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $110,000 to $150,000 per year

Career Paths

Software Developer / Software EngineerCybersecurity Analyst / Security EngineerData Analyst / Data ScientistCloud Solutions ArchitectNetwork Engineer / Network Administrator

Key Skills

Programming and software development (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript)Database design, management, and SQL queryingCybersecurity principles, threat detection, and risk managementCloud computing and platform management (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)Systems analysis and design

Full Course Overview

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