Computer Science and Information Technology

On this page you can find information about undergraduate and postgraduate courses of study in Computer Science and Information Technology and Data Science. You can find out about different specialisations (majors) and about the individual subjects (units) that are offered in the courses. You can also find out about career opportunities and some of the advantages of studying computing science/IT at UNE.

Computers and software surround us in our daily lives, from business databases and financial systems to iPods, games and the internet. In a computing course at UNE you can learn how software systems work, gain skills in developing software for these kinds of applications and receive qualifications that enable you to commence or progress your career in this exciting and constantly expanding field.

... I enjoyed small class sizes which allowed me to know my lecturers on a first name basis and work alongside them. It was always easy to get in contact with them if I needed help.

Jeremy Collette - Bachelor of Computer Science Graduate

Why study Computer Science/IT or Data Science at UNE?

The Computing/IT/Data Science courses at UNE provide a solid foundation which will enable you to adapt to the constant changes in the IT/DS landscape quickly and easily. The lecturers at UNE are highly qualified professionals who are active computer science researchers.

All courses are offered both on campus and fully online. On-campus students can enjoy the excellent facilities and a relaxed and personal learning environment. As an online student, the web-based learning environment will allow you to communicate easily and flexibly both with lecturers and with other students. Study can be undertaken either full-time or part-time and commencement is possible in either first or second trimester.

If you are enrolling for a Bachelor degree and do not have the recommended background knowledge in mathematics, UNE offers an Introductory unit in Mathematics to enable you to reach the required prerequisite level and have the best chance of success in your studies.

Courses - Undergraduate

Undergraduate

There are several options for first degree study in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Data Science at the University of New England. Your choice depends on whether you want to focus on a particular area, whether you want to combine your computing studies with studies from another discipline or whether you just want the flexibility to study a wide range of different computing topics. All these degrees provide a solid foundation in core computing knowledge and skills.

Undergraduate Certificate in Computing

The Undergraduate Certificate is a one-trimester course that gives students a solid introduction to computing, along with skills to help advance their career or study options. Credits from units studied under this award can count towards an undergraduate degree, should further study be pursued.

Diploma in Information Technology
The Diploma is a one-year course that provides students with a foundation in computing/IT, and the flexibility to take on more advanced and specialised topics.  The Diploma has also been designed to act as an entry and exit pathway for the Bachelor of Computer Science.

You will also see that if you have at least four years' full-time equivalent relevant experience, you will be granted advanced standing (credit) for four units which will count towards the Diploma and leave you with only four units to complete,

Bachelor of Computer Science

In this three-year degree you can specialise by choosing from one major (software development or data science) or you can complete dual majors for broader coverage.  The Bachelor of Computer Science has professional accreditation from the Australian Computer Society. The course includes a core of units that gives all our students a solid programming, mathematical and software engineering background.

Students choosing to study only one major are given flexibility to take a range of subjects from other disciplines (for example, Economics, Accounting, Genetics, Physics, and Mathematics) in place of the second major.

Bachelor of Science
The Computational Science major in the Bachelor of Science provides a solid foundation in Computational Science and students can either complete another major in for example, Chemistry, Applied Physics or Mathematics or can choose units from a range of disciplines such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Ecology, Genetics etc.

Double degree

Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws
Students who complete this double degree are awarded a Bachelor of Computer Science and a Bachelor of Laws.  The Bachelor of Computer Science has professional accreditation from the Australian Computer Society.  Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws who wish to practice as a solicitor, barrister, or legal practitioner anywhere in Australia will also have to undertake a course of professional legal training (PLT).

Bachelor Honours

Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours
This degree involves a fourth year of study for students with an above average academic record. It includes completion of a research project under the supervision of an academic staff member. Graduates who achieve the appropriate level of Honours are eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Courses - Postgraduate

The School of Science and Technology offers a range of postgraduate programs which give qualified applicants the opportunity for study at three levels:

Graduate Certificate (one trimester)
Graduate Diploma (two trimesters)
Masters (three or four trimesters)

These programs cater for students with or without a computing/programming background. Those without a computing/programming background can complete one of our conversion courses.

If you are wanting to enhance and broaden your current skills in computer science, information technology, and data science, you may be interested in one of the following:

Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
Master of Computer Science

The following conversion courses are designed for those who do not have a computing/programming background and who are seeking to achieve a qualification in information technology, or data science:

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
Master of Information Technology
Graduate Diploma in Data Science
Master of Data Science

Postgraduate research

Qualified students can complete Higher Degree Research in Computer Science. The available degrees are:

Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy

Careers

Careers in computing include technical positions in e-business, internet and networking specialists, specialised financial computer programs, software solution designers, and careers in economic modelling, artificial intelligence, game programming and electronic product design. Computers really are vital in practically all modern enterprise, so there’s really no limit.

Similarly, data science is a rapidly growing field with outstanding employment prospects for appropriately qualified professionals. Potential positions include: data scientist, business intelligence analyst, data engineer, data architect, data strategist, healthcare data manager, bioinformatics analyst, computational scientist and research scientist.

Students who complete the double degree Computer Science/Laws also find employment in banking, management, and the Diplomatic Service.

Partnerships, Networks and Industry Links
Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to re-locate to Armidale complete a course in computing/IT/DS?

All our computing/IT/DS courses are offered both on-campus or online on a full-time or part-time basis.

What are the benefit of studying on campus?

Many UNE students choose to study on campus to take advantage of the location, the unique residential accommodation options and the teaching, research and sporting facilities.

Studying on campus in Armidale gives you the traditional university experience, with the added benefit of small class sizes and great access to lecturers. Academic staff are passionate about what they teach and keen to see you succeed.

How does online study work?

UNE is at the forefront of online learning.

You will access your materials via our Student Portal myUNE. Teaching material including study timetables, details of assessments, topic notes, readings, podcasts, discussion spaces and links to online resources are located on our Learning Management System, myLearn. Your lecturer will interact with you via myLearn and is also available by email or phone.

You are able to purchase textbooks through the UNE Life Shop.

You are also able to access the facilities and services of Dixson Library.

Can I go onto further study in computing/IT?

The Undergraduate Certificate in Computing and Diploma of Information Technology can act as an entryway to the Bachelor of Computer Science degree.

On completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science degree, you may be eligible to complete an additional Honours year, which may make you eligible to apply for admission to candidature for a research Masters degree or a PhD.

On completion of either a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma you may be eligible to enrol for one of the three Master degrees.

If you complete the Master of Computer Science, including the thesis, you will be eligible to apply for admission to candidature for a research Master degree or a PhD.

What qualifications and background do I need to be able to enrol for one of the postgraduate courses in computing/IT/DS?

Provided you have an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification, you are able to complete computing/IT/DS studies at the postgraduate level at UNE whether or not you have a qualification in a relevant discipline.  The approved relevant discipline areas have been defined as:

  • Computing Science
  • Information Systems
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Software Engineering
  • Statistics

How can I get into one of the computing/IT courses if I don’t have a background in one of the approved areas?

You are able to commence study in the Graduate Diploma or two of the three Master degrees without having any relevant background.

The Programs of Study for these courses have been designed to provide the background knowledge required to enable you to successfully complete course requirements.

How much will it cost?

Computing/IT/DS courses are available on a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) (please note:  quotas do apply) and/or Full-Fee basis. Go to Tuition Fees for further details.

How do I apply?

Go to How to apply and follow the instructions.

I’ve completed study at another university – can I get advanced standing (credit) for that?

If you have completed study at another tertiary institution you are able to apply for Advanced Standing (please note:  this is a separate process to applying to enrol for the course).

When I’m enrolling for a course how do I select which units I should be completing for my major?  How do I plan my study?

All units approved for your major are listed in the Program of Study for your course.

If your course includes Core Units, you will need to commence your study with these units. This is particularly important in the Master degree as the topics you cover in the Core Units will inform your decision on the particular area of computing science/IT/DS you wish to concentrate on when completing the Research/Capstone Experience units.

It is strongly recommended that you follow the Course Plans provided for your course.  These have been developed considering unit pre-requisite, co-requisite and timetabling requirements and are located below the Program of Study.

Who can I contact for further information and advice on admission requirements, programs of study and course plans?

If you are interested in furthering your career/study in computing science, Information Technology, and/or Data Science, the Course Coordinator is more than happy to discuss your options and help you choose the program which most suits your needs and background.

Contacts

For further information on Computer Science/Information Technology course admission requirements, programs of study and course plans, please contact the Course Coordinator (Undergraduate/Postgraduate).

For further information about study in computer science, please contact the Discipline Convenor.

For general and administrative enquiries, AskUNE