Why Bachelor of Computer Science?
We interact with computers daily, but what powers the systems shaping our lives? Unlock the power of programming languages and discover their infinite possibilities. In the realm of computer science, programming languages serve as the fundamental element in constructing software. With each new language, you’re translating human thoughts into instructions that a computer can solve.
Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Programming Languages will give you theoretical and mathematical skills to build solution-oriented languages for businesses. Gain industry-informed insights into the state of modern technologies. Learn the deeper reasoning behind new languages and their characteristics. Prepare for a dynamic career as an expert coder.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Programming Languages will teach you how to build effective programming languages and create reliable software systems. You’ll develop deep problem-solving skills and knowledge to map out future problems within the growing technology industries.
You will evaluate existing algorithms to design innovative solutions aligned with industry demands. Develop software across a range of systems, preparing you to tackle global challenges. Gain insights from specialised academics in the field. Pursue your passion with a research-intensive capstone project in your final year.
You’ll graduate ready to find work as an expert coder and create effective computer systems. The need for computing professionals will continue to rise, and you’ll be equipped to explore a diverse range of roles.
Key features
Build broad foundational skills through core computer science courses. - Learn advanced programming language concepts.
- Create algorithms to solve complex challenges in society.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the limits and capabilities of computing.
- Develop strong reasoning skills through industry-informed practice.
- Connect with professionals in the field through a significant industry project.
What you'll learn
With a common first year among our computer science degrees, you’ll learn theoretical foundations in computing practices to build your skillset in the fundamentals of computer science. In your second year, you’ll focus on your chosen major and develop knowledge in language models and programming paradigms – introducing you to a variety of challenges that need solutions.
In your specialisation, you’ll learn advanced data structures and algorithms to practise writing code. Adopt a hands-on method to grasp the concepts of programming new and existing languages.
Your learning will culminate in a final industry-based project. You’ll work with an industry partner to develop an innovative solution for a real-world problem. You’ll build highly transferrable skills – preparing you for a range of career prospects.
Assessments for this degree include programming software systems, coding portfolio, group work, case studies and supervised written and oral tests.
You’ll be able to complete the majority of first year common courses and second year courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.
Majors
Did you know that you can also choose a Bachelor of Computer Science with a major in one of the following:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for all Core courses, and
- Either:
- 54 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 54 units for all Discipline courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 66 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structured Data
|
Course code
COMP1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Computing Innovations in the Modern World
|
Course code
COMP1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP2017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Software Development Practice
|
Course code
COMP2021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Information Technology Systems
|
Course code
INFO1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
System Requirements
|
Course code
INFO1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Security Foundations
|
Course code
INFO1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Communication and Teamwork
|
Course code
INFO2032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Structured Data
|
Course code
COMP1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Information Technology Systems
|
Course code
INFO1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computing Innovations in the Modern World
|
Course code
COMP1015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Security Foundations
|
Course code
INFO1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
System Requirements
|
Course code
INFO1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology
|
Course code
COMP2022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer Systems
|
Course code
COMP2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Software Development Practice
|
Course code
COMP2021
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP2017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Language Models, Translation and Execution
|
Course code
COMP2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Operating Systems
|
Course code
COMP2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Communication and Teamwork
|
Course code
INFO2032
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Theory of Computation and Formal Verification
|
Course code
COMP2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Programming Paradigms
|
Course code
COMP2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Programming Language Concepts
|
Course code
COMP3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 1
|
Course code
INFO3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 2
|
Course code
INFO3902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Computer Systems
|
Course code
COMP2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Language Models, Translation and Execution
|
Course code
COMP2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Operating Systems
|
Course code
COMP2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Theory of Computation and Formal Verification
|
Course code
COMP2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Programming Paradigms
|
Course code
COMP2015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology
|
Course code
COMP2022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Programming Language Concepts
|
Course code
COMP3009
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Structured Data
|
Course code
COMP1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Information Technology Systems
|
Course code
INFO1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computing Innovations in the Modern World
|
Course code
COMP1015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Security Foundations
|
Course code
INFO1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
System Requirements
|
Course code
INFO1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology
|
Course code
COMP2022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer Systems
|
Course code
COMP2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Software Development Practice
|
Course code
COMP2021
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP2017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Language Models, Translation and Execution
|
Course code
COMP2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Operating Systems
|
Course code
COMP2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Communication and Teamwork
|
Course code
INFO2032
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Theory of Computation and Formal Verification
|
Course code
COMP2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Programming Paradigms
|
Course code
COMP2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Programming Language Concepts
|
Course code
COMP3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 1
|
Course code
INFO3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 2
|
Course code
INFO3902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 1
|
Course code
INFO3901
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 2
|
Course code
INFO3902
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Structured Data
|
Course code
COMP1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Information Technology Systems
|
Course code
INFO1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computing Innovations in the Modern World
|
Course code
COMP1015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Security Foundations
|
Course code
INFO1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
System Requirements
|
Course code
INFO1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology
|
Course code
COMP2022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer Systems
|
Course code
COMP2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Software Development Practice
|
Course code
COMP2021
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP2017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Language Models, Translation and Execution
|
Course code
COMP2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Operating Systems
|
Course code
COMP2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Communication and Teamwork
|
Course code
INFO2032
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Theory of Computation and Formal Verification
|
Course code
COMP2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Programming Paradigms
|
Course code
COMP2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Programming Language Concepts
|
Course code
COMP3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 1
|
Course code
INFO3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 2
|
Course code
INFO3902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Structured Data
|
Course code
COMP1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Information Technology Systems
|
Course code
INFO1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computing Innovations in the Modern World
|
Course code
COMP1015
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Security Foundations
|
Course code
INFO1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
System Requirements
|
Course code
INFO1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology
|
Course code
COMP2022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer Systems
|
Course code
COMP2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Software Development Practice
|
Course code
COMP2021
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP2017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Language Models, Translation and Execution
|
Course code
COMP2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Operating Systems
|
Course code
COMP2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Communication and Teamwork
|
Course code
INFO2032
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Theory of Computation and Formal Verification
|
Course code
COMP2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Programming Paradigms
|
Course code
COMP2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
|
Course code
COMP3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Programming Language Concepts
|
Course code
COMP3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 1
|
Course code
INFO3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
ICT Capstone Project 2
|
Course code
INFO3902
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Programming languages serve as the foundation for software development. Career diversity extends across sectors such as finance, manufacturing, health care, retail, and other non-tech related industries.
You’ll be set to secure employment in various areas and companies that are developing future-focused technology. Some of these companies include tech firms like Google, Atlassian and Microsoft Research.
A career in programming languages could see you as the developer of web services, crafting code to solve customer problems. You might even find yourself writing software for the next generation of self-driving cars – the possibilities are infinite!
Explore a range of career opportunities including:
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Integration developer
- Application developer
- Backend developer
- Frontend developer
- Compiler writer
- Researcher in language design
- Backend developer
- API developer
- Cloud engineer.
Industry trends
Australia doesn’t have enough programmers – with approximately 60% more needed in the workforce by 2028 (Cisco, 2019). This degree will ensure you graduate career ready to enter the workforce with relevant IT skills.
Accreditation
This program is provisionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Graduates are eligible for membership with the ACS and are recognised internationally through the Seoul Accord.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
