Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Computer Science

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BCOMP

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative fees

Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisite

SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods; OR IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL).

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission:

Recent 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) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification at an Australian higher education institution.

Overseas qualifications considered by Adelaide University as equivalent to the above Australian qualifications may be accepted.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
Achieved a pass result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Passed an Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test AND have relevant work experience; OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Computer Science?

Create the technology of the future. Computer scientists design, develop, and analyse the software and hardware used to solve a range of problems facing society. While IT specialists work with existing technology to solve a problem, computer scientists are at the forefront of building new technology from the ground-up.

With increased technology adoption driving transformation in virtually every sector – from agriculture to healthcare, education and manufacturing – the demand for highly skilled computer scientists has never been greater (Tech Council of Australia, 2023).

Our Bachelor of Computer Science will equip you with a solid foundation in computer science skills. You’ll also acquire strong understanding of the ethical and legal dimensions of the evolving tech landscape – preparing you well for a dynamic career in a wide range of industries.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Computer Science provides you with a solid base of essential computer science knowledge and skills.

The broad focus of this degree means you’ll study a mix of courses covering artificial intelligence, algorithms, data management, programming languages, security, computer architecture, and more

You’ll also have the option to specialise with a major in either artificial intelligence and machine learning, human-centred computing, or programming languages. Or you may prefer to complete a general major, learning a little bit of everything.

In addition, you’ll sharpen your professional skills with courses in communication, as well as group projects where you’ll work in a team to deliver a client artefact.

Individuals with computer science expertise can be found working in a wide range of fields– from software development, finance and banking, healthcare, e-commerce, video game design, defence, and manufacturing.

What you'll learn

Our Bachelor of Computer Science covers core computer science knowledge, theories, principles, technical and professional skills.

In first year, you’ll study courses in problem solving and programming, IT systems, structured data, security foundations, and system requirements.

From second year, you can specialise in an area of interest with a major in either:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Human-Centred Computing
Programming Languages.

Or you may prefer to complete a ‘general major’ – enabling you to explore a little bit of everything.

Throughout, you’ll develop deep reasoning skills, an understanding of the limits and capabilities of computing, alongside technical and programming skills.

In your final year, you’ll sharpen your professional skills through a major project. Working in a project team, you’ll develop an artefact for a client. This might include the application of new technologies, developing proof of concept solutions or analysing current business processes to identify areas for improvement.

On completion of your studies, you’ll be eligible for professional membership with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Majors

Did you know that you can also choose a Bachelor of Computer Science with a major in one of the following:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Human-Centred Computing
Programming Languages.

What courses you'll study

You're required to complete 144 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.

Complete 66 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Problem Solving and Programming	COMP1002	6
Structured Data	COMP1003	6
Security Foundations	COMP1004	6
Information Technology Systems	INFO1012	6
System Requirements	INFO1013	6
Object-Oriented Programming	COMP1005	6
Data Structures and Algorithms	COMP2017	6
Software Development Practice	COMP2021	6
UG Common Core 1	AUXX1000	6
UG Common Core 2	AUXX2000	6
UG Common Core 3	AUXX3000	6

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	ICT Capstone Project 1	INFO3901	6
	ICT Capstone Project 2	INFO3902	6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Elective 1	AUXX1011	6
Elective 2	AUXX1012	6
Elective 3	AUXX1013	6
Elective 4	AUXX1014	6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Computer Systems	COMP2000	6
Language Models, Translation and Execution	COMP2001	6
Discrete Mathematics	MATH1006	6
Operating Systems	COMP2002	6
Cyber Security Application	INFO2007	6
Theory of Computation and Formal Verification	COMP2003	6
Distributed and Decentralised Computing	COMP2004	6
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms	COMP3008	6

Complete one Major from the following:

	Course code	Units
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning	AIMLBCOMP	48
Human-Centred Computing	HUMCBCOMP	48
Programming Languages	PROGBCOMP	48

Career outcomes

With Australia needing an additional 600,000 people to join the tech sector by 2030, the demand for highly skilled computer scientists is only expected to rise (Tech Council of Australia, 2023). With its rigorous focus on theory, technical and professional skill development, our Bachelor of Computer Science ensures you’ll graduate career-ready with the skills industry demands.

You could develop software to help farmers more accurately determine how much water to use in different parts of their fields. Perhaps you’ll design more immersive virtual reality technology to help train future medical professionals. Or maybe you’ll devise an algorithm that enables renewable energy grids to manage energy demand and distribution more intelligently or code to coordinate the next generation driverless cars.

Computer scientists can be found working in both direct and indirect tech roles in a wide range of industries and sectors, including:

Agriculture, food, and wine
Social media
Defence
Education
Banking
Energy
Finance
Health care
Manufacturing
Marketing
Retail
Transportation.

Explore a range of career opportunities including:

Software engineer
Software developer
Integration developer
Application developer
Backend developer
Frontend developer
Backend developer
API developer
Cloud engineer.

Industry trends

Tech jobs are growing twice as fast as any other industry (TCA, 2023) and wages in the direct tech sector remain high and strong. The average advertised salary in the ICT industry is approximately $132k – which is 1.5 times the average salary in all other job sectors. (Tech Council of Australia, 2023)

Big data analytics, climate change and environmental management technologies, and encryption and cybersecurity are expected to be the biggest drivers of future job growth (World Economic Forum, 2023).

Over 85% of organisations identify increased technology adoption will remain a key driver of business transformation in the next five years and beyond, (World Economic Forum, 2023) meaning the future in computer science is bright.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution in 2026.

How to apply

Find your program

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Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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.

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Accommodation options

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Scholarships

Our scholarships can provide the helping hand you need to transition into university life.

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Bachelor of Computer Science