Bachelor of Computing
B-COMP

Computing

Bachelor degree

Match your computer career aspirations with options in computer science, cyber security and software engineering.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Minimum ATAR 80
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Computing
  • Duration

    Duration

    3 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    600
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    100817
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth,  Curtin University Malaysia,  Curtin Singapore
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

Course outline

Outline

Outline

This course will equip you with high-level knowledge of computer systems and processes involved in software development and maintenance.

It covers aspects of modern computing, commencing with fundamental programming and theoretical knowledge, and followed by a specialisation in computer science, cyber security or software engineering.

You'll use C and Java as the tools for learning core concepts such as object orientation and algorithms. Linux skills are taught throughout the course, starting with the basics and progressing to advanced topics.

Curtin collaborates with industry partners to optimise course content and provide final-year placement opportunities to suitable students.

If you perform well in your first year of the Bachelor of Computing, you can apply
to transfer to the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Computing) course. (Note that acceptance is not automatic.)

Computer Science

This major provides in-depth knowledge of software design, algorithm analysis, artificial intelligence, computer communications, databases and graphics.

You will gain the skills required to build operating systems and design new programming languages. Being mathematically based, computer science has a strong emphasis on logic and reasoning.

Cyber Security

This major focuses on the key concepts and challenges in data protection and computer software security.

You will examine both the high-level and low-level practical aspects of computer security. High-level aspects include cryptography theory, data access policy development and security program management. Low-level aspects include computer forensics, network intrusion detection and incident handling.

You'll learn how to identify and implement appropriate applications for specific scenarios. You'll also gain an understanding of issues related to the protection of individual rights.

Software Engineering

This major focuses on the software development lifecycle, but goes beyond programming to evaluate and meet customer needs, and design and test software.

You'll develop design techniques and project management skills to solve real-world problems and build reliable, efficient, large-scale software systems.

The Computing major can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science.

See our handbook for more course information.

How this course will make you industry ready

This course is designed so that you gain high-level knowledge of computer systems and processes involved in software development and maintenance. Curtin works closely with industry partners both to optimise course content and provide final-year student placement opportunities.

What jobs can the Computing course lead to?

Careers

  • Computer programmer
  • IT consultant
  • Computer security expert
  • Software engineer / developer

Industries

  • Applications and software development
  • Game design and development
  • Cyber security
  • IT analysis

Further study

What you'll learn

  • implement secure processes based on best practice when developing software and dealing with computer systems
  • evaluate standard algorithms, techniques, and software technologies in a manner that is appropriate for a given problem and think critically and creatively to generate innovative and optimum theoretical and practical solutions
  • identify, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of computing sources to optimise the process of software design and implementation
  • document software development activities and artefacts and communicate them in written and oral form to both technical and non-technical audiences and communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the audience and purpose
  • effectively use new and existing technologies, recognising their advantages and limitations
  • sustain intellectual curiosity by updating their knowledge, engage in continuous training and research, and take control of their own learning and development
  • recognise and apply IEEE/ACM/ACS standards in the process of software design and development
  • contribute to society using technology in an ethical, legal, and socially responsible manner
  • demonstrate initiative, leadership and ethical practice when working independently and collaboratively

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Computer Science major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Cybersecurity major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Software Engineering major
    Mathematics Applications ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Computer Science major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Cybersecurity major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Software Engineering major
    Mathematics Applications ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    • AQF Diploma; or
    • AQF Advanced Diploma

    AND

    • satisfied the prerequisite.

    The ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite can be met with one of the following:

    • Maths Applications ATAR
    • MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics
    • MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
    • MATH1015 Linear Algebra

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Computer Science major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Cybersecurity major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Software Engineering major
    Mathematics Applications ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  1. Achieved an ATAR of 80 or higher

    or

    Completed a minimum of 100 credit points (with 75 credit points in the semester prior to application), and completed either COMP1005 Fundamentals of Programming or COMP1007 Programming Design and Implementation
  2. Met ATAR Mathematics prerequisites for your chosen major

    Computer Science - ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent)
    Cybersecurity - ATAR Mathetmatics Methods (or equivalent)
    Software Engineering - ATAR Mathematics Applications (or equivalent)

  3. Have an academic status of 'Good Standing'.

Prerequisite Information

The ATAR Mathematics Methods prerequisite can be met with the following Curtin units:
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1016 Calculus 1

The ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin units:
MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1015 Linear Algebra 

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education provider, you need to have:

  1. Achieved an ATAR of 80 or higher

  2. Met ATAR Mathematics prerequisites for your chosen major

    Computer Science - ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent)
    Cybersecurity - ATAR Mathetmatics Methods (or equivalent)
    Software Engineering - ATAR Mathematics Applications (or equivalent)

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 80

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 80

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Computer Science major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Cybersecurity major
    Mathematics Methods ATAR

    Software Engineering major
    Mathematics Applications ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$8,400*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: B-COMP
  • CRICOS code: 100817
  • Last updated on: 6 October 2024

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