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    MJRU-COMPS

    Computer Science

    Undergraduate major

    Learn to build operating systems and design new programming languages using logic and reasoning.

    Enquire Apply now
    Course outline
    • ATAR

      ATAR

      The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used to determine eligibility for places in university courses.
      Guaranteed ATAR 80
    • Qualification
      Computer Science Major (B Comp)
    • Credit

      Credit

      A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
      400
    Course outline

    You can study this course as part of the following degree

    Bachelor of Computing

    Visit the degree page for information on admission criteria, course fees and study locations.

    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    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.

    This major sits within the Bachelor of Computing. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Computing.

    What you'll learn

    • implement secure processes based on best practice when designing and implementing software
    • 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 evaluate and use new and existing technologies, especially those relating to algorithm design and artificial intelligence, 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

    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

    • Guaranteed ATAR 80

      This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 80

    • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

      Mathematics Methods ATAR

    • Desirable WACE subjects

      Desirable WACE subjects

      High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

      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

    StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

    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

    • STAT entry

      Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

      The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

      STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency. 

    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.

    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 Skills for Tertiary Admissions 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)

      The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

      STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency. 

    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

    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

      To meet the entry criteria with VET studies you need to have: 

      1. AQF Diploma 
        or 

        AQF Advanced Diploma 
      2. Met the subject prerequisite.

    • STAT entry

      Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

      The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

      STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency. 

    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

    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
    2. Completed a minimum of 100 credit points with at least 75 credit points completed in the semester prior to course switching
      or
      Completed a minimum of 100 credit points with at least 75 credit points completed in the semester prior to course switching, and completed either COMP1005 Fundamentals of Programming or COMP1007 Programming Design and Implementation
      and
    3. Met the subject prerequisites for your chosen major

    Prerequisite Information
    If you are not studying computing related units, the Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin unit:
    MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
    MATH1016 Calculus 1
    MATH1020 Calculus for Engineers
    MATH1021 Accelerated Mathematics for Engineers

    If you are studying computing related units, the Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin unit:
    MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
    MATH1015 Linear Algebra
    MATH1016 Calculus 1
    MATH1019 Linear Algebra and Statistics for Engineers
    MATH1020 Calculus for Engineers
    MATH1021 Accelerated Mathematics for Engineers

    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
      Note: Selection Ranks are assessed based on your tertiary studies
    2. Met Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)

    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

    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.

    FAQs

    You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions.

    Ask a question

    Submit your question via our online form and we’ll get back to you.

    Call us

    1300 222 888
    8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (Tuesday from 9:30am)

    Visit us

    You’ll find Curtin Connect in building 102 on the Perth campus.
    8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (Tuesday from 9:30am)

    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.

    Submit an enquiry CRL search

    Fees and scholarships

    Please view the Bachelor of Computing degree for indicative fees.

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    How to apply

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

    Apply now

    • 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: MJRU-COMPS
    • Last updated on: 8 October 2025

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