Computer lab
MJRH-ADCMP

Computing (Advanced)

Undergraduate major

Gain advanced knowledge and skills for a successful career in the ever-evolving ICT industry.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 95
  • Qualification
    Computing Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)
  • Credit

    Credit

    800
Course outline

Check the application deadline for the parent course

Course outline

Outline

Outline

Computer scientists, software engineers, programmers and other computing professionals are experts on how technology works and how computing can address even the most complicated and intricate problems.

This major is a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) course, designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in science through research, leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities.

You will benefit from a personalised and flexible learning experience, exploring the field of computing through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects.

In your first year, you'll develop your programming skills and study the fundamental theoretical knowledge of computing. Topics covered will include C++, Java, Linux and object oriented programming.

You can then tailor a specialised skill set in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology or Software Engineering.

Your studies will culminate in a capstone project, with topics ranging from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

SPECIALISATIONS

Computer Science
You'll develop an in-depth knowledge of software design and algorithm analysis, as well as artificial intelligence, computer communications, databases and graphics. Your study will focus on the knowledge required to build operating systems and design new programming languages. As computer science theory and applications are mathematically based, there is a strong emphasis on mathematics.

Cyber Security
Cyber Security focuses on the key concepts and challenges in data and resource protection and computer software security. You'll examine high level aspects of computer security – cryptography theory, data access policy development and security program management – and the low level practical aspects comprising computer forensics, network intrusion detection and incident handling.

You'll develop the skills to identify appropriate applications for specific scenarios, with an understanding of cultural and ethical issues related to protecting individual rights.

Information Technology
You'll learn the technological and applied aspects of computing, with less emphasis on theory. You'll study system programming, software design and engineering, networking (including the internet and the web), artificial intelligence for decision support, and graphics.

Software Engineering
Software engineers are experts in the principles of design, measurement and analysis applied in the context of the development of software-based systems. You'll gain a strong foundation in computer science, with further emphasis on software requirements gathering, design, implementation and testing. You'll also study communication skills, professional responsibility, ethics, interpersonal relationships, teamwork and time management.

See our handbook for more course information. 

How this course will make you industry ready

This course has been designed with industry to ensure that the skills and knowledge are those required for employers in this dynamic field.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is ensured, through engagement in immersive industry and/or research experiences. During second and third year of your studies you have the opportunity to source internal and external internships and immersive work experiences, which can be used for course credit.

You'll also have the opportunity to interact with potential employers though your final-year capstone project, in which you will work on real-world problems presented by industry.

What jobs can the Computing (Advanced) course lead to?

Careers

  • Computer programmer
  • IT professional
  • Computer security professional
  • Software engineer/developer.

Industries

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

What you'll learn

  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced ability to apply the theoretical foundations of computing to new application areas; place new technological developments in a historical context for a changing and evolving society.
  • Evaluate standard algorithms, techniques, and software technologies in a manner that is appropriate for challenging and multi-faceted problems; think critically and creatively to generate innovative and optimum theoretical and practical solutions.
  • Access evaluate and synthesise information from a range of computing sources to optimise the process of software design and implementation.
  • Communicate the process of software development effectively in written and oral form to informed professional audiences from both technical and non-technical backgrounds.
  • Effectively use emerging and existing technologies to address complex problems, recognising their advantages and limitations.
  • Sustain intellectual independence and curiosity by updating their knowledge and engaging in continuous training and research.
  • Consider computing problems from a global perspective and recognise the inherent global nature of information and communications technology.
  • Work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues from a range of cultural backgrounds and contribute to society using technology in an ethical, legal, and socially responsible manner.
  • Demonstrate initiative, leadership and ethical practice when working independently and collaboratively and as a leader of research; recognise and apply IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)/ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)/ACS (Australian Computer Society) standards and best practices in process software design and development.

Professional recognition

Graduates can apply for Professional Level accreditation of the Australian Computer Society. The Cyber Security specialisation meets standards related to data encryption, computer security protection and management, of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Association for Computing Machinery and the Australian Computer Society.

This course is endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College.

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 95

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 95

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods 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

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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

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 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.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 95

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 95

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods 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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

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.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 95

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 95

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods 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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

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:

  • Attained an ATAR of 95; or
  • Completed 200 credits over one year, with a course weighted average (CWA) of 80% or higher; and
  • Met the prerequisites.

Maths Methods prerequisites can be met with:

  • Maths Methods ATAR or equivalent; or
  • MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
  • MATH1015 Linear Algebra 1 with a final mark of at least 70; or
  • MATH1016 Calculus 1 or
  • MATH1017 Accelerated Mathematics 1

 

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 95

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 95

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods 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

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

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.

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

Please view the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) 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

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: MJRH-ADCMP
  • Last updated on: 5 October 2024

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