Melbourne School of Engineering

Computers are an indispensable part of our lives, and so is the need for computer scientists.

Computers are everywhere. Whether you're going shopping or taking a plane, downloading a file for your iPod or visiting the doctor, you can be sure that computer software has played a central part in your experience.

As our reliance on technology grows, so does our need for highly skilled people who can combine science and engineering skills to provide sophisticated software solutions.

The 'science' in computer science concerns the understanding of fundamental issues in computing through the use of models based on theory and abstraction. The 'engineering' in computer science refers to the practical application of principles and methodologies to the development and maintenance of computer systems, with both hardware and software.

The Bachelor of Computer Science offers you unparalleled choice of study across the University and great flexibility. Our aim is to give you the ideal preparation for a life and a career in a changing, technology-rich world.

As a student at the University of Melbourne, you will be a part of a learning environment that is second to none and have access to staff who are dedicated to producing the very best learning outcomes. Recognised internationally for its research, the Melbourne School of Engineering is also a vibrant learning community - socially, intellectually and culturally.

The course aims to develop skilled computer scientists with the technical knowledge to develop well-designed and robust computer-based solutions to a range of problems in business and industry.

The Melbourne computer science graduate

Graduating with professional accreditation from the Australian Computer Society (ACS), the Melbourne Computer Science graduate faces a wealth of opportunities. Creativity and analytical skills are integral to the field of Computer Science. Our curriculum encourages the development of these skills throughout the course, producing graduates who are able to provide innovative solutions to complex problems.

The most pressing of world issues need graduates working with cutting-edge technology and a global perspective. The Computer Science degree offers breadth of study, teaching by internationally renowned academics and close interaction with industry, ensuring that graduates have this depth of understanding. Melbourne Computer Science graduates are leaders in their fields due to their high level communication skills, their aptitude for management and their unique understanding of their role in the world.

Fields of study

Computer Science covers the design, development and use of software and the major applications of computing including databases, networks, artificial intelligence web search and graphics.

Within the Bachelor of Computer Science you may choose the bioinformatics stream, which combines the study of computer science with biology and biochemistry.

Students may also consider an optional fourth year, leading to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) degree.

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). A study score of at least 25 in both English (any) and Mathematical Methods. 2008 Guaranteed ENTER: 85

International Baccalaureate (IB). English and Standard Level Mathematics. All prerequisite IB studies are at Grade 5 Standard Level or Grade 4 Higher Level or higher. The Mathematics Standard prerequisite can be satisfied by the completion of Higher Level Mathematics with a grade of 4.

Interstate and international equivalent prerequisite information is available on Course Search.

Career pathways

Careers in computer science involve a stimulating mix of technical, problem-solving, and written and oral communications tasks. A Computer Science degree from the University of Melbourne provides graduates with a large range of career pathways. Graduates are highly sought-after by employers for the strong personal qualities and advanced work skills they have acquired throughout the degree.

Computer Science graduates may work in government, the manufacturing industry, the information industry, commerce and education. They are employed as programmers, research scientists and system engineers. Some graduates spend their time on software development and systems support and remain in a mostly technical environment. Others are involved in a mixture of consulting roles, which place more emphasis on communicating to others about the use of technology. Many graduates move into management positions in the information technology industries. The knowledge and qualifications gained will enable you to work throughout the world.

Graduates of the bioinformatics stream of the Bachelor of Computer Science are well prepared educationally to make advances in the biological industry and in biological research laboratories. In these areas, graduates can work as research programmers and developers, systems administrators and database administrators.

Graduate opportunities

The Melbourne School of Engineering offers a wide range of one-year and two-year Masters programs in specialisations ranging from the highly technical to management and entrepreneurship. See here for more information.

Graduates are also well placed to apply for a range of other professional programs offered at the University of Melbourne including programs in commerce, information technology and law.

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