Undergraduate IT Study
Our undergraduate subject sequences are accessible both to students who have not programmed before, and to students who already have an understanding of computational thinking and programming.
So don’t be discouraged if you are someone who thinks of a computer as just being a useful machine that is connected to internet services — our introductory subjects build on your VCE maths and communications skills to teach you the fundamentals of programming and computational thinking, and don't require that you already be proficient in any way. And if you are planning to study a different major, having some knowledge of computational thinking will enhance your skills in that other discipline.
We also offer introductory subjects in Information Systems that examine the business and social aspects of computing, and do not involve the study of programming.
On the other hand, if you are already skilled as a programmer in one or more languages, we run a Programming Proficiency Test prior to the start of each semester. Students who complete the test at the required standard will be able to accelerate their studies, and complete more of our advanced electives in their third year of study.
For information about the test and to register for the next sitting, contact the department three weeks prior to the start of each semester.
Undergraduate Majors
Two undergraduate majors are provided via the Bachelor of Science degree. For entry requirements and other related material, see the Bachelor of Science website.
Computing & Software Systems Major
Students who complete the Computing and Software Systems major develop strong technical skills in the areas of programming, computer systems, and system design and implementation, and graduate with a qualification that is recognized by the Australian Computer Society. They will typically find employment as programmers and system implementors.
Upon completing this major, students also have the choice of applying for entry to the MSc(Computer Science) [two year] degree, for entry to the ME(Software) [two year] degree, or for entry to the Master of Information Systems [two year] degree, as well as masters degrees offered in other discipline areas.
The Computing and Software Systems major requires a total of nine subjects, plus a requirement for two subjects of first-year Mathematics.
The sequence of subjects that leads to the major is normally commenced at the beginning of first year. Details of this major can be found on the Melbourne School of Information website:
Informatics Major
The focus in this major is on the use of information in scientific and business application areas, and students are encouraged to combine their Informatics major with study in another discipline area that is of interest to them, to provide a cross-disciplinary blend of knowledge and skills.
Graduates from this major typically find employment as members of teams that involve practitioners in an applications discipline, as well as people skilled in analytics, information visualisation, and information management.
Upon completing this major, students also have the choice of applying for entry to the ME(Software) [three year] or for entry to the Master of Information Systems [two year] degree, as well as masters degrees offered in other discipline areas.
The Informatics major consists of seven subjects, and can be commenced in either first year or at the beginning of second year. Details of this major can be found on the Melbourne School of Information website:
Other IT Study Options
Computing and Information Systems as Breadth
IT-related areas can be studied as breadth in these degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Music
Visit the University’s Handbook website for further information about the five IT-related breadth sequences:
Diploma in Informatics
The concurrent Diploma in Informatics allows students to complement a major in a different discipline, or different degree, with a qualification in the IT area. A total of 8 subjects of study in IT areas is required, of which up to four subjects can be cross-credited to the primary degree.
More details can be found on the Melbourne School of Information website: