Computing and Software Systems

Your major allows you to develop the technical expertise and practical skills you’ll need for your career, as well as the theoretical knowledge of how to apply them. You’ll cover programming, using maths to solve complex computing problems and the tools and techniques to design computing solutions.

Your major structure

You can complete this major through the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Design.

Bachelor of Science

You can study computer science subjects from day one, and you’ll have plenty of flexibility to explore other interests too.

In your first and second years, you will complete subjects that are prerequisites for your major, including mathematics and foundational computing subjects.

In your third year, you will complete 50 points (four subjects) of deep and specialised study in computing and software systems.

Throughout your degree, you will also take science elective subjects and breadth (non-science) subjects, in addition to your major subjects and prerequisites.

Bachelor of Design

The Bachelor of Design course structure results in a flexible degree that allows students to explore different fields of study. You can choose your major immediately or make a decision before the beginning of your second year.

In the first year of the Bachelor of Design, you will be immersed in a world of design and discover new concepts and skills. You might be performing on a stage, writing code in a computer lab, contemplating design theory and putting it into practice, or making 3D models. The subjects you complete in your first year provide the basis for your knowledge of design that will carry through for the rest of your degree.

By your second year, you will deepen your understanding of your chosen design disciplines and be able to finalise your selection of majors, minors and specialisations.

In third year you will complete your major requirements. In your third year, you will complete 50 points (usually four subjects) of study to specialise in computing and software systems and you can also complete breadth studies. You will also be required to undertake a capstone subject. Capstones are designed to draw together the various theoretical strands. On the completion of third year, graduates will possess strong written, oral and visual communication techniques, and will develop practical skills and apply these to problem-solving.

You can take the following double major options with the Bachelor of Design:

• Computing and Software Systems + Construction
• Computing and Software Systems + Graphic Design
• Computing and Software Systems + Landscape Architecture
• Computing and Software Systems + Performance Design
• Computing and Software Systems + Property
• Computing and Software Systems + Spatial Systems
• Computing and Software Systems + Urban Planning

Breadth studies

Breadth is a unique feature of the Melbourne curriculum. It gives you the chance to explore subjects outside your core studies or your major, developing new perspectives and learning to collaborate with others who have different strengths and interests - just as you will in your future career.

Some of our students use breadth to explore creative interests or topics they have always been curious about. Others used breadth to improve their career prospects by complementing their major with a language, communication skills or business expertise.