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1st for skills development for IT courses in Australia
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1st for learner engagement for IT courses in Australia
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1st for teaching quality for IT courses in Australia
Bachelor of Computer Science / Master of Data Science
Course information for - 2026 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 1 locations
- North Sydney
- North Sydney
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- UAC code
- 110009
- ATAR
- N/A
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2026
Applications open April 2025
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2026
Applications open April 2026
Overview
Accelerate your career with a future-focused double degree that combines a Bachelor of Computer Science and a Master of Data Science, completed in just four years full-time.
This unique program provides strong technical foundations in software development, data analytics, programming, machine learning, and cloud computing, while immersing you in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and quantum computing. You’ll also develop expertise in responsible innovation, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, digital trust, and the ethical design of technology.
Beyond technical excellence, the program fosters the professional capabilities needed to lead in complex, dynamic environments, contribute to your community, and influence positive change.
Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to lead innovation, solve complex challenges, and thrive in high-growth roles across the global tech landscape. You’ll also be empowered to develop solutions that address real-world problems and deliver meaningful social impact across industries and communities.
Community engagement
As part of this degree, you’ll undertake a community engagement experience relevant to computer science. This unit is a transformational learning opportunity that engages you with communities experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation, for example by working with social enterprises or a not-for-profit organisation. It will allow you to explore your ethics and empathy, gain new perspectives, and apply digital literacies, communication skills, technical skills and judgement that contribute to both your personal and professional development.
Careers
You’ll graduate ready for a range of career opportunities, including:
- Software & Application Developer
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Engineer
- Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Specialist
- Data Scientist / Data Analyst
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- IT Strategy & Innovation Consultant
- Digital Ethics or Tech Policy Advisor
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- Systems & Network Infrastructure Architect
- Game or Simulation Developer
- Digital Product Manager
- Tech-for-Good / Social Impact Technologist
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Computer Science/Master of Data Science, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
A student who has successfully completed the Bachelor of Computer Science requirements (A-D) may exit from that qualification.
Entry requirements
Applicants must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Assumed knowledge: English (Standard) (Band 2) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) (Band 3). Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced. |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
Associate Professor Eila Erfani
Program Director for the Computer and Data Science
Associate Professor Eila Erfani is the Program Director for the Computer and Data Science discipline at Australian Catholic University. She leads with a strong commitment to responsible innovation, high-impact research for social good, and future-focused teaching. Her work focuses on the ethical application of emerging technologies (e.g. AI) to address societal challenges and create meaningful human impact. Eila champions a user-centric approach to education that fosters both technical excellence and socially conscious, ethically grounded thinking.
Good Universities Guide 2024, undergraduate students, computing and information technology field
Good Universities Guide 2024, undergraduate students, computing and information technology field
Good Universities Guide 2024, undergraduate students, computing and information technology field