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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
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 1 locations
- North Sydney
- North Sydney
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 117399M
- Fees (first year)*
- $39000
- Start dates
- February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027, February 2028, July 2028
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.
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
- Unit fee: $4875
- Average first year fee: $39000
- Estimate total cost: $156000
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
The University has allotted a total of 10 equity scholarships available for Computer Science students under the following categories:
- 5 scholarships for women in STEM - NextGen Women in STEM Pathways Scholarship - Australian Catholic University Scholarships
- 5 scholarships for Indigenous students - Indigenous Code and Data Scholarship - Australian Catholic University Scholarships
The scholarships are valued at $3,000 each and will be assessed by a panel chaired by the Office of the Provost. Applicants are required to submit a short written statement addressing the selection criteria.
In addition 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
International applicants
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.
Dr Mashud Rana
Senior Lecturer, Computer and Data Science
Dr Mashud Rana is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the Australian Catholic University (ACU), with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science. Prior to joining ACU, Dr Rana was a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO’s Data61 (2018–2024), where he led several nationally significant, cross-disciplinary projects focused on applying AI/ML to address challenges in energy, health, and environmental systems. In early 2025, he served as Assistant Director (Data Science) at the Australian Government’s Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, where he played a key role in developing AI governance and analytics to support national policy and risk management. Earlier in his career, he held Research Fellowships positions at the University of New South Wales (2015–2016) and the University of Sydney (2016–2018).
Dr Rana completed his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Sydney. His research interests include deep learning for time series and sensor data analytics, interpretable ML, information fusion, and AI-enabled decision support systems. He is passionate about bridging academia and industry through translational and collaborative research that delivers real societal impact.
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