Degree structure

Degree details

Students who successfully complete this degree will be able to:

  1. Define and integrate theoretical principles applicable to information systems/information technology and apply those principles in a range of practices
  2. Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources in order to make informed judgements on options for innovatively solving a range of problems that arise in information systems/information technology contexts
  3. Apply critical thinking, reflection and judgment in the selection and application of the appropriate IS/IT related concepts, frameworks and/or methods as part of the process to identify and propose solutions to organisational problems
  4. Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the professional and ethical issues, dilemmas, and cultural sensitivities pertaining to an information systems/information technology professional in a range of environments
  5. Communicate and articulate clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and innovative ideas appropriate for the problem context, the stakeholders, and the organisational environment
  6. Build on and continuously develop the intellectual independence to be critical and reflective learners, cognisant of new technologies and their implications to business and social environments
  7. Work in a self-reliant, independent and responsible manner, show leadership and take initiative where appropriate, particularly in a collaborative and diverse team environment.

This degree prepares students for careers as Information Systems professionals. Depending on electives chosen, direct career outcomes include entry-level roles as business analysts/programmers, systems consultants and junior project managers. With additional work experience, and professional development, subsequent careers may include roles such as Database Administrator (DBA), Chief Information Officer (CIO) and other senior management positions.

Higher education via OUA

Successful completion of 2 subjects from the Business Pathway; OR

Successful completion of 2 subjects from the Bachelor of Business Information Systems Core or Majors

Higher education

To view full Admission Criteria for the Bachelor of Business Information Systems, please click here.

Students admitted to the degree with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this degree may be eligible for academic credit.

The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions, in respect of degrees, to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Secondary education

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification. VCE prerequisites: Subjects 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL); Expected 2019 ATAR: 60.

VET studies

Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including a certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree or degree). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Please note, that the partial completion requirement does not apply to a certificate IV.

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements: (International students only)

IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 6.0 with no individual band below 6.0; or Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 65% and all skills 65% or above; or TOEFL iBT: minimum score 75 (Reading no less than 18, Writing no less than 20) or equivalent measures available at http://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/international/apply/entry-requirements/

Students who are considering enrolling into a Swinburne undergraduate degree may apply for academic credit of up to sixteen [16] subjects based on prior credentialed or non-credentialed learning. Students wishing to apply for credit (referred to as ‘exemptions’) can do so on the basis of:

  • Credentialed Learning - previous formal post-secondary studies taken at another educational institution or in another sector or in another degree or
  • Non-credentialed Learning - Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience and/or formal training or a combination of both.

Broad Conditions

  • Study older than 10 years may need to be approved by an Academic Assessor.
  • Students must complete at least eight [8] Swinburne undergraduate subjects to be eligible to graduate with a Swinburne undergraduate award.

For information on how to apply for credit please refer to Swinburne’s website at http://www.swinburne.edu.au/open-universities-australia/advanced-standing-rpl.html

Students enrolled into the Bachelor of Business Information Systems can expect to gain technical and analytical skills as well as the ability to assess, evaluate, and communicate the key aspects of IS/IT as an enabler of modern organisations. The growing demand for IS professionals who can provide IS/IT expertise while showing an aptitude towards the organisational environment and the ability to communicate with the business users, means that graduates of this degree can enjoy career opportunities in the professional fields of business analysis, project management, or other fields where IS/IT-requisite skills and knowledge are highly valued. The degree also provides individuals with the requisite academic knowledge and skills to undertake further learning at higher levels such as Honours, Graduate Certificate, or Masters (by degreework) within the field of IS/IT and/or an area closely related to IS/IT.

Recommended Study Pattern

Follow the study pattern below, taking into account study period availabilities and subject prerequisites:

  • Complete the 8 core subjects
  • Choose and complete 8 subjects in a major
  • 8 subjects of other studies (co-major, minors or electives)

Please note: You cannot re-enrol into Swinburne subjects that you have already passed.

Taking time off from study (Absent Without Leave and Leave of Absence): How to apply for an approved leave of absence and minimise the risk of having to reapply for degree admission: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/current-students/manage-course/enrolment-timetable/time-off/

Award Requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Business Information Systems students must complete 24 subjects (300 credit points) comprising of:

  • Eight (8) core Business Information Systems subjects of study (100 credit points)
  • Eight (8) subjects of study from an Information Systems discipline major (100 credit points)
  • PLUS Other studies (100 credit points) comprising:
    • a second major from the business discipline (8 subjects); OR
    • One co-major from another discipline (8 subjects); OR
    • 1 to 2 minor/s, and/or single subject electives.

Regardless of any credit awarded within this degree, students must complete a minimum of 8 subjects of study with Swinburne University as part of this degree.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Students can complete up to 8 elective subjects. Electives can be any undergraduate subject offered by Open Universities Australia. 

Students can complete an eight subject co-major in Marketing or you may prefer to complete up to two, four subject minors in the following areas:

  • Internet Design
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations

Withdrawal of Economics and Finance Major, Co-Majors and Minors from 2019

  1. Students undertaking the Economics or Finance streams will have to complete the major, co-majors or minors by the end of 2020.
  2. A teach-out subject schedule (below) has been developed which provides students with the information to plan the completion of their Economics or Finance subjects.

Please click here for the teach-out plan

Withdrawal of Tourism Management Major, Co-Major and Minor

Students undertaking the Tourism Management stream should have completed the co-major or minor by the end of 2017. If not, the subjects completed towards the co-major or minor may be used as electives depending on the number of subjects completed.

Bachelor of Business, Information Systems Course Transfers

From Study Period 1 2017, the Bachelor of Technology (Information Systems) changed to the Bachelor of Business Information Systems.

If you were admitted into the Bachelor of Technology (Information Systems) before 2017, or transitioned to the new degree, you can find out which subjects you still need to complete by downloading the Degree Planner applicable your course and admission year from Swinburne’s OUA course transition webpage.