Bachelor of Computer Science

Charles Sturt University's Bachelor of Computer Science is a dynamic online course that will equip you to become an expert programmer. You'll graduate with the object oriented programming skills you need to take a software application from concept to reality, whether designing for the desktop, mobile or web.

A degree with clout

Charles Sturt University's computer science course has an excellent national reputation, with a research profile that is ranked at world level according to the most recent Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation in 2015.

Flexibility at its core

Choose to study the Bachelor of Computer Science online, full-time or part-time, to match your work and lifestyle commitments. You can study at a Charles Sturt University campus, a Charles Sturt University Study Centre or online from almost anywhere in the world. You can speed up or slow down your study pace to meet your changing professional and personal needs. And you could cut the overall length and cost of your course by obtaining recognition of prior study - in some cases, waiving up to half of the degree.

Majors

You can tailor your computer science study to major in the high-growth areas of cyber security or web development. Or you might instead choose a selection of subjects across multiple technologies. We have electives available in areas such a project management, virtualisation, mobile app development, ethical hacking, and more. High-achieving graduates may also elect to join a computer science Honours program.

Strong industry ties

Our dedicated teaching staff have strong research backgrounds and collaborate closely with industry. If you're studying on campus, you'll have opportunities to visit industry sites and work on two projects based on real-world industry situations.

Workplace experience

Gain real work experience in our paid internship partnership with IBM Australia and Axiom Connected you'll have the opportunity to apply the knowledge you gain from your studies in a professional workplace setting and make industry relationships - all while getting paid for it! Other work placement opportunities exist with a broad range of IT employers working across all industry sectors.

Dreaming of building the next top-selling app or developing revolutionary software? If so, the Bachelor of Computer Science from Charles Sturt University is for you. This on-campus or online computer science degree promotes technical mastery while equipping you with the practical skills and attributes to put you at the top of the employment list.

From the foundations of computer science and programming to studies in software production, operating systems and the Internet of Things, you'll move through subjects reflecting the most up-to-date global technologies. You can specialise in game design, or focus on cloud computing and mobile app development. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to gain real work experience through our paid internship program with global companies IBM Australia and Axiom Connected.

The Bachelor of Computer Science can be studied on campus in Bathurst or completely online.

Recommended study pattern

The course consists of sixteen core subjects AND a major in Cyber Security or Web Development OR select eight restricted elective subjects.

Full-time

On Campus

Session 1

ITC105 Communication and Information Management

ITC106 Programming Principles

ITC161 Computer Systems

MTH105 Introductory Mathematics

Session 2

ITC206 Programming in Java 1

ITC211 Systems Analysis

ITC212 Internet Technologies

MTH129 Discrete Mathematics

Session 3

IKC101 Indigenous Australian Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities

ITC322 Data Structures

Restricted elective or major subject

Restricted elective or major subject

Year long Session 1

ITC290 Personal Portfolio (2 pts)

Session 4

ITC114 Introduction to Database Systems

ITC205 Professional Programming Practice

ITC313 Programming in Java 2

Restricted elective or major subject

Session 5

ITC303 Software Development Project 1

ITC331 Ethics and Professional and Practice

ITC397 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Restricted elective or major subject

Session 6

ITC204 Human Computer Interaction

ITC309 Software Development Project 2

Restricted elective or major subject

ITC396 IT Work Placement (6 pts)

Part-time

Online

Session 1

ITC106 Programming Principles

ITC161 Computer Systems

Session 2

ITC206 Programming in Java 1

ITC211 Systems Analysis

Session 3

ITC105 Communication and Information Management

MTH105 Introductory Mathematics

Session 4

ITC212 Internet Technologies

MTH129 Discrete Mathematics

Session 5

IKC101 Indigenous Australian Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities

ITC397 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Year long Session 1

ITC290 Personal Portfolio (2 pts)

Session 6

ITC114 Introduction to Database Systems

Restricted elective or major subject

Session 7

ITC322 Data Structures

Restricted elective or major subject

Session 8

ITC205 Professional Programming Practice

ITC313 Programming in Java 2

Session 9

Restricted elective or major subject

Restricted elective or major subject

Session 10

Restricted elective or major subject

ITC396 IT Work Placement (6 pts)

Session 11

ITC303 Software Development Project 1

ITC331 Ethics and Professional and Practice

Session 12

ITC204 Human Computer Interaction

ITC309 Software Development Project 2

Award requirements

To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 24 subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $20,976

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

Learn more about CSU.

Explore CSU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

34

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

37

• Successful study at University level of at least two subjects in any area, as long as the subjects are full university level.

• A completed High School Certificate (or equivalent) with an ATAR equal to 55 (including adjustment factors) or greater. OR
• A Higher School Certificate (or equivalent) with results of 60% or higher in subjects in the Software Development, English and Mathematics areas. OR
• For recent school leavers, a report from the School Principal, equivalent to that used in the School Recommendation Scheme (SRS), recommending the applicant as well-suited for university study.

• A completed Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate III or higher in Information Technology (including any specialisation of Information Technology), studied at a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or AQF equivalent Certificate IV in an area related to Information Technology. OR
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR.

• Two years relevant professional IT work experience (i.e. in areas such as programmer, analyst, systems administration, help desk, network support but NOT clerical roles such as data entry or secretarial) demonstrated by a detailed resume.

• Minimum CSU English Language Proficiency Requirements apply.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.