Computer science courses
Help me choose a courseIntroduction to Computer science
Do you dream about creating life-changing computer applications? Maybe you’re a natural administrator, or you’re passionate about data, computers and everything in between? A course in computer science could open the door to the future you want.
Study a Bachelor of Computer Science and channel your interest in software, programming and data security into a lifelong career. Are you already on your way to becoming a leader in the industry? Sharpen your skills with a Master of Computer Science.
Explore your options through Open Universities Australia and gain a competitive edge with an online computer science qualification.
Explore computer science courses
Discover computer science courses
Online computer science subjects and short courses
UndergraduateUNE-ICT100
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 24 Jun 2024, 21 Oct 2024
UndergraduateUSA-COMP1048
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 16 Sep 2024
UndergraduateTAS-ZAT113
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 22 Jul 2024
UndergraduateUNE-COSC110
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 24 Jun 2024, 21 Oct 2024
Online computer science degrees
PostgraduateCSU-AAI-GCE
A starter in the tools and techniques of AI
Explore how business and industry are using AI today. You’ll get to know the programming processes and maths used to develop AI and machine learning—and think about new applications. Predict trends, uncover efficiencies, shape the future.
100% online
6 months full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateGRF-CSC-DEG
Get ready to work at the cutting edge of technology
Establish fundamentals in programming and maths, then choose to major in software development or data science and AI. Take part in the work-integrated learning program to build your connections and confidence—it could also help you land a dream job!
100% online
3 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateTUA-BAI-DEG
Investigate everything AI, from natural language processing to robotics
This course helps you find and solve AI software problems. You’ll work on mastering industry-standard programming skills. And by collaborating in teams, you’ll develop negotiation, research, and professional skills. Co-developed with IBM.
100% online
3 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateTAS-APT-CTF
Take your first step towards a career in IT
Start building your foundational IT knowledge in networking and programming. Get thinking about your IT career and further studies. Pick the elective that points you in the right direction—computer science, hardware or business.
100% online
6 months full time or part time equivalent
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
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Computer science study FAQs
While information technology (IT) and computer science both involve computers, there are some slight differences between the two fields. IT tends to focus more on the running of computers systems and making sure the networks they operate in are safe and secure. Computer science, on the other hand, involves designing and developing computers and programs.
Computer science has earned a reputation for being challenging… but with the right mindset and study plan, most students graduate with a sense of confidence in their abilities. Don’t let difficulty (real or rumoured) stop you from achieving your goals. Time invested now will pay dividends later!
Take advantage of your online tutors, be active and present on unit forums and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re not studying a topic because you already know everything about it, so there are no silly questions. You may end up asking something everyone else wants to know.
A Diploma of Computer Science, or a Diploma in an IT field, is a great first step for those seeking a pathway into the world of technology. You’ll cover foundational essentials like computer languages, programming and systems.
With a Bachelor of Computer Science, you’ll cover these skills in more depth, and have the opportunity to major in a specialisation like data science, software development or artificial intelligence.
If you’d prefer to get a taste for computer science before deciding on the field, there is another option. Through us, you can enrol in single computer science subjects without committing to a degree. These subjects allow you to gain an insight into how online study works—and you’ll earn credit towards a degree that you can use later on, if you choose to keep studying.
Check out our undergraduate computer science single subjects now.
In the industry already? Upskill with our postgraduate single subjects.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
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You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.
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There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there. - You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you. - You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students. - We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
Why should you study computer science?
Computer science experts are in demand, with employment figures suggesting a strong upward trend well into the future. Answer the call and join experienced software programmers, data security professionals and system administrators in the field, shaping the future of technology in Australia.
Not sure if you’re destined for the above? Artificial intelligence, big data, automation, hardware development and networking are further career paths available to computer science graduates.
What you'll learn in a computer science course
You'll learn how to analyse information to make magic happen for tech users the world over. Your final skill set will depend on the computer science degree you decide to tackle.
Most computer science courses combine foundational units with speciality subjects.
Some speciality areas include:
- Algorithms and operating systems
- Analytics
- Computer architecture
- Database management
- Information technology (IT)
- Machine learning
- Mobile applications
- Networking
- Programming
- Robotics
- Scientific computing
- Systems administration
- Visualisation and big data mining
- Website user experience (UX)
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