If you want to explore the cutting edge of research in computing and gain skills that will enable you to development software that tackles complex problems then you are looking at the right degree.

This is a unique, interdisciplinary program that will prepare you to be a future leader of the information and communications technology revolution. It also is a great pathway to a PhD.

As a degree accredited by the Australian Computer Society you will not only learn advanced computing techniques and have the opportunity to complete a unique specialisation, but also develop exceptional professional skills including communication and teamwork.

You’ll work alongside distinguished researchers at ANU and pursue research projects in your own area of interest.

While some of our students are developing code which controls unmanned aerial vehicles, others are busy writing algorithms to mine through Petabytes of data.  If mastering challenging projects is your thing, the ANU Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) can launch you into a spectacular career

The Bachelor of Arts is the most diverse, most flexible, and most popular degree at The Australian National University. Each of its more than forty majors, in fields throughout the arts, humanities and social sciences, is taught by truly outstanding scholars to ensure that each student receives the very best education, is engaged with cutting-edge research, and learns to think like a researcher. These majors can be coupled with more than seventy minors and specialisations to broaden or deepen your study. Regardless of your choices, your Arts degree will provide you with core skills in critical analysis and in written and oral communication, while developing your adaptability and ability to help shape change and prepare you for a multifaceted career or further study.

The Bachelor of Arts can be combined with all other ANU undergraduate degrees except the PhB as a Flexible Double Degree.

Employment Opportunities

• Data Mining Specialist
• Big Data Analyst
• Human-Computer Interaction Specialist,
• Software Developer
• Embedded systems developer
• Network Architect
• Systems Analyst
• Computer Engineer
• Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
• Software Architect

Our graduates work in many organisations including:

• IBM
• Google
• Microsoft
• Yahoo
• Intel
• Price Waterhouse Coopers
• Accenture Australia
• Bloomberg
• National Australia Bank
• Citigroup
• Deloitte
• Unisys
• Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)

• Data Mining Specialist
• Big Data Analyst
• Human-Computer Interaction Specialist,
• Software Developer
• Embedded systems developer
• Network Architect
• Systems Analyst
• Computer Engineer
• Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
• Software Architect

Our graduates work in many organisations including:

• IBM
• Google
• Microsoft
• Yahoo
• Intel
• Price Waterhouse Coopers
• Accenture Australia
• Bloomberg
• National Australia Bank
• Citigroup
• Deloitte
• Unisys
• Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1.     Define and analyse complex problems, and design, implement and evaluate solutions that demonstrate an understanding of the systems context in which software is developed and operated including economic, social, historical, sustainability and ethical aspects,

2.     Demonstrate an operational and theoretical understanding of the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures,

3.     Recognise connections and recurring themes, including abstraction and complexity, across the discipline,

4.     Adapt to new environments and technologies, and to innovate,

5.     Demonstrate an understanding of deep knowledge in at least one area of computer science,

6.     Communicate complex concepts effectively with diverse audiences using a range of modalities,

7.     Work effectively within teams in order to achieve a common goal,

8.     Demonstrate commitment to professional conduct and development that recognises the social, legal and ethical implications of their work, to work independently, and self- and peer-assess performance,

9.     Demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, background reading and literature review, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results,

10.  Proficiently apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in computer science, and

11.  Demonstrate an understanding of research processes including research proposals, article reviewing and ethics clearance. 

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Arts, graduates will be able to:

1. critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understanding national and international issues and problems;
2. identify, including through interrogation of databases, relevant sources of information from across a variety of media (print and digital, written and audio-visual) and judge the importance and reliability of those sources;
3. evaluate ideas and develop creative solutions to problems, including through independent pursuit of knowledge and making connections between different disciplinary approaches and methods;
4. communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media; and
5. understand the ethical implications of ideas, communications, and actions.

Further Information

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four year program that is accredited by the Australian Computing Society. It is specifically designed for exceptional students who have an interest in undertaking research and development in either industry or an academic environment. The program combines a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, a specialty advanced computing curricula unique to the ANU, and a project based, research intensive course of study, also unique to the ANU. It provides ample scope for the student to pursue research in individual areas of interest, working with researchers of international distinction in the areas of computer science, engineering and mathematics.

A graduate of the program will have a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computing and relevant mathematics, expertise in the software development process, a a familiarity with business aspects of the ICT industry including product innovation and development, technical knowledge in a selection of contemporary and advanced ICT topics, and a solid experience in research methods in the ICT area.

A graduate of the program will have the skills, knowledge and capability to go onto advanced research programs in Computer Science and related areas, and have the potential to become innovators and leaders in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) discipline.

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four year program that is accredited by the Australian Computing Society. It is specifically designed for exceptional students who have an interest in undertaking research and development in either industry or an academic environment. The program combines a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, a specialty advanced computing curricula unique to the ANU, and a project based, research intensive course of study, also unique to the ANU. It provides ample scope for the student to pursue research in individual areas of interest, working with researchers of international distinction in the areas of computer science, engineering and mathematics.

A graduate of the program will have a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computing and relevant mathematics, expertise in the software development process, a a familiarity with business aspects of the ICT industry including product innovation and development, technical knowledge in a selection of contemporary and advanced ICT topics, and a solid experience in research methods in the ICT area.

A graduate of the program will have the skills, knowledge and capability to go onto advanced research programs in Computer Science and related areas, and have the potential to become innovators and leaders in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) discipline.

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

Domestic applicant entry requirements

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

Pathways

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) might be a pathway for students who meet the Maths pre-requisites but do not have the required score for direct entry into this program.

Eligible students should enrol into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) and if they can maintain a High Distinction average in their first year, they may be approved to transfer into the R&D program in their second year.

Prerequisites

ACT: Specialist Mathematics (major/minor).

NSW: HSC Mathematics Extension 1.

Adjustment Factors

Bonus points to do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.  They do not apply to this program.

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 156 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

12 units count towards the requirements of the other double degree component

The 156 units must include:

84 units from completion of compulsory courses from the following list:

COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)

COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)

COMP1600 Foundations of Computing

COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies

COMP2120 Software Engineering

COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution

COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency

COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security

COMP2550 Advanced Computing R&D Methods

COMP2560 Studies in Advanced Computing R&D

COMP3600 Algorithms

COMP3770 Individual Research Project (12 units)

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

24 units from completion of one of the following specialisations:

Intelligent Systems

Systems and Architecture

Theoretical Computer Science

24 units from completion of COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project

Students must achieve a minimum 80% weighted average mark across all compulsory courses in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) component undertaken in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn) and (Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum of 80% weighted average mark will be transferred from the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) double degree to the equivalent to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) double degree.

Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark will be transferred to the equivalent Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) double degree.

HONS4700 Final Honours Grade will be used to record the Class of Honours and the Mark. The Honours Mark will be a weighted average percentage mark (APM) calculated by first calculating the average mark for 1000,2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses. We denote these averages: A1, A2, A3, and A4 respectively. The averages are computed based on all units counted towards satisfaction of degree requirements, excluding non-COMP electives. Finally these averages are combined using the formula APM = (0.1 X A1) + (0.2 X A2) + (0.3 X A3) + (0.4 X A4).

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Actuarial Studies:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Arts component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Security:

12 units from completion of courses required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the electives for the Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Security component of this double degree:

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies:

12 units from completion of courses required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the electives for the Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies component of this double degree:

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Biotechnology:

12 units of 3000-level COMP courses required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the requirement to complete “12 units of elective Science courses at 3000/4000 level’ in the Bachelor of Biotechnology

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Business Administration:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Business Administration component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Commerce component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

It is not possible to complete the Professional Accounting requirements in the Bachelor of Commerce in the double degree.

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Economics:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing contribute towards the Bachelor of Economics component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Finance:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Finance component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Genetics:

The completion of STAT1003 Statistical Techniques and COMP1130 Introduction to Advanced Computing I in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)satisfies the requirement to complete STAT1003 Statistical Techniques and COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms in the Bachelor of Genetics component

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Pacific Studies:

12 units from completion of courses required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the electives for the Bachelor of Pacific Studies component of this double degree:

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Science component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Forest Sciences):

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Science (Forest Sciences) component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Psychology):

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Resource and Environmental Management):

6 units from completion of MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) satisfies the requirement to complete “6 units from completion of courses from the Science course list” in the Bachelor of Science (Resource and Environmental Management)

6 units from completion of 3000-level COMP courses in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) counts towards the requirement to complete “18 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the subject areas EMSC or ENVS” in the Bachelor of Science (Resource and Environmental Management)

For Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Statistics:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Statistics component of this double degree:

MATH1115 Mathematics & Applications I Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics & Applications II Honours

The Bachelor of Arts flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

48 units from the completion of one Arts major

Ancient Greek Major

Ancient History Major

Anthropology Major

Arabic Major

Archaeology Major

Art History Major

Art Theory Major

Asian Studies Major

Australian Indigenous Studies Major

Biological Anthropology Major

Chinese Language Major

Contemporary Europe Major

Criminology Major

Digital Humanities Major

Development Studies Major

Economic Studies Major

English Major

Environmental Studies Major

European History Major

French Language and Culture Major

Gender, Sexuality and Culture Major

Geography Major

German Language and Culture Major

Hindi Language Major

History Major

Human Evolutionary Biology Major

Human Rights Major

Indonesian Language Major

International Communication Major

International Relations Major

Italian Language and Culture Major

Japanese Language Major

Korean Language Major

Latin Major

Latin American Studies Major

Linguistics Major

Mathematics Major

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Major

Music Major

Pacific Studies Major

Persian Major

Philosophy Major

Political Science Major

Psychology Major

Sanskrit Language Major

Sociology Major

Spanish Major

Thai Language Major

Urdu Language Major

Vietnamese Language Major

Either:

24 units from the completion of one Arts minor or specialisation:

Advanced Ancient Greek Minor

Advanced Arabic Minor

Advanced French Studies Minor

Advanced German Studies Minor

Advanced Hispanic Culture Minor

Advanced Hispanic Linguistics Minor

Advanced Hispanic Studies Specialisation

Advanced Italian Studies Minor

Advanced Latin Minor

Advanced Persian Minor

Advanced Spanish Studies Minor

Advanced Studies Minor

American Studies Minor

Ancient Greek Minor

Ancient History Minor

Anthropology Minor

ANU Leadership and Research Minor

Applied Linguistics Minor

Arabic Minor

Archaeology Minor

Art History Minor

Art Theory Minor

Asian Art History Minor

Asian Studies Minor

Australian Indigenous Studies Minor

Australian Politics Minor

Biological Anthropology Minor

Chinese Language Minor

Classical Chinese Minor

Climate Science and Policy Minor

Comparative Politics Minor

Contemporary Europe Minor

Criminology Minor

Demography Minor

Development Studies Minor

Digital Humanities Minor

Economic Studies Minor

English Minor

Environmental Policy Minor

Environmental Studies Minor

European History Minor

Film Minor

Forensic Anthropology Minor

Forensic Linguistics Minor

French Language and Culture Minor

Gender and Sexuality Minor

Geography Minor

German Language and Culture Minor

Health, Medicine and the Body Minor

Heritage and Museum Studies Minor

Hindi Language Minor

History Minor

Human Ecology Minor

Human Evolutionary Biology

Human Rights Minor

Indonesian Language Minor

International Communication Minor

International Relations Minor

Italian Language and Culture Minor

Japanese Language Minor

Korean Language Minor

Latin Minor

Latin American Studies Minor

Linguistics Minor

Mathematics Minor

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Minor

Music Minor

Music Technology Minor

Pacific Studies Minor

Persian Minor

Philosophy Minor

Philosophy and Science Minor

Political Science Minor

Political Theory Minor

Popular Music

Russian Minor

Sanskrit Language Minor

Social Psychology Minor

Social Research Methods Minor

Sociology Minor

Spanish Minor

Sustainable Development Minor

Thai Language Minor

Urdu Language Minor

Vietnamese Language Minor

Visual Arts Practice Minor

24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major, minor, or specialisation and the following list:

ESEN1101 Essential University English

Or:

24 units from completion of ANIP3007 Australian National Internships Program D

24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major, minor, or specialisation and the following list:

ESEN1101 Essential University English.

Or:

48 units from completion of a second Arts major

Majors

Bachelor of Arts Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Arts Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Arts Specialisations

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) Specialisations

Study Options

Honours

For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Arts (Honours)