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

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.

While some of our students are developing code which controls unmanned aerial vehicles, others are busy writing algorithms to mine through Peta-bytes of data.  If mastering challenging projects is your thing, the ANU Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) 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 some fifty 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.

Employment Opportunities

The best computing professionals often have knowledge or a wider field than computing alone. BAC graduates will be ideally positioned to shape their chosen sector of the computing industry now and into the future. They will acquire the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the ICT industry.

Opportunities exist in high tech industries, software start-ups computing research and developement as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interction specialists for software services industries, embedded systems developers for defence, and automotive industries.

The best computing professionals often have knowledge or a wider field than computing alone. BAC graduates will be ideally positioned to shape their chosen sector of the computing industry now and into the future. They will acquire the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the ICT industry.

Opportunities exist in high tech industries, software start-ups computing research and developement as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interction specialists for software services industries, embedded systems developers for defence, and automotive industries.

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

10.  Apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in computer science.

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 computing industry has grown very rapidly in the last 40 years, with various specialized areas requiring advanced computational techniques emerging. The pervasiveness of computers and computer-enabled devices is rapidly becoming established in modern society. Humans are interacting with computers in ever more profound and sophisticated ways. Allied with this, computers are having to act more intelligently in many different contexts. As the scale and complexity of these computer systems increases, so too do challenges in their engineering. As the amount of data increases exponentially, new challenges in the mining and warehousing of information emerge. In all areas of computing, increasingly sophisticated algorithms underpin all of the resulting technologies.  The resulting hardware and software systems in these areas are complex; hence a systems engineering perspective on their design and construction is valuable.  

In these areas of computing, another emerging trend is linkages with other disciplines. Valuable perspectives on artificial intelligence are emerging from the study of natural intelligence and biological systems. Psychology is a central element in human-computer interaction. The explosion in the volume and utility of information from bioinformatics is a key driver of large-scale data systems. An engineering approach, with emphasis on both hardware and software, is needed for the design of embedded computing technology. In all cases, reliable and systematic software development remains as a key element.

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing graduate will posses technical knowledge of programming, With these as a foundation, their technical knowledge will have been honed by the study of a selection of advanced computing topics. Professional and practical skills in software development will be gained through a series of courses in software analysis, design and construction, capped off with a group software project, With professional skills developed in the areas of entrepreneurship and management, the graduate will be in a position to apply their in-depth technical knowledge to become innovators in industry.

The best computing professionals are informed by knowledge of a wider field than computing alone. Graduates fulfilling a Major in an area of advanced computing and a cognate interdisciplinary area will be ideally positioned to shape the respective sector of the computing industry as it evolves over the near future. This will also imbue a capacity for lifelong learning by exposure to a broader range of perspectives and of ways of studying.

The degree also offers a research pathway for graduates wishing to pursue careers with a high emphasis on research.

The computing industry has grown very rapidly in the last 40 years, with various specialized areas requiring advanced computational techniques emerging. The pervasiveness of computers and computer-enabled devices is rapidly becoming established in modern society. Humans are interacting with computers in ever more profound and sophisticated ways. Allied with this, computers are having to act more intelligently in many different contexts. As the scale and complexity of these computer systems increases, so too do challenges in their engineering. As the amount of data increases exponentially, new challenges in the mining and warehousing of information emerge. In all areas of computing, increasingly sophisticated algorithms underpin all of the resulting technologies.  The resulting hardware and software systems in these areas are complex; hence a systems engineering perspective on their design and construction is valuable.  

In these areas of computing, another emerging trend is linkages with other disciplines. Valuable perspectives on artificial intelligence are emerging from the study of natural intelligence and biological systems. Psychology is a central element in human-computer interaction. The explosion in the volume and utility of information from bioinformatics is a key driver of large-scale data systems. An engineering approach, with emphasis on both hardware and software, is needed for the design of embedded computing technology. In all cases, reliable and systematic software development remains as a key element.

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing graduate will posses technical knowledge of programming, With these as a foundation, their technical knowledge will have been honed by the study of a selection of advanced computing topics. Professional and practical skills in software development will be gained through a series of courses in software analysis, design and construction, capped off with a group software project, With professional skills developed in the areas of entrepreneurship and management, the graduate will be in a position to apply their in-depth technical knowledge to become innovators in industry.

The best computing professionals are informed by knowledge of a wider field than computing alone. Graduates fulfilling a Major in an area of advanced computing and a cognate interdisciplinary area will be ideally positioned to shape the respective sector of the computing industry as it evolves over the near future. This will also imbue a capacity for lifelong learning by exposure to a broader range of perspectives and of ways of studying.

The degree also offers a research pathway for graduates wishing to pursue careers with a high emphasis on research.

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 National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.

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 an ATAR 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

There are a range of pathways available to students for entry into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours):

-Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE): A Diploma from AIE might be a pathway into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) for eligible students and may also provide advance standing into the program.

-International agreements/pathways: College of Engineering and Computer Science has a range of articulation agreements with institutions around the world. Students completing the appropriate qualification in these institutions may be approved for entry and credit exemptions towards Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).

- Maths Bridging course: ANU College offers a Maths Bridging course for students who do not meet pre-requisite for Maths for entry into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours). Successful completion of the Maths Bridging course meets the Maths pre-requisite for entry into this program (other entry requirements still apply).

Prerequisites

ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major), NSW: Mathematics or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

Students who successfully complete the below program will be admitted to the Bachelor of Arts:
ELIBS Diploma of Liberal Studies (offered by the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences)
 

Adjustment Factors

ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

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 (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 144 units must include:

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

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

COMP3600 Algorithms

COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)

6 units from completion of course from the following list:

COMP1110 Structured Programming

COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)

24 units from completion of one of the following specialisations:

Intelligent Systems

Systems and Architecture

Theoretical Computer Science

6 units from completion of further courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

6 units from completion of further 3000- and 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

Either:

12 units from completion of 3000- or 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

Or:

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ENGN3230 Engineering Innovation

VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity

VCUG3002 Mobilising Research

Either:

6 units from completion of further courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

Or:

6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

Either:

24 units from completion of COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project

Or:

12 units from completion of COMP4560 Advanced Computing Project

12 units from completion of further 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science

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).

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 from any of the following lists:

Disciplines and Fields
Ancient History
Anthropology
Archaeology
Art History and Theory
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biological Anthropology
Criminology
Development Studies
Digital Humanities
Economic Studies
English
Environmental Studies
Gender, Sexuality and Culture
Geography
Global Security
History
Human Evolutionary Biology
Human Rights
International Communication
International Relations
Linguistics
Mathematics
Music
Music Technology
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
War Studies

Languages
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Chinese Language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Latin
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language

Geographically Defined Area Studies
Asian Studies
Asian History
Asia-Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Chinese Studies
Contemporary Europe
India Studies
Indonesian Studies
Japanese Studies
Korean Studies
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Northeast Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Southeast Asian Studies

Either:

24 units from the completion of one Arts minor on any of the following lists:

Disciplines and Fields
Advanced Studies
Ancient History
Anthropology
ANU Leadership and Research
Applied Linguistics
Archaeology
Art History and Theory
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biological Anthropology
Climate Science and Policy
Comparative Politics
Criminology
Demography
Design
Development Studies
Digital Humanities
Economic Studies
English
Environmental Policy
Environmental Studies
Film
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Linguistics
Gender and Sexuality
Geography
Global Security
Health, Medicine and the Body
Heritage and Museum Studies
History
Human Ecology
Human Evolutionary Biology
Human Rights
International Communication
International Relations
Linguistics
Mathematics
Music
Music Technology
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy and Science
Philosophy
Political Science
Political Theory
Popular Music
Social Psychology
Social Research Methods
Sociology
Sustainable Development
Visual Arts Practice
War Studies

Languages
Advanced Ancient Greek
Advanced Arabic
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced English Language
Advanced French Studies
Advanced German Studies
Advanced Hispanic Culture
Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
Advanced Italian Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Latin
Advanced Persian
Advanced Sanskrit Language
Advanced Spanish Studies
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Burmese Language 
Chinese Language 
Classical Chinese
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Latin
Mongolian Language
Persian
Russian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language

Geographically Defined Area Studies
American Studies
Asian and Pacific Anthropology
Asian and Pacific Linguistics 
Asian Art History
Asian History
Asian Studies
Asia-Pacific Archaeology
Asia-Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Asia-Pacific International Relations
Asia-Pacific Literature and Film
Asia-Pacific Politics
Australian Politics
Chinese Studies
Contemporary Europe
India Studies
Indonesian Studies
Japanese Studies
Korean Studies
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Northeast Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Southeast Asian Studies

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

ESEN1101 Essential University English.

Or:

48 units from completion of a second Arts major
 

Majors

Bachelor of Arts Majors

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Arts Minors

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Specialisations

Study Options

Honours

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