Look around, Information Technology (IT) is everywhere - your TV, laptop, gaming system, mobile phone, watch, music, movies, kitchen, car, bank and your next gig tickets. It is changing the way we live, learn, work and even socialise.

 

If you are interested in driving this exciting revolution, within a truly globalised and fast changing industry, then the ANU Bachelor of Information Technology is for you.

 

You will get a strong grounding in computing fundamentals to tackle the progressive nature of IT. With IT being an intrinsic part of all industries, knowledge of software development and information systems is highly sought after by the best employers.

 

This degree can also be taken as a flexible double with almost any other degree at ANU.

Are you a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well-regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.

You will develop exceptional problem solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.

 

Employment Opportunities

All large and small organisations, both public and private, need people to work on their IT systems, or want staff with other professional training who have advanced IT skills.

IT students typically work as programmers, network administrators/managers, systems or business analysts, and web designers/developers. Rewarding career opportunities in technology and management are available to students with this degree plus 3 - 5 years work experience.

The career options for combined degree students are wide and varied with IT skills adding a real competitive advantage.

All students who complete the B Information Technology degree are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society provided they complete a major in Information Systems or Software Development.All large and small organisations, both public and private, need people to work on their IT systems, or want staff with other professional training who have advanced IT skills.

IT students typically work as programmers, network administrators/managers, systems or business analysts, and web designers/developers. Rewarding career opportunities in technology and management are available to students with this degree plus 3 - 5 years work experience.

The career options for combined degree students are wide and varied with IT skills adding a real competitive advantage.

All students who complete the B Information Technology degree are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society provided they complete a major in Information Systems or Software Development.

Learning Outcomes

1.  Analyse well defined 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.  Recognise connections and recurring themes, including abstraction and complexity, across the discipline.

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

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

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

6.  Work effectively within a team in order to achieve a common goal.

7.  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.

1. major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social institutions;

2. the methods of economics to the study of political institutions and processes;

3. the methods of economics to questions within political philosophy;

4. the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy; and

5. the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory.

Further Information

The B Information Technology program allows students to approach information technology from either a technical, constructive angle, starting with courses in programming, or from a conceptual, critical or information and organisational management angle. It widens the approach to computing to include the creative and conceptual touch, starting by applying scripting to the application area of new media (video and audio), rather than from learning traditional general purpose programming languages applied to algorithms. The technically oriented student can major in Software Development; whereas the more conceptually oriented student can major in Information Systems.

The Software Development major aims to develop the conceptual and practical skills for software development and the technology of computer systems; the Information Systems major focuses on developing an understanding of organisations, the management of computer systems applications in them, and the accompanying systems analysis and design.

All of the majors are founded on an introduction to the principles of programming, a broad perspective on the computing discipline and profession, and an introduction to the functional structure of computers. They also require a grounding in mathematics and theoretical computer science, which is a means of developing the ability to work with abstractions, a fundamental requirement for understanding and applying ideas in computing.

It should be noted that students commencing this degree in Semester 2 (July) without credit/status for previous post secondary studies, may be unable to complete the Software Development major within 3 years. Students will be able to complete the Information Systems major, or complete the degree without a major.

For students seeking to complete some self-study to improve their Maths prior to attempting MATH1005, Susanna Epp's Discrete Mathematics with Applications textbook (3rd or 4th edition) is recommended, given its style, level and coverage of similiar content. It has also been recommended that for students who have completed a lower level of Mathematics at highschool or through vocational studies review 2x2 matrix arithmetic in preparation for MATH1005.

Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website. 

The B Information Technology program allows students to approach information technology from either a technical, constructive angle, starting with courses in programming, or from a conceptual, critical or information and organisational management angle. It widens the approach to computing to include the creative and conceptual touch, starting by applying scripting to the application area of new media (video and audio), rather than from learning traditional general purpose programming languages applied to algorithms. The technically oriented student can major in Software Development; whereas the more conceptually oriented student can major in Information Systems.

The Software Development major aims to develop the conceptual and practical skills for software development and the technology of computer systems; the Information Systems major focuses on developing an understanding of organisations, the management of computer systems applications in them, and the accompanying systems analysis and design.

All of the majors are founded on an introduction to the principles of programming, a broad perspective on the computing discipline and profession, and an introduction to the functional structure of computers. They also require a grounding in mathematics and theoretical computer science, which is a means of developing the ability to work with abstractions, a fundamental requirement for understanding and applying ideas in computing.

It should be noted that students commencing this degree in Semester 2 (July) without credit/status for previous post secondary studies, may be unable to complete the Software Development major within 3 years. Students will be able to complete the Information Systems major, or complete the degree without a major.

For students seeking to complete some self-study to improve their Maths prior to attempting MATH1005, Susanna Epp's Discrete Mathematics with Applications textbook (3rd or 4th edition) is recommended, given its style, level and coverage of similiar content. It has also been recommended that for students who have completed a lower level of Mathematics at highschool or through vocational studies review 2x2 matrix arithmetic in preparation for MATH1005.

Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website. 

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

• Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
  • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency  
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission

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.

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

• applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
• undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
• achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
• not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please 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 Information Technology 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 include:

30 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

COMP1600 Foundations of Computing

COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies

COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution

COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security

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 a 3000- and 4000-level courses from the following subject areas:

COMP Computer Science

INFS Information Systems, only if completing the Information Systems major

 

A minimum of 12 units and a maximum of 30 units from completion of further courses from the following subject areas:

COMP Computer Science

INFS Information Systems, only if completing the Information Systems major

 

A maximum of 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

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

 

A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering

VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World

VCUG2004 Creating Impact

VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

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

The 96 units must include:

48 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

ECON2101 Microeconomics 2

ECON3056 PPE Integration 3: Classic Literature in PPE

PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking

PHIL2116 PPE Integration 2

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics

POLS1008 PPE Integration 1

POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science

6 units from completion of the following courses:

PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction

PHIL1008 Introduction to Ethics

Note: A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list, which must also be counted towards completion of any other requirements for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics ( these courses are included in the following lists. )

ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

ASIA2090 Study Tour: The Political Economy of Myanmar

EURO3002 Comparative European Politics

POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying

POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory

POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy

POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia

POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions

POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

POLS2126 Democracy and Dictatorship

POLS2127 U.S. Politics

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

POLS3022 Washington DC Internship

POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective

POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics

POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

PHIL2016 Philosophy of Language

PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice

PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science

PHIL2080 Logic

PHIL2082 Sex and Death: The Philosophy of Biology

PHIL2101 Democracy, Difference and Desire

PHIL2113 Global Justice

PHIL2121 Philosophical Logic

PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy

PHIL2124 Philosophy of Cognitive Science

PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation

PHIL2126 Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice

PHIL2290 Philosophy, AI and Society

PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy

PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies

PHIL3076 Philosophy of the Life Sciences

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

CRIM2000 The Illicit Economy

ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present

ECHI3008 History of Economic Thought (P)

ECHI3009 World Economy Since 1800

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1

ECON2013 Behavioral Economics

ECON2014 Managerial Economics

ECON2016 Economics II (H)

ECON2026 Money and Banking

ECON2091 The Economy, Politics and the State

ECON2102 Macroeconomics 2 (P)

ECON2120 Law and Economics (P)

ECON2125 Optimisation for Economics and Financial Economics

ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory

ECON3100 Economics 3 (H)

ECON3101 Microeconomics 3

ECON3102 Macroeconomics 3

EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models

INDG3003 The Indigenous Economy

6 units from the completion of 2000- and 3000-level courses from the following subject areas and courses:

ECON Economics

PHIL Philosophy

POLS Political Science

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

Majors

Bachelor of Information Technology Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Information Technology Minors

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Information Technology Specialisations

Study Options