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 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.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
Employment Opportunities
Innovative solutions come to those working in R&D. Graduates can choose to work in ICT R&D in the public or private sector, and in academia.
They can work across a range of industries in a variety of roles. Examples include:
- 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
- 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.)
Innovative solutions come to those working in R&D. Graduates can choose to work in ICT R&D in the public or private sector, and in academia.
They can work across a range of industries in a variety of roles. Examples include:
- 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
- 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
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
Demonstrate an operational and theoretical understanding of the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures
Recognise connections and recurring themes, including abstraction and complexity, across the discipline
Adapt to new environments and technologies, and to innovate
Demonstrate an understanding of deep knowledge in at least one area of computer science
Communicate complex concepts effectively with diverse audiences using a range of modalities
Work effectively within teams in order to achieve a common goal
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
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
Proficiently apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in computer science, and
Demonstrate an understanding of research processes including research proposals, article reviewing and ethics clearance.
- critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understanding national and international issues and problems;
- 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;
- evaluate ideas and develop creative solutions to problems, including through independent pursuit of knowledge and making connections between different disciplinary approaches and methods;
- communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media; and
- 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. The program has been specifically designed to provide exceptional students with early experience in undertaking research and or development. 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, technical knowledge in a selection of contemporary and advanced ICT topics, and a solid experience in research methods in the ICT area.
Students are required to maintain high grades to remain and complete this program. Students who are unable to maintain these grades may transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program which also has many research and development opportunities.
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
Program Transfers
Current students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) are required to achieve at least an 80% average in the university courses they have completed and be deemed suitable by an interview with the program convenor. Generally students would need to transfer into the program before the end of their second year.
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 Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four year program that is accredited by the Australian Computing Society. The program has been specifically designed to provide exceptional students with early experience in undertaking research and or development. 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, technical knowledge in a selection of contemporary and advanced ICT topics, and a solid experience in research methods in the ICT area.
Students are required to maintain high grades to remain and complete this program. Students who are unable to maintain these grades may transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program which also has many research and development opportunities.
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
Program Transfers
Current students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) are required to achieve at least an 80% average in the university courses they have completed and be deemed suitable by an interview with the program convenor. Generally students would need to transfer into the program before the end of their second year.
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
- ATAR:
- 98
- International Baccalaureate:
- 40
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)/Specialist Methods(Major/Minor), NSW: Mathematics Extension 1. 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.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Arts - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $47,940.00
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 144 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 144 units must include:
78 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)
6 units from completion of course from the following list:
MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models
MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs
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:
Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
Systems and Architecture
Theoretical Computer Science
24 units from completion of COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project
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 of the following majors
MAJORS
Disciplines and Fields
Technology, Networks and Society
Languages
Geographically Defined Area Studies
Asia and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Indian and South Asian Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
EITHER:
48 units from completion of a second major from the list above
OR
24 units from completion of one of the following minors, which must have a different name to the major
MINORS
Disciplines and Fields
Technology, Networks and Society
Languages
Geographically Defined Area Studies
Asian and Pacific Anthropology
Asia and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Asia-Pacific International Relations
Asia and Pacific Literature and Film
Indian and South Asian Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
ANIP
ANIP3007 Australian National Internships Program D *
And 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
OR
48 units from completion of two of the above minors, which must have different names to the major
Majors
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) Majors
Bachelor of Arts Majors
- Ancient Greek
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History and Theory
- Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
- Asian History
- Asian Studies
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Biological Anthropology
- Chinese Language
- Chinese Studies
- Contemporary Europe
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Economic Studies
- English
- Environmental Studies
- French Language and Culture
- Gender, Sexuality and Culture
- Geography
- German Language and Culture
- Global Security
- Hindi Language
- History
- Human Evolutionary Biology
- Human Rights
- Indian and South Asian Studies
- Indonesian Language
- Indonesian Studies
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Language and Culture
- Japanese Language
- Japanese Linguistics
- Japanese Studies
- Korean Language
- Korean Studies
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Musicology
- Northeast Asian Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Performance
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sanskrit Language
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Spanish
- Technology, Networks and Society
- Thai Language
- Vietnamese Language
- War Studies
Minors
Bachelor of Arts Minors
- Advanced Ancient Greek
- Advanced Arabic
- Advanced Chinese Language
- Advanced English Language
- Advanced French Studies
- Advanced German Studies
- Advanced Italian Studies
- Advanced Japanese Language
- Advanced Korean Language
- Advanced Latin
- Advanced Persian
- Advanced Sanskrit Language
- Advanced Spanish Studies
- American Studies
- Ancient Greek
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Archaeology of Aboriginal Australia in its Regional and Cultural Context
- Art History and Theory
- Asian and Pacific Anthropology
- Asian and Pacific Archaeology
- Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
- Asian and Pacific Linguistics
- Asian and Pacific Literature and Film
- Asian Art History
- Asian History
- Asian Studies
- Asia-Pacific International Relations
- Asia-Pacific Politics
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Australian Politics
- Biological Anthropology
- Burmese Language
- Chinese Language
- Chinese Studies
- Climate Science and Policy
- Composition, Arranging and Sound Design
- Contemporary Europe
- Criminology
- Demography
- Design
- Development Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Economic Studies
- English
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Studies
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Linguistics
- French Language and Culture
- Gender and Sexuality
- Geography
- German Language and Culture
- Global Security
- Health, Medicine and the Body
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- Hindi Language
- History
- Human Ecology
- Human Evolutionary Biology
- Human Rights
- Indian and South Asian Studies
- Indonesian Language
- Indonesian Studies
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Language and Culture
- Japanese Language
- Japanese Linguistics
- Japanese Studies
- Korean Language
- Korean Studies
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Literary Chinese
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
- Mongolian Language
- Music
- Music Technology
- Musicology
- Northeast Asian Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Performance
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Philosophy and Science
- Political Science
- Popular Music
- Russian
- Russian and Central Asian Studies
- Sanskrit Language
- Screen Studies
- Social Psychology
- Social Research Methods
- Sociology
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Spanish
- Sustainable Development
- Technology, Networks and Society
- Tetum Language
- Thai Language
- Tok Pisin Language
- Vietnamese Language
- Visual Arts Practice
- War Studies
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) Specialisations
Study Options
| Year 1 | COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; | |
| COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; | ||
| Year 2 | COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies 6 units | COMP2550 Advanced Computing R&D Methods 6 units | COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution 6 units | |
| COMP2120 Software Engineering 6 units | COMP2310 Systems, Networks, and Concurrency 6 units | COMP2560 Studies in Advanced Computing R&D 6 units | ||
| Year 3 | COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security 6 units | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | ||
| COMP3600 Algorithms 6 units | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | |||
| Year 4 | COMP3770 Individual Research Project 6 units | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | ||
| COMP3770 Individual Research Project 6 units | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | |||
| Year 5 | COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project 12 units | COMP4550 | ||
| COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project 12 units | COMP4550 |
Back to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) page
As a high-achieving student in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours) (BAC(R&D)) degree you have chosen a unique degree. You will study to become an innovator and a future leader of the ICT revolution by undertaking research with some of the world's leading researchers. You will undertake an accelarated mode of learning, develop a strong foundation in core computer science and be provided with the tools to develop the next generation of computing applications.
The BAC can be taken as a single degree which inlcudes a number of core and compulsory courses. The single degree also offers 48 units (eight courses) of electives that can be taken from additional computing courses (enabling you to complete a Computing major, minor, or specialisation), or from other university courses.
The BAC(R&D) can also be taken as a part of many double degrees. You may not be able to complete a major in a computing discipline but a minor might be possible. You will be able to specialise in other areas as part of the ‘other half’ of your double degree.Single degree
- This degree requires 192 units (each course is typically 6 units)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
Double degree
- This degree requires 144 units (each course is typically 6 units)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- You will complete a Research and Development major (48 units)
- There are no university electives in the double degree
- You can find your double degree with BAC(R&D) from Program and Courses
About this degree
- Typically you will study 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a
full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole
degree.
- The degree comprises compulsory requirements, additional computing electives, research and development projects, internship and electives in the single degree.
- There are no electives in the double degree but you still may be able to study a computing specialisation (24 units).
- In your first year in the double degree, MATH1115 and MATH1116 must be taken as part of the other half of your degree unless otherwise specified.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is
called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your
program and get your degree. If you are an international study you must
always be full-time.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
- IF YOU ARE COMMENCING IN JULY YOU SHOULD SEND AN EMAIL TO <studentadmin.cecs@anu.edu.au> FOR ADVICE ABOUT YOUR ENROLMENT OR YOU SHOULD ATTEND AN ENROLMENT ADVICE SESSION AT THE UNIVERSITY IN THE WEEK BEFORE SEMESTER COMMENCES.
- As the BAC(R&D) is an advanced degree, you will study both first and second year courses in your first year. First year courses are typically '1000-level' courses ie start with '1' while second year courses typically start with '2'.
- Students doing double degrees with business degrees do STAT1008 in place of STAT1003 and take an additional Computing elective.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester
- You can't study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year
- You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your BAC(R&D) half of the double degree.
Study Options
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours)
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | MATH1013 or MATH1115 | University Elective |
| COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | MATH1014 or MATH1116 or STAT1003 or STAT1008 | University Elective |
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours)
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; | Other Degree course |
| COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; | Other Degree course |
Academic Advice
For assistance, please email: studentadmin.cecs@anu.edu.au
Back to the Bachelor of Arts page
Course selection
Enrolling for the first time can seem like a big task. Below, you will find an example enrolment pattern for your first year of study.
There are a few items to note:
- Courses coded in the 1000 range are appropriate for first-year students. We strongly recommend that students new to tertiary study enrol in first-year courses during their first semester.
- We recommend you start a CASS Program Plan. This is a way to track how the courses you take fit within the overall structure of your degree and will help you pick your later year courses.
- The tables below represent only one possible combination. You are welcome to pick and choose from any other 1000-coded course found under the “Study Tab”.
- The tables below assume you are new to tertiary study and ineligible for course credit.
Single degree
Students starting in Semester 1 or Semester 2 –single degree Bachelor of Arts, example
Semester 1
Arts major
Arts minor
Elective
Elective
Semester 2
Arts major
Arts minor
Elective
Elective
Search Programs and Courses for the full list of available Majors and Minors and select a 1000-level that contributes to that major/minor.
Other first year courses available: to find all other 1000-level courses, refer to the Catalogue of Programs and Courses. You may refine your selection on the right-hand column of the webpage.
Double degree
Students starting in Semester 1 or Semester 2 – double degree Bachelor of Arts, example
Semester 1
Arts major
Arts minor
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Semester 2
Arts major
Arts minor
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Electives
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | Arts major | Arts minor | Elective | Elective |
| Arts major | Arts minor | Elective | Elective |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | Arts major | Arts minor | Course from other degree | Course from other degree |
| Arts major | Arts minor | Course from other degree | Course from other degree |
Academic Advice
Course credit
If you have undertaken previous study that is relevant to your current academic program, you can request to receive course credit. For more information and how to apply, see the CASS credit application webpage, or contact the CASS Student Office.
Other important information for new students
Please refer to the New students page. You will find all the information you require to activate your ANU email account, enrol into courses and our O week details.
Need help?
If you would like further information or advice regarding your degree, please contact the Student Office. We offer appointments, and you can reach us at students.cass@anu.edu.au.
You can also check out our in person opening hours and location on the CASS Student Office webpage.