• Length 5 years full-time
  • Minimum 240 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan AACRD / BINSS
  • CRICOS code 079094C
  • UAC code 135010
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) / Bachelor of International Security Studies

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

Do you see yourself shaping Australia's foreign policy decisions? Or working with elite international organisations like the United Nations or our top spy agencies? The Bachelor of International Security Studies can help you make your dream career a reality.

When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world – including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.

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
  • 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.)

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
  • 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

  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.
  1. Identify and explain the key concepts, ideas and principal actors in international security.

  2. Evaluate the major theoretical frameworks for understanding the complexities of contemporary international security challenges.

  3. • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of international, internal and transnational security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

  4. Analyse the key challenges facing Australian security and defence policy in the ‘Asian Century’.

  5. Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major Asia-Pacific powers

  6. Employ communication and presentation skills (oral, written and electronic)

  7. Demonstrate teamwork and interpersonal skills

  8. Exhibit the ability to write for both academic and professional audience

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.

Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Bachelor of International Security Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$49,330.00

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

This double degree requires the completion of 240 units.

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

Human-Centred and Creative Computing

 

24 units from completion of COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project


The Bachelor of International Security Studies 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:

24 units from completion of the following compulsory course list:

STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies

STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security

STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific

STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century

 

Minimum of 6 units from completion of a course from the following concepts and methods course list:

HIST2110 Approaches to History

POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis

WARS2001 Theories of War: An historical and global perspective

POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis

POLS3017 International Relations Theory

 

Minimum of 36 units from completion of courses from the following list of Security Studies courses:

Asia-Pacific Security

ASIA2060 Southeast Asian Security

ASIA2111 Indonesian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia

INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula

INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities

STST2020 Study tour: Southeast Asia's Security Choices

 

Global Security

MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security

HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945

POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security

STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons

 

Australian Security

STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

 

Non-traditional Security

ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

DIPL2000 Leadership and Diplomacy

INTR2047 Human Security: Conflict, Displacement and Peace Building

POLS3004 Emotions in International Politics

POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict

POLS3036 International Terrorism

 

History and Security after 1945

HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989

STST2004 Special Topic in International Security

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

WARS2002 Vietnam Wars: 1941-1989

WARS2003 The Korean War

 

A maximum of 30 units from the completion of courses within the following Language, Security and Area Studies minors:

Language

Advanced Arabic

Advanced Chinese Language

Advanced French Studies

Advanced German Studies

Advanced Italian Studies

Advanced Japanese Language

Advanced Korean Language

Advanced Sanskrit Language

Advanced Spanish Studies

Arabic Language

Burmese Language

Chinese Language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Korean Language

Mongolian Language

Persian

Russian

Spanish

Tetum Language

Thai Language

Tibetan Language

Tok Pisin Language

Vietnamese Language

 

Area Studies and Methods

Asian Studies

Asia-Pacific International Relations

Contemporary Europe

Gender and Sexuality

International Communication

International Relations

Latin American Studies

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Pacific Studies

Philosophy

Social Research Methods

Southeast Asian Studies

Sustainable Development

 

Security

Criminology

Historical International Security

Peace and Conflict Studies

Technology, Networks and Society

War Studies

 

A maximum of 6 units from the completion of courses from VCUG Vice Chancellor’s Undergraduate Courses or the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A

ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship

ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship

ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

LING2107 Advanced Academic English

Minors

Bachelor of International Security Studies 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).

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 MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; University Elective
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; 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 MATH1013 or MATH1115 Other Degree course
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units MATH1014 or MATH1116 or STAT1003 or STAT1008 Other Degree course

Academic Advice

For assistance, please email: studentadmin.cecs@anu.edu.au

Back to the Bachelor of International Security Studies page

When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies  you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world - including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.

Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.


Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.  You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty.  Other things to be aware of:

  • A course can only be counted towards one major or minor.

  • You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester.

  • You may need to enrol in courses for your major and/or your minor, particularly if you are completing a double degree.

  • If you are intending to enrol in language courses and have previous experience with the language you wish to study, you need to sit a placement test to ensure you are enrolled at the most appropriate level of language study.  Further information is available here

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ASIA1234.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

Electives

You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements.

To find 1000-level courses, search Programs and Courses.

Remember, though, that if you are a single-degree student you cannot count more than 60 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of your degree.  If you are a double-degree student, you cannot count more than 36 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of the 96 units allocated to the BINSS half of your degree.


Study Options

Single Degree example

This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of the BINSS program orders. You may, for example, wish to leave a substantial number (24) of elective units free so that you can study overseas for a semester.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list 1000-level elective course 1000-level elective course
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list 1000-level elective course 1000-level elective course

Double Degree example

This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of both degrees.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list Course from second degree Course from second degree
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list Course from second degree Course from second degree
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