Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) requires completion of 192 units, of which:

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

A minimum of 48 units that come from the completion of 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science.

A minimum of 12-units of COMP coded transdisciplinary tagged courses. 

The 192 units must include:

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving (6 units) / COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) (6 units)

AND

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

COMP1110 Structured Programming (6 units) / COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) (6 units)

AND

6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units) / MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs (6 units)

AND

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

COMP1600 Foundations of Computing (6 units)

COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies (6 units)

COMP2300 Computer Architecture (6 units)

COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency (6 units)

COMP2400 Relational Databases (6 units)

COMP3600 Algorithms (6 units)

COMP4450 Computing Research Methods (6 units)

 AND

24 units from the completion of one of the following specialisations:

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Systems and Architecture

Theoretical Computer Science

Human-Centred and Creative Computing

AND

Either:

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

OR

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

 AND

6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ENGN1211 Engineering Design 1: Discovering Engineering (6 units)

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2(6 units)

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines (6 units)

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques (6 units)

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods (6 units)

AND

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

Either:

24 units from completion of COMP4550 Computing Research Project which must be completed twice, in consecutive semesters (12+12 units)

OR

12 units from COMP4500 Software Engineering Team Project which must be completed twice, in consecutive semesters (6+6 units)

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

OR

COMP4820 Advanced Computing Internship (12 units)

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

A minimum of 48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Honours Calculation

COMP4801 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 calculated based on all courses completed (including fails), that are listed in the program requirements, excluding non-COMP-coded electives, giving NCN and WN a nominal mark of zero. 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 APM will then be used to determine the final grade according to the ANU Honours grading scale, found at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/grading-scale.

Capstone Courses

COMP4820

COMP4500

COMP4550

Specialisations

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

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 

Pathways

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

• ANU: The ANU Bachelor of Computing provides a pathway into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).
• International agreements/pathways: The College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics 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).

Prerequisites

ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major)

NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent.

VIC: Mathematics Methods or equivalent

QLD: Mathematics Methods or equivalent

TAS: Mathematical methods/Mathematics Specialised/Mathematics 1 and II through U Tas/Both Mathematics 1 and II through UTAS/Both Advanced Calculus and Applications 1A and 1B through UTAS

SA / NT: Mathematical Methods or equivalent

WA: Mathematical Methods or equivalent

IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL/Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or HL

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.

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

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.

Computing at ANU - There's more to it than you think

Employment Opportunities

The best computing professionals often have knowledge of 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 development as well as specialist computing organisations. These employment opportunities include software developers; data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors; human-computer interaction specialists for software services industries; computer vision specialists to develop the next generation of AI and machine learning tools for media companies, and embedded systems developers for defence and automotive industries.

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 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.

Further Information

The Bachelor of Advanced Computing graduate will possess technical knowledge of programming and the fundamentals of Computer Science, With these as a foundation, their technical knowledge will have been honed by the study of a selection of advanced computing topics within their Specialisation. 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, industry internship or individual research 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 or, if a research project is completed, apply directly to world-leading PhD programs.

The best computing professionals are informed by knowledge of a wider field than computing alone. Graduates fulfilling a Major in an 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 ways of studying.