Student sitting at PC

Course snapshot

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, June

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

If IT is your passion, our Bachelor of Information Technology immerses you in a field that is driving our world forward.

This course is designed to adapt to industry trends and needs, focused on cutting-edge technologies and real-world applications. Students will develop a comprehensive technical skillset alongside communication and critical thinking skills.

Tailor your studies with a specialisation in artificial intelligence or cybersecurity while building a solid foundation in computer systems, programming, computer networks, cloud computing, databases, software engineering and project management.

A 12-week industry placement forms a core part of this course, as well as integrated, globally recognised Microsoft certifications, enabling graduates to hit the ground running.

Whether as a cybersecurity analyst, AI and machine learning engineer, software developer, network engineer, data analyst, IT consultant, IT trainer or educator, or technical support professional, the Bachelor of Information Technology is the beginning of what could be an amazing future.

A student holding a laptop

“The degree really refined my areas of interest. I saw how it could offer a fantastic way to pivot and be flexible, and to be confident in making those kinds of decisions.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Critically evaluate and synthesise advanced IT concepts and theories to rigorously address complex, real-world problems, demonstrating the ability to formulate reasoned arguments to assess disruptive technologies and societal changes.

GA2: Creativity

Innovate and creatively apply advanced IT theoretical and technical knowledge to drive solutions to complex, real-world problems, demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing technologies and environments.

GA3: Ethical practice

Model well-developed socially-responsible and ethical behaviour that demonstrates awareness of social and cultural inequalities that may arise in the performance of professional IT tasks.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Innovate and creatively apply advanced IT theoretical and technical knowledge to drive solutions to complex, real-world problems, demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing technologies and environments.

Critically evaluate and synthesise advanced IT concepts and theories to rigorously address complex, real-world problems, demonstrating the ability to formulate reasoned arguments to assess disruptive technologies and societal changes.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Reflect on, evaluate, and self-regulate learning and performance to cultivate skills for ongoing professional growth, while proactively anticipating and utilising emerging digital trends and disruptive technologies in an ethical manner.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Utilise academic and technical communication skills to clearly articulate ideas and share relevant insights with diverse audiences, including ICT professionals, clients, and the public.

GA7: Cultural competence

Model well-developed socially-responsible and ethical behaviour that demonstrates awareness of social and cultural inequalities that may arise in the performance of professional IT tasks.

Collaborate effectively in team settings, while reflecting on individual and group contributions towards achieving shared ICT objectives.

Reflect on, evaluate, and self-regulate learning and performance to cultivate skills for ongoing professional growth, while proactively anticipating and utilising emerging digital trends and disruptive technologies in an ethical manner.

This course includes a 12-week professional placement.

Students choose a specialisation from the following:

Artificial Intelligence: offers students a unique curriculum that not only covers cutting-edge AI technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, image and vision, and large language models but also trains students to apply them to modern software development and use AI tools and applications for everyday/business tasks. With a focus on practical, real-world applications and industry-relevant skills, this specialisation equips graduates with the expertise needed to excel in AI applications and modern software development.

Cybersecurity: equips students with the skills and knowledge to protect data and infrastructure in today’s increasingly digital world. Covering key areas including governance, risk and compliance, infrastructure security, network security, systems security, software security, and application security, this specialisation provides a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. Graduates are prepared to tackle the challenges of safeguarding information and infrastructure in various industries, positioning themselves for success in roles like cybersecurity analyst, network security engineer and IT security consultant.

Location Teaching period
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyTerm  1, Term  3

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the course can look forward to an exciting career across a wide range of industries and across government, private sector and not-for-profit organisations in roles such as cybersecurity analyst, AI and Machine Learning engineer, software developer, network engineer, data analyst, IT consultant, IT trainer or educator, and technical support professional.

This course has full professional accreditation by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). ACS accreditation is awarded to an institution and its programs after a rigorous evaluation of their capacity to produce graduates who have the knowledge and skills required of an ICT professional.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who have completed a Diploma of Information Technology or equivalent may be granted advanced standing for up to eight (8) units.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Information Technology, students must complete the equivalent of twenty-two (22) units (288 credit points) comprising:

  • 15 core units (204 credit points) and
  • 1 specialisation in Cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence (48 credit points), and
  • 3 elective units (36 credit points).

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

COMP1003Foundations of Programming
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1
SydneyN/A
Term1
COMP1004Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1
SydneyN/A
Term1
COMP1005Applied Artificial Intelligence
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
MelbourneN/A
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1,4
SydneyN/A
Term1,4
COMP1006Foundations of Computing
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Melbourne
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term2
Perth
Term2
Term2
Sydney
Term2
Term2
COMP1007Information Technology Professional Skills and Ethics
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
MelbourneN/A
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
PerthN/A
Term3
SydneyN/A
Term3
COMP1008Database Systems
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Melbourne
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Perth
Term3
Term3
Sydney
Term3
Term3
INDG1002Indigenous Knowledge
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2,4
N/A
COMP1001Data Communications and Networks
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
MelbourneN/A
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term2
PerthN/A
Term2
SydneyN/A
Term2

Second Year

COMP2007System and Application Security
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesCOMP1004 - Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2
Anti-requisitesBUSN2001 - Professional Development for the Workplace
COMP2009Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Melbourne
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Perth
Term2
Term2
Sydney
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesCOMP1003 - Foundations of Programming
Elective Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry
COMP2010Software Engineering Practices
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Melbourne
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Perth
Term3
Term3
Sydney
Term3
Term3
Elective Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry
COMP2011Information Technology Project Management and Governance
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Melbourne
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Perth
Term4
Term4
Sydney
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesCOMP1007 - Information Technology Professional Skills and Ethics
Elective Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry

Third Year

COMP3001Blockchain Technology

Not currently available

12
COMP3003Information Technology Industry Practice

Not currently available

24
COMP3004Developing Artificial Intelligence Applications

Not currently available

12
COMP3005Digital Forensics

Not currently available

12
COMP3007Information Technology Capstone Project

Not currently available

24
COMP3008Network and Infrastructure Security

Not currently available

12

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

COMP1003Foundations of Programming
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1
SydneyN/A
Term1
COMP1004Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1
SydneyN/A
Term1
COMP1005Applied Artificial Intelligence
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
MelbourneN/A
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
N/A
PerthN/A
Term1,4
SydneyN/A
Term1,4
COMP1006Foundations of Computing
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Melbourne
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term2
Perth
Term2
Term2
Sydney
Term2
Term2
COMP1007Information Technology Professional Skills and Ethics
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
MelbourneN/A
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
PerthN/A
Term3
SydneyN/A
Term3
COMP1008Database Systems
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Melbourne
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Perth
Term3
Term3
Sydney
Term3
Term3
INDG1002Indigenous Knowledge
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2,4
N/A
COMP1001Data Communications and Networks
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
MelbourneN/A
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term2
PerthN/A
Term2
SydneyN/A
Term2

Second Year

COMP2008Programming and Software Development
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Melbourne
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Perth
Term1
Term1
Sydney
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesCOMP1003 - Foundations of Programming
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2
Anti-requisitesBUSN2001 - Professional Development for the Workplace
COMP2009Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Melbourne
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Perth
Term2
Term2
Sydney
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesCOMP1003 - Foundations of Programming
Elective Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry
COMP2010Software Engineering Practices
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Melbourne
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Perth
Term3
Term3
Sydney
Term3
Term3
Elective Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry
COMP2011Information Technology Project Management and Governance
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Melbourne
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Perth
Term4
Term4
Sydney
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesCOMP1007 - Information Technology Professional Skills and Ethics
Elective Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry

Third Year

COMP3002Cloud Applications Development

Not currently available

12
COMP3003Information Technology Industry Practice

Not currently available

24
COMP3004Developing Artificial Intelligence Applications

Not currently available

12
COMP3006Algorithms and Data Structures

Not currently available

12
COMP3007Information Technology Capstone Project

Not currently available

24
COMP3009Advanced Artificial Intelligence

Not currently available

12


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMP1007Information Technology Professional Skills and Ethics
COMP1006Foundations of Computing
COMP1003Foundations of Programming
COMP1004Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance
COMP1008Database Systems
COMP1001Data Communications and Networks
COMP1005Applied Artificial Intelligence
COMP2011Information Technology Project Management and Governance
INDG1002Indigenous Knowledge
COMP2010Software Engineering Practices
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
COMP3003Information Technology Industry Practice
COMP3004Developing Artificial Intelligence Applications
COMP3007Information Technology Capstone Project
COMP2009Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMP2008Programming and Software Development
COMP3006Algorithms and Data Structures
COMP3009Advanced Artificial Intelligence
COMP3002Cloud Applications Development

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMP3008Network and Infrastructure Security
COMP2007System and Application Security
COMP3005Digital Forensics
COMP3001Blockchain Technology

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Select three (3) equivalent units (36 credit points) from another specialisation, university wide elective unit or from the following list of elective units:
COMM1005A Culture of Dialogue
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry

Why study Computing and IT at Southern Cross University

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Digital Enterprise Lab

Our Digital Enterprise Lab on-campus enables you to work on real-world projects

Tailor studies to your interests

Choose from a range of specialisations

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

International students studying online or outside of Australia

Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway