Degrees in Computing
A degree in computing from Macquarie University prepares you for an interesting and challenging career in one of the most dynamic areas of modern technology. Computing courses can cover a wide range of areas related to information technology (IT), from IT business and management skills, through programming skills to studies and experience in software or electronic and communication engineering. The core of Computer Science focuses on studying algorithms, data structures and the principles of software engineering.
All of these areas are well represented in Macquarie Computing degrees, and students can choose greater or lesser weight according to their interests. Opportunities exist for specialisation, or to incorporate a broader range of disciplines into their studies.
Students can consider the following options
Degree Summaries
Bachelor of Information Systems - BIS
Information Systems is the study of the technology of and application of computing and other information systems to business and non-business (such as government) organisations. Modern organisations, both government and business, deal with large amounts of information and require professionals skilled in the creation and management of systems to handle this information. Such professionals require technical, managerial and wider business skills. This degree prepares students for a career in the development and management of information systems in the context of commercial and government organisations. The early part of the program includes foundational units in information systems and related areas including software engineering, accounting, marketing, economics and telecommunications. Later studies include application implementation, project management, systems analysis and design, databases and systems integration. The program emphasises both the technical aspects of information systems and the management aspects, especially the integration of information systems into core business processes. Also refer to the related Handbook entry INFT02.
Bachelor of Computer Science - BCompSc
This is the elite degree, providing a rigorous program of study in the theory and applications of Computer Science. The core study includes programming with modern languages and software design methods, computer systems with an emphasis on hardware design, operating systems and networks and mathematical foundations of computer science. In the final year, students apply their knowledge working with an industry partner. Also refer to the related Handbook entry COMP01.
Bachelor of Information Technology - BIT
A comprehensive new degree that specialises in developing the full range of skills required for a career in computer software development. The core program concentrates on developing practical skills in programming, information systems and software engineering. A choice is then possible from the extensive range of optional units available, including networks, security, web technology, e-commerce technology, systems software, computer hardware and uniquely at Macquarie University, language technology. Also refer to the related Handbook entry INFT01.
Bachelor of e-Business - BEBus
An exciting specialist program focusing on the design, implementation
and management of commercial activities over the Internet and the world
wide web. These activities include sharing of business information, maintaining
business relationships and conducting business transactions. Three streams
- technology, management and multimedia - provide the opportunity to concentrate
in a particular aspect of e-business. Also refer to the related Handbook
entry BeBus,
EBUS01,
EBUS02
and EBUS03.
Bachelor of Science - BSc , Bachelor of Arts - BA
These degrees permit the maximum flexibility. Students study a range of computing subjects, together with subjects of their choice from the wide range at Macquarie University. Most students choose to combine computing with closely related sciences such as electronics, mathematics, physics and statistics. Other successful combinations include degrees that combine Computing with one of a language, Geology, Law or Psychology.
The main difference between the two is that the Bachelor of Science requires a minimum number of units to be taken that are scheduled as science units.
Also refer to the related Handbook entry CMP01 (BA) or CMP02 (BSc)
Bachelor of Engineering - new and revised programs -BE
Please refer to the Department of Electronic Engineering website for more details on the Engineering degrees offered.
Bachelor of Technology (Telecommunications) - BTech(Telecomm)
No new admissions from 2008. Please refer to the related Handbook entry.....
Interdisciplinary, combined and double degrees include
Study Patterns
Within these basic degrees, various `study patterns' have been established, ranging from those allowing considerable freedom of choice around a specified minimum content, to those concentrating on a particular specialisation. Study patterns combine these units and ones from other disciplines into coherent degree programs and describe the minimal requirements necessary to get a degree. The main computing study patterns are available as separate documents here:
- Please refer to the Handbook for study patterns for 2008
- Please refer to the Handbook for study patterns for 2007
- Computing study patterns 2006
- Computing study patterns 2005
- Computing study patterns 2004
- Computing study patterns 2003
- Computing study patterns 2002
- Computing study patterns 2001
Degree Program Information
The following table summarises the UAI score (in the year 2007) required to enter these courses, and the number of years that the course entails.
Degree |
UAI 2008 |
Years |
| BIS | 70.50 | 3 Full Time /Eq part-time |
| BCompSc | 77.00 | 3 Full Time /Eq part-time |
| BIT | 70.50 | 3 Full Time /Eq part-time |
| BeBusiness | 70.50 | 3 Full Time /Eq part-time |
| BE (Telecomm) | 80.00 | 4 Full Time |
| BSc in Computing | 75.00 | 3 Full Time /Eq part-time |
| BBA BIT | 85.85 | 4 Full Time /Eq part-time |
| BSc LLB | 93.95 | 5 Full Time |
| BIT LLB | 93.50 | 5 Full Time |