Bachelor of Engineering (Computer)/Bachelor of Computer Science

This combined degree program provides students with an opportunity to undertake concurrent study and complete two awards. In general, it offers greater breadth of learning, enhancing the academic and professional qualities gained in each separate degree. At the same time, it recognises the increasing need for students to graduate with multidisciplinary skills.

Students have the opportunity to select electives according to their individual areas of interest and will also have the opportunity to undertake an industry related project in their final year of study in the engineering degree and must complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program.

The emphasis is on giving students a well-rounded mix of hardware and software topics combined with more theoretical studies in computer science. Core courses are from the areas of computer engineering, digital systems, software engineering, signal processing, electronics, and computer science. You will have the opportunity to undertake an industry-related project in your final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience through the program.

Graduates of this combined degree enjoy excellent career prospects gaining skills relevant to work in engineering of digital and computer systems, digital signal processing, tracking and surveillance, measurement and sensing, data processing systems, software engineering, electronic systems, and manufacturing industry. Also, additional skills of programming, helps to find jobs in systems analysis and design, banking and financial sectors and management of ICT resources.

Careers are found in many facets of engineering, science and other technology based disciplines or as software programmers in industry, commerce or government departments. Many more on to become systems managers responsible and operation of large ICT infrastructures used by business and government organizations. Computer science graduates also find employment in specialized technical sales and management in various organizations.

Australian Year 12 students:

Apply for entry through UAC.

Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students:

Apply for entry through UAC.

Entry based on:

previous Year 12 studies and/or

Higher education, tertiary or post-secondary qualifications and/or

Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.

International Students:

Not available to International Students

Assumed Knowledge for Computer Science:

There are no prerequisite courses but it is assumed that students will have studied Mathematics (Band 5 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage. Applicants who have achieved less than Mathematics Band 5 or have not completed a science related subject may be admitted to the program but may need additional study and/or assistance to successfully complete the requirements of the program.

Assumed Knowledge for Computer Engineering:

There are no prerequisite courses but it is assumed that students will have studied Mathematics (Band 5 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage, Physics is preferred. Applicants who have achieved less than Mathematics Band 5 or have not completed Physics may be admitted to the program but may need additional study and/or assistance to successfully complete the requirements of the program.

Mathematics (Band 5 or above) or equivalent. Study of one science-related subject would also be an advantage, Physics is preferred.

Credit transfer agreements with TAFE NSW and other education providers are under continuous negotiation. For more information about articulation arrangements please see the University's website at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/credit/.

Honours are embedded in the Bachelor of Engineering(Computer), based on outstanding performance throughout the duration of the program. Honours grades will normally be awarded by Faculty Board on the basis of a graduating student's performance in the program as a whole, as measured by the WAM according to the following schedule: Minimum WAM = Honours 77 = Class I. 72 = Class II Division 1. 67 = Class II Division 2. 50-66 = Pass Degree. A Head of School may recommend to Faculty Board that a grade of Honours be awarded to a student who has achieved a WAM of other than indicated or not be awarded to a particular student. In such a case Faculty Board may either make an award of Honours in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of School or in accordance with the schedule.

A Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)is available as an additional year to meritorious students. Please contact the Program Convenor or Student Hub for further information.

Students have the opportunity to undertake an industry-related project in their final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the program. Further information is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/engineering/for-students/industrial-experience/

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia, the Australian Computer Society and other affiliated international organisations.

Not available to international students.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment will have difficulty pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student with such a disability to contact the Program Convenor to discuss the issue. The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment accepts responsibility, in liaison with the student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

The computer engineering and computer science degree program is a 5 year program comprising 400 units. The program is available at Callaghan Campus, however students do have the option of undertaking their first year at Ourimbah Campus, (with the remaining years to be undertaken at Callaghan Campus). Students have the opportunity to select electives according to their individual areas of interest.

Note that it may not be possible to complete the combined degree program within five years, if selection of electives involves timetable clashes, or where elective courses are not offered in a particular semester. Students enrolled in a combined degree program are advised to consult the Program Convenor or Students Hub for further information in relation to their academic program.

As programs are regularly reviewed and updated some students may experience changes to their program of study during the course of their enrolment and may require transition arrangements. Students affected by changes to the program or experiencing transition problems are advised to consult with their Program Convenor.