Diploma in Computer Science
Change the world through technology.
Change the world through technology.
A Diploma is a 12-month course that gives you the foundational skills and knowledge in a specific stream. A Diploma in Computer Science will take you straight into Second Year at UNSW’s world-renowned School of Computer Science and Engineering.
It is a great option for you as an international student if you need a bit more support but don't want to add extra time to your degree. If you have just missed out on direct entry into your preferred bachelor's degree, or hold qualifications that are not recognised by UNSW Sydney, this could also be the program for you.
November 2024
12 months
Approximately 20-25 hours
Second Year, Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) at UNSW Sydney
On-campus
102393G
The Diploma Program has been designed specifically for international students. Our Diplomas make it easy to adjust to university, with:
With an innovative First Year equivalent curriculum, you will learn about the design, construction and uses of computer systems with an emphasis on the basic principles behind computing tools, operating systems, compilers and translators, and computer hardware.
Australia’s No.1 Engineering faculty has a strong focus on research, providing an education where you will question, experiment and make new discoveries. You will graduate ready to launch your future in computer science.
UNSW provides world-class education and a career-focused student experience. You will belong to a connected student community with opportunities to expand your network socially and professionally, as well as full access to UNSW’s world-class libraries, labs, clubs and societies.
You will explore new ideas and diverse perspectives within a vibrant student community, through a wide choice of majors available in your Bachelor of Science (Computer Science).
Once you successfully complete a Diploma (and meet the entry requirements), you will be guaranteed entry into Second Year at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.
Want to know more about specific progression requirements for your chosen UNSW Sydney bachelor’s degree?
The Diploma in Computer Science is designed to provide you with a pathway straight into Second Year of a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) where you will have the option to choose a degree major from the following:
Note: Diploma in Computer Science students must achieve a Satisfactory Grade (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) for the Communication and Academic Literacy course and a minimum pass for all other courses to progress to Second Year of the relevant degree program at UNSW.
QS World University Rankings, 2024.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
Diploma students learn the fundamentals required for their future studies in courses that are equivalent to First Year undergraduate courses at UNSW Sydney.
The added support that Diploma students receive will equip them with both the academic and English skills for their journey into the Second Year at UNSW Sydney.
When you progress to Second Year of your bachelor of Computer Science at UNSW, you have the option to choose a degree major to prepare you for your future career.
For more information on each major you can choose to study when you get to UNSW, see below.
Many systems, from search engines to financial systems and health systems, use artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as machine learning. As autonomous devices become more common, they are used in applications like home and office automation, entertainment and to enhance production and improve safety in sectors such as mining, manufacturing and transport.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
Networks are critical infrastructure in modern society, and will become even more important in the future. Business, finance, health services, education, defence and leisure all rely on the existence of a stable, secure, fast, high-capacity network. Computing professionals with a deep understanding of networks are in high demand, both to maintain and enhance existing network infrastructure (especially mobile networks), and to develop new forms of networking.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
This field involves the study of the design, construction and uses of computer systems. It deals with the representation of data and data structures in computer systems and the design of algorithms for automatic manipulation of this information by programming languages and machine systems.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
Core subjects:
Electives (choose 3):
Database management systems provide essential infrastructure for handling the large volumes of data required by corporate, government, scientific and educational organisations. The success of these organisations can rely on how their database systems are applied. Examples of large organisations with significant data management needs are financial institutions, telecommunications companies and manufacturing enterprises. Data management is also critical in scientific research labs and small businesses.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
Providing the IT infrastructure for developing and managing enterprise applications, typical ecommerce systems deal with both B2C (business-to-customer) and B2B (business-to-business). They include e-government, e-banking and e-health. ecommerce systems engineering requires understanding the requirements of business processes – security, public policy, project management – and the effective use of the IT infrastructure.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
Embedded systems make up more than 99 per cent of all computer systems in operation. They are designed for specific purposes ranging from household appliances, such as microwave ovens and set-top boxes, to sophisticated real-time controllers used in fly-by-wire aircraft and the Large Hadron Collider.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
This area forms the basis of all software development. Over the years, computer scientists have developed a number of major programming frameworks. They have created a wide variety of programming languages based on these frameworks, ranging from general purpose languages to application-specific languages.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
This area covers cybersecurity in industry, with an engineering focus. This means an emphasis on professional approaches to engineering security – examining failures, bugs and human system interactions and issues. There is an ongoing focus on security by design and professional ethical security practice.
View an example of the subjects you will be studying in your Diploma in Computer Science below.
The Diploma Program is designed specifically for international students as a potential pathway to study at UNSW Sydney - before you start a Diploma, you must meet the required English language proficiency and specific academic entry requirements.
For more information on entry requirements, view the Diploma and UEEC entry requirements - requirements provided should be considered as a guide only and are subject to change.
In addition to academic and English requirements, some Diploma Programs require specific subject minimum grade requirements and assumed knowledge depending on your intended program.
Minimum grade requirement – Mathematics
Assumed knowledge – Relevant Sciences
If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for a Diploma Program, you can complete a Foundation Studies program first.
If you need help meeting the English language requirements, you could complete the University English Entry Course (UEEC) before starting your Diploma Program.
The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as Orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.
Applications open | Last day to apply | Last day to accept | Orientation / Start date | Census / Last day to arrive |
---|---|---|---|---|
26th September 2024 | 24th October 2024 | 28th October 2024 | 25th November 2024 | 2nd December 2024 |
A$43,440
Course | 2024 Indicative Fees Per Course ($AUD) | Courses to complete |
---|---|---|
Computer Science | $5,430 | 7 |
Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) | $5,430 | 1 |
Communications and Academic Literacy (CAL) must be completed as part of each Diploma Program.
The program tuition fee that is quoted on your Letter of Offer is indicative and takes into account a range of factors such as:
Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included.
When you enrol into new courses in your subsequent study terms at UNSW College, a fee statement will be generated in myUNSW indicating the precise tuition fee amount that you will need to pay.
If you start a Diploma in 2024 or 2025, you may be eligible to receive a scholarship for the duration of your studies.
If you’re ready to start your Diploma application, you can apply directly to UNSW.
At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to start your application, click the button below.
If you need help or have questions about the application process, read our guide on How to Apply.
Or you can get advice from one of our certified agents who can help you through the process. Find an agent near you.
Successfully complete a Diploma Program and progress directly to Second Year of a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) at UNSW Sydney, accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
The Diploma Program is designed for international students like you, so you can develop English language and study skills to take the next step with confidence.
The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world class libraries, clubs and societies.
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Diploma & Foundation Studies
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