Start date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
LBCP

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 39,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
067897M

Degree overview

  • Study at SA’s number one university for graduate skills in I.T.1.
  • Enjoy excellent career prospects with the already high demand for software programming skills predicted to increase2.
  • Learn how large software systems are designed and created.
  • Benefit from contemporary curriculum informed by UniSA research in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and data analytics.
  • Learn from dedicated, highly experienced teaching staff including leading researchers and practitioners employed in industry.
  • Benefit from our well-established partnerships with industry offering significant opportunities for placements and industry projects.
  • Experience purpose-built teaching spaces designed to facilitate collaboration and work-integrated learning.
  • Learn using the latest industry software and technology.
  • Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
  • Start now, decide later. Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between IT specialisations and receive credit for completed courses.

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

3Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021

Snapshot

Snapshot

It is predicted that by 2026 there will be nearly 300,000 more technology workers in the Australian workforce. The largest increase in employment is expected for software and applications programmers, with 65,200 workers expected to join the profession between 2020 and 2026¹.

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) will see you develop specialist expertise in the creation of computer software and applications, preparing you for a rewarding career in this high demand area of ICT. Proficient in programming and equipped to work in a diverse range of programming roles, graduates may find work in IT companies, freelance consulting and IT departments across the public and private sector.

You will learn to write code in several programming languages – Java, C++, Python, SQL, ASP.Net – and develop the skills needed to design, implement, evaluate and test new and existing software programs. You will also learn critical and industry relevant software development methodologies including Agile and SCRUM.

Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, you will enjoy a modern, practical approach to your IT education, with significant opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in real-world settings so that you graduate ready to meet the needs of industry.  

Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your IT specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 3 or 4 years full-time (depending on your degree length). Start now, decide later.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

1Deloitte Economics, Australia Digital Pulse 2021

What you'll learn

What you Learn

During your first year of study you will gain a solid foundation in networking, database development, programming fundamentals and systems requirements and design, before focusing on your software development specialty that will you see you studying:

  • Python, Java, Swift and SQL – highly sought-after skills in the Australian job market¹.
  • Agile and SCRUM methodologies
  • Data Structures
  • Design Patterns with C++
  • Cloud and Concurrent Programming
  • Web Technology
     

In your final year, you will put your skills into practice through our ICT Capstone Project. You may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client, drawing on the technical expertise gained throughout your studies and applying professional skills – communication strategy, stakeholder relationship management, project management – in a real-world setting to produce and deliver an artefact for your client. This could include the application of new technologies, developing proof of concept solutions and analysing current business processes to identify areas for improvement.

You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.

1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Information Technology Fundamentals INFT 1016 4.5
Problem Solving and Programming COMP 1039 4.5
Network Fundamentals INFT 1012 4.5
Design Thinking Studio INFT 1030 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Object Oriented Programming COMP 1046 4.5
Data Driven Web Technologies INFS 1025 4.5
System Requirements and User Experience INFS 1026 4.5
System Requirements Studio INFT 1031 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
System Design and Realisation INFS 2044 4.5
System Design Studio INFS 2045 4.5
Operating Systems and Tool Chains COMP 2035 4.5
Data Structures Essentials COMP 2012 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Agile Development and Governance INFS 2041 4.5
Project Studio INFS 2043 4.5
Web Technology INFT 2064 4.5
IOS Enterprise Development INFT 3033 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Security Foundations INFS 3090 4.5
Big Data Concepts INFS 4020 4.5
Design Patterns with C++ COMP 3023 4.5
Database for the Enterprise INFS 2011 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
AI and Machine Learning COMP 2019 4.5
Cloud and Concurrent Programming INFT 3043 4.5
ICT Capstone Project INFT 3042 4.5 Note(s): 2

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • interactive studio exercises 
  • industry relevant projects 
  • hands-on practical activities 
  • collaborative group projects
  • reports and project documentation
  • essays and assignments

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development)

Why this Degree

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) will see you graduate as an ICT professional with the expertise to pursue a career in the specialist area of computer software and applications development.

Throughout your program you will complete a unique series of collaborative, work-integrated courses, reinforcing the concepts learnt in the classroom in a supportive practice environment. Soft, non-technical skills are also integrated into your learning to develop the qualities highly valued and sought after by industry. Topics include design thinking, system requirements, system design, agile development, and project management.

In your final year you may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client – from brief through to project delivery – with our ICT Capstone Project. This allows you to demonstrate your ability to deliver work to industry standard, and to the satisfaction of a client.

Most of our IT undergraduate programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative IT program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.

Real-world connections

With more than 200 industry contacts, you will have numerous opportunities to gain real-world experience through projects and placements with organisations such as Adelaide Football Club, Services Australia, SAAB, DST, Forensic Science SA, Top Chop Games and Maptek.

UniSA is also home to several research centres and concentrations, including: 

All have world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.

You will benefit from our culture of innovation and startup community. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise including:

  • Workshops
  • One-on-one mentoring
  • Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
  • Access to a global pool of expert advisers
  • Small funding stipends
  • Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons

We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

The number of technology workers in Australia is expected to pass 1 million in 2024. By 2026, it is predicted there will be nearly 300,000 more technology workers in the Australian workforce – an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. And software programming skills are in particularly high demand¹.

There are strong employment prospects for suitably qualified ICT professionals.

Graduates of this degree may wish to consider the following career options:

  • Software Developer: working in a diverse range of programming roles designing, coding, testing and debugging software applications; interpreting customer requirements into a code solution; working with a team to research, design, and implement a software solution; working with others to extend existing software functionality; producing standalone software solutions for a client; producing a solution that contributes to a large software system.
  • Analyst Programmer: working in support of achieving business objectives, analysing system needs and providing technology-based solutions, including the development of software, processes, procedures and documentation.
  • Cloud Developer: designing cloud-based solutions to achieve business objectives and strategies; responsible for managing cloud services and solutions; developing applications for a variety of devices and virtual infrastructure.
  • Web Developer: designing, developing, testing and debuging dynamic websites in order to meet client requirements.
  • SCRUM Developer: working in a scrum team developing quality software artefacts in a diverse range of contexts.
  • Front / back-end Developer: working across both the front-end and back-end of technology (languages and frameworks) to design, develop, test and debug dynamic websites in order to meet client requirements.
     

Career progression may see you take on roles such as:

  • Team Leader
  • Software / Solution Architect
  • Integration Specialist
  • IT Consultant

1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Industry facts

global-travel-delivery

Professionals in Technology are expected to represent 8.5 per cent of the Australian workforce by 2027, which by far outpaces employment growth in the broader economy

(Australia Digital Pulse 2022)

job-listings

Software and Applications Programmers are expected to grow very strongly by 27 per cent (or 42,200 jobs) by 2026

(Labour Market Insights 2022)

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

UniSA is ranked Number 1 in SA for campus facilities in IT¹.

During your studies you will have access to purpose-built learning spaces such as:

  • Game Development Lab
  • Software Development Lab
  • Network and Cyber Security Labs
  • IT Project Space
  • IT Development Studio
  • Mac Lab

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Your study spaces

Your program director

Dr Jo Zucco

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Jo Zucco
Portrait image for Dr Jo Zucco

Dr Jo Zucco

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

An IT, engineering and the environment student of tomorrow is someone with a burning sense of curiosity, a desire to tinker with every little bit of the world around them, and a drive to make the very best out of whatever life throws at them.

Jacques Fourie

Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development)

Placeholder image

Jacques Fourie

Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development)