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Professional Recognition

Course code Y47

Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours

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Creative thinkers made here.

Why ECU?

About this Course

Computer systems engineering requires in-depth knowledge of digital and analogue electronic systems along with a detailed understanding of computer architecture, software design and hardware-software interfacing.

Graduates of this course will be conversant with all aspects of computing from the development and application of individual microprocessors, to the design of personal, mainframe or supercomputer systems, as well as real-time and embedded systems implementation, robotics, and software engineering.

The program focuses on the development of knowledge and skills relevant to professional engineering practice and along with a sound theoretical base, includes strong elements of practical problem solving, teamwork and project development. As a result, as well as having multiple technical and transferable skill competencies, graduates will gain strong analytical skills, and have the ability to lead complex projects.

The course provides a sound basis in mathematics, and in the fundamentals of electronics and engineering design principles in the first two years of study, along with relevant computer technology and programming principles. In the final two years of study, advanced topics from both the electronics and computer systems engineering fields are covered including software engineering, data networks and communication systems, digital signal processing, real-time embedded systems, industrial control, and robotics to prepare students to enter their chosen profession with relevant knowledge and skills.

The first year of this course includes a set of eight units that are common across all engineering honours courses. This allows students the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the various engineering disciplines on offer and the flexibility, if desired, to switch to another engineering discipline/course without penalty after the first year of study.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree Award.

Course code Y47

Entry requirements

80 Indicative ATAR

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $7,850

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

About this Course

Computer systems engineering requires in-depth knowledge of digital and analogue electronic systems along with a detailed understanding of computer architecture, software design and hardware-software interfacing.

Graduates of this course will be conversant with all aspects of computing from the development and application of individual microprocessors, to the design of personal, mainframe or supercomputer systems, as well as real-time and embedded systems implementation, robotics, and software engineering.

The program focuses on the development of knowledge and skills relevant to professional engineering practice and along with a sound theoretical base, includes strong elements of practical problem solving, teamwork and project development. As a result, as well as having multiple technical and transferable skill competencies, graduates will gain strong analytical skills, and have the ability to lead complex projects.

The course provides a sound basis in mathematics, and in the fundamentals of electronics and engineering design principles in the first two years of study, along with relevant computer technology and programming principles. In the final two years of study, advanced topics from both the electronics and computer systems engineering fields are covered including software engineering, data networks and communication systems, digital signal processing, real-time embedded systems, industrial control, and robotics to prepare students to enter their chosen profession with relevant knowledge and skills.

The first year of this course includes a set of eight units that are common across all engineering honours courses. This allows students the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the various engineering disciplines on offer and the flexibility, if desired, to switch to another engineering discipline/course without penalty after the first year of study.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree Award.

Course code Y47

CRICOS code 083401G

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $38,950

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

4 years full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to have Mathematics: Methods ATAR, with equivalents considered, and Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR or Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, with equivalents considered.
    It is desirable that all applicants have Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, with equivalents considered, students without Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR may need to take a bridging unit in the first year of their studies.

    All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Diploma or equivalent;
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to have Mathematics: Methods ATAR, with equivalents considered, and Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR or Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, with equivalents considered.
    It is desirable that all applicants have Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR, with equivalents considered, students without Physics ATAR or Engineering Studies ATAR may need to take a bridging unit in the first year of their studies.

    All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • AQF Diploma or equivalent;
    • Undergraduate Certificate;
    • Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.*

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

    For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
    • University Preparation Course;
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;*
    • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

    * Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.

Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 30 Core units, 2 Elective units and a Practicum unit. Note: Students may opt to include a Cyber Security stream in their degree by enrolling in two specific units in place of the two Elective units and substituting two core units with alternatives as specified below: Enrol in CSI1101 Computer Security as a substitute for CSG2341 Intelligent Systems in Year 2 Semester 2 Enrol in CSI2108 Cryptographic Concepts as a substitute for CSI2312 Foundations of Software Engineering in Year 3 Semester 1 Enrol in CSI2450 IoT and OT Security as the first elective in Year 4 Semester 1 Enrol in CSI3207 Network Security Fundamentals or CSG2305 Computer Forensics as the second elective in Year 4 Semester 2 Students interested in taking this optional Cyber Security stream should consult with the Course Coordinator before commencing studies, who will advise them on the sequence and timing of the core and elective units in their course to accommodate the inclusion of the Cyber Security units.

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS1154Introduction to Engineering15
ENS1115Materials and Manufacturing 115
ENM1102Engineering Drawing and Computer Aided Design15
MAT1250Mathematics 115
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS1101Engineering Mechanics15
ENS1180Introduction to Energy and Resource Engineering15
ENS1253Electrical Engineering Fundamentals15
MAT1251Mathematics 215
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSP2151Programming Fundamentals15
ENS2456Digital Electronics15
ENS2159Engineering Innovation and Ethics15
ENS2120Engineering Systems15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS2257Microprocessor Systems15
CSG2341Intelligent Systems15
ENS2457Analog Electronics15
ENS3553Signals and Systems15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENM2104Instrumentation and Measurement15
ENS3554Data Communications and Computer Networks15
CSI2312Foundations of Software Engineering15
ENS2344Computer Architecture15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS5204Real-Time Embedded Systems15
ENS5251Digital Signal Processing15
ENS5191Electrical Engineering Design15
Elective Unit15

Note: Students who receive a WAM of 70 per cent or above at the end of their third year of study will be invited to complete a graded Honours degree by taking the two Honours Thesis units in place of the standard project units in their fourth year. Students below this cut-off, or who decline the offer to undertake the Honours Thesis, will graduate with an ungraded Honours degree.

Year 4 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS5111Engineering Practicum
ENS5442Robotics 115
ENS3555Communication Systems 115
ENS5253Control Systems15
ENS4152 ^Project Development15
Or
ENS5145 ^Engineering Honours Thesis 115

Note: Students undertaking the graded Honours pathway should enrol into ENS5145 Engineering Honours Thesis 1 in place of ENS4152 Project Development.

Year 4 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS5543Engineering Management15
ENS5240Industrial Control15
ENS4253 ^Engineering Project15
Or
ENS5146 ^Engineering Honours Thesis 215
Elective Unit15

Note: Students undertaking the graded Honours pathway should enrol into ENS5146 Engineering Honours Thesis 2 in place of ENS4253 Engineering Project.

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS3206Power Systems 115
ENS3556Wireless Communication15
ENS3551Electrical Networks15
ENS5130Advanced Industrial Control15
ENS5230Electrical Machines and Transformers15
ENS5447Propagation and Antennas15
ENS5542Communication Systems 215
ENS5444Telecommunication Networks15
ENS5209Process Control15
ENS5360Power Electronics15
MAT3486Multivariate Calculus15
CSP2348Data Structures15
CSP2104Object-oriented Programming with C++15
CSG2132Enterprise Data15
CSI1101Computer Security15
CSP2108Introduction to Mobile Applications Development15
CSI2450IoT and OT Security15
CSI3105Software Testing15
CSI3344Distributed Systems15

Note: Electives chosen from outside this list must be approved by the Course Coordinator.

^ Core Option

Y47|7

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • Students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 weeks practical work experience in an engineering industry environment. This will normally be undertaken during a vacation period.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and in depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the computer systems engineering discipline.
  2. Think critically, and apply established engineering methods and research skills to complex computer systems engineering problem solving.
  3. Apply systematic engineering synthesis and design processes to conduct and manage computer systems engineering projects, with some intellectual independence.
  4. Demonstrate conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and computer and information sciences which underpin the computer systems engineering discipline and fluently apply engineering techniques tools and resources.
  5. Demonstrate clear and coherent oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
  6. Demonstrate a global outlook and knowledge of contextual factors impacting the computer systems engineering discipline, including respect for cultural diversity and indigenous cultural competence.
  7. Demonstrate effective team membership and team leadership to implement engineering projects according to relevant standards of ethical conduct, sustainable practice and professional accountability.
  8. Demonstrate responsibility for own learning, professional judgement and an understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Engineers Australia

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 30 Core units, 2 Elective units and a Practicum unit. Note: Students may opt to include a Cyber Security stream in their degree by enrolling in two specific units in place of the two Elective units and substituting two core units with alternatives as specified below: Enrol in CSI1101 Computer Security as a substitute for CSG2341 Intelligent Systems in Year 2 Semester 2 Enrol in CSI2108 Cryptographic Concepts as a substitute for CSI2312 Foundations of Software Engineering in Year 3 Semester 1 Enrol in CSI2450 IoT and OT Security as the first elective in Year 4 Semester 1 Enrol in CSI3207 Network Security Fundamentals or CSG2305 Computer Forensics as the second elective in Year 4 Semester 2 Students interested in taking this optional Cyber Security stream should consult with the Course Coordinator before commencing studies, who will advise them on the sequence and timing of the core and elective units in their course to accommodate the inclusion of the Cyber Security units.

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS1154Introduction to Engineering15
ENS1115Materials and Manufacturing 115
ENM1102Engineering Drawing and Computer Aided Design15
MAT1250Mathematics 115
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS1101Engineering Mechanics15
ENS1180Introduction to Energy and Resource Engineering15
ENS1253Electrical Engineering Fundamentals15
MAT1251Mathematics 215
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CSP2151Programming Fundamentals15
ENS2456Digital Electronics15
ENS2159Engineering Innovation and Ethics15
ENS2120Engineering Systems15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS2257Microprocessor Systems15
CSG2341Intelligent Systems15
ENS2457Analog Electronics15
ENS3553Signals and Systems15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENM2104Instrumentation and Measurement15
ENS3554Data Communications and Computer Networks15
CSI2312Foundations of Software Engineering15
ENS2344Computer Architecture15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS5204Real-Time Embedded Systems15
ENS5251Digital Signal Processing15
ENS5191Electrical Engineering Design15
Elective Unit15

Note: Students who receive a WAM of 70 per cent or above at the end of their third year of study will be invited to complete a graded Honours degree by taking the two Honours Thesis units in place of the standard project units in their fourth year. Students below this cut-off, or who decline the offer to undertake the Honours Thesis, will graduate with an ungraded Honours degree.

Year 4 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS5111Engineering Practicum
ENS5442Robotics 115
ENS3555Communication Systems 115
ENS5253Control Systems15
ENS4152 ^Project Development15
Or
ENS5145 ^Engineering Honours Thesis 115

Note: Students undertaking the graded Honours pathway should enrol into ENS5145 Engineering Honours Thesis 1 in place of ENS4152 Project Development.

Year 4 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS5543Engineering Management15
ENS5240Industrial Control15
ENS4253 ^Engineering Project15
Or
ENS5146 ^Engineering Honours Thesis 215
Elective Unit15

Note: Students undertaking the graded Honours pathway should enrol into ENS5146 Engineering Honours Thesis 2 in place of ENS4253 Engineering Project.

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ENS3206Power Systems 115
ENS3556Wireless Communication15
ENS3551Electrical Networks15
ENS5130Advanced Industrial Control15
ENS5230Electrical Machines and Transformers15
ENS5447Propagation and Antennas15
ENS5542Communication Systems 215
ENS5444Telecommunication Networks15
ENS5209Process Control15
ENS5360Power Electronics15
MAT3486Multivariate Calculus15
CSP2348Data Structures15
CSP2104Object-oriented Programming with C++15
CSG2132Enterprise Data15
CSI1101Computer Security15
CSP2108Introduction to Mobile Applications Development15
CSI2450IoT and OT Security15
CSI3105Software Testing15
CSI3344Distributed Systems15

Note: Electives chosen from outside this list must be approved by the Course Coordinator.

^ Core Option

Y47|7

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • Students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 weeks practical work experience in an engineering industry environment. This will normally be undertaken during a vacation period.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and in depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the computer systems engineering discipline.
  2. Think critically, and apply established engineering methods and research skills to complex computer systems engineering problem solving.
  3. Apply systematic engineering synthesis and design processes to conduct and manage computer systems engineering projects, with some intellectual independence.
  4. Demonstrate conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and computer and information sciences which underpin the computer systems engineering discipline and fluently apply engineering techniques tools and resources.
  5. Demonstrate clear and coherent oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
  6. Demonstrate a global outlook and knowledge of contextual factors impacting the computer systems engineering discipline, including respect for cultural diversity and indigenous cultural competence.
  7. Demonstrate effective team membership and team leadership to implement engineering projects according to relevant standards of ethical conduct, sustainable practice and professional accountability.
  8. Demonstrate responsibility for own learning, professional judgement and an understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice.

Professional Recognition

Course

Accredited by: Engineers Australia

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $7,850 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities include the development and design of microcomputer systems, computer networks, complex real-time systems, high performance processors, multimedia systems, and control and automation.

Possible future job titles

Computer Systems Engineer, Electronic Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer

Similar courses to consider

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $38,950 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities include the development and design of microcomputer systems, computer networks, complex real-time systems, high performance processors, multimedia systems, and control and automation.

Possible future job titles

Computer Systems Engineer, Electronic Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer

Similar courses to consider

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Experiences

Facilities

  • Electronic Systems Lab

    Electronic Systems Lab

  • Schneider Electric Instrumentation Control & Automation Lab

    Schneider Electric Instrumentation Control & Automation Lab

  • Robotics Laboratory

    Robotics Lab

  • Wireless Communication Lab

    Wireless Communication Lab

  • Circuits and Systems Lab

    Circuits and Systems Lab

Experiences

Facilities

  • Robotics Laboratory

    Robotics Lab

  • Schneider Electric Instrumentation Control & Automation Lab

    Schneider Electric Instrumentation Control & Automation Lab

  • Wireless Communication Lab

    Wireless Communication Lab

  • Circuits and Systems Lab

    Circuits and Systems Lab

  • Electronic Systems Lab

    Electronic Systems Lab

Student stories

  • Helia Moayedi

    Helia Moayedi

    ECU Computer Systems Engineering student

    After the first year, I realised there were so many opportunities to grow, learn and get involved

    I loved every second of my journey at ECU. I got involved in activities and clubs, such as the Women in Engineering club, where I gained so many valuable skills that helped me work better in a team. After first year, I realised there were so many opportunities to grow, learn and get involved.

  • Scott McCormack

    ECU Mechanical Engineering graduate

    Scott's engineering career is built to last

    ECU Mechanical Engineering graduate Scott McCormack is now the Lead Cloud Architect at Chironix, a Perth-based company specialising in machine learning, robotics and data engineering.

  • Christie Kearney at ECU Joondalup Campus

    Christie Kearney

    ECU Computer Systems Engineering student and Engineering Excellence Scholarship recipient

    Study groups are friendly and easy-going.

    Studying at ECU has been both hard work and rewarding. I have a lot in common with my fellow students. We share the same interests and goals, so lectures and study groups are friendly and easy-going. One of my most significant achievements has been receiving the Engineering Excellence Scholarship.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.