Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT

Perhaps, you’re great at design and all things computer-related, and want to follow that into a career. Or, you’re just fascinated by computer technology and want to know more. In any case, finding the right degree to become a tech specialist is a great first step and the Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT might be one to consider! 

In this article, we’ve asked Dean, a third-year Computer Science student from RMIT, to give some advice and reflection on his study experience.

So, if you want to know more about the pros and cons of studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT, just read on! 

Why should you study a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT?

Top 3 Pros of a Computer Science Degree

Top 3 Cons of a Computer Science Degree

Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

Things to Know Before Starting a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT

What Makes this Degree Different

Motivations for Studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT

Potential Career Paths

Why should you study a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT?

This is a great university degree option for anyone who not only enjoys STEM subjects, but also enjoys coming up with solutions. Contrary to popular opinion, creativity is one of keystones to technology-related degrees because innovation and problem-solving is at the forefront of computer science careers.

Following the rapid pace that technology changes, RMIT’s Computer Science degree is re-designed (for students starting in 2021 and on) to improve the teaching style of their first-year programming units. On campus, the RMIT facilities have been recently renovated and most lecture rooms, lab rooms, and the technology in these rooms provide a great learning environment for Computer Science students. 

However, be prepared to spend many hours attending classes and mental energy on detail-oriented work. There is a lot of programming, coding and digital building in this course, and certain units can feel overwhelming in difficulty. So, an interest in working in the field and good time management is necessary for resilience! 

Top 3 Pros of a Computer Science degree

#1: Genuinely helpful classes 

“The classes can help show you where you need to improve or what you need to study to be a good programmer or software engineer,” Dean first tells us.

The new first-year units Programming Bootcamp 1 and Programming Bootcamp 2 are intensive 4-5 week units where students learn programming basics through challenges and exercises in the computer laboratory. Because of the intense class setting, it is designed to boost and secure great foundations of programming through continuous tutor supervision and availability.

“However, they won’t teach nearly enough… so study the content further than they teach you,” Dean recommends. 

#2: Great coursework structure for a Bachelor’s Degree

Although Computer Science encompasses a broad range of knowledge areas, Dean tells us, “There are a lot of classes that will help you understand what exactly you enjoy doing in computer science related topics.” 

These are especially the case in later two years of the degree, where students can learn more advanced concepts and dip their toes into different uses of computer sciences. Some core units that are helpful to finding out a student’s niche include Software Engineering: Process and Tools, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing. 

Software Engineering: Process and Tools crosses over to software work in which students complete a team project that is assessed by the chair of the Computer Science Industry Advisory Committee! Artificial Intelligence unpacks the new field of AI while Cloud Computing relates to the issue of big data management.

#3: Builds up your self-responsibility 

Unlike high school, where students can rely on teachers and school events, university life and studying Computer Science can build up your self-responsibility and motivation: as Dean says, “It gives you a big excuse to further your knowledge and network which can be very important if you are lazy [still learning to motivate yourself].”

The course structure builds up the student’s resilience in an approachable way. First-year students are granted more leniency, support and only need to take three units per semester. In the second year, students take four units per semester and by third year, they learn to become more self-reliant and confident in their own knowledge through the final Programming Project.

Top 3 Cons of a Computer Science degree

#1: Little focus on career pathways and extracurricular activities

While the coursework in a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT is structured effectively, knowledge outside of Computer Science is not as supported by the university. 

“They won’t teach you nearly enough to be able to function in a work environment. Go to clubs and network, go to workshops and learn more practical stuff,” Dean says. 

Career-related skills and learning about newer areas of computer science are just as important as the coursework. However, this is similar to Computer Science degrees in UNSW, USyd and WSU where no work placements are integrated into the degree. 

Self-motivation is, then, needed to join societies and fulfil these skills yourself through technical workshops, hackathons, and meet-ups before major tech events. One great society for this is the RMIT CSIT Society, which represents the students in Software Engineering, Computer Science, and associated Information Technology Programs.

#2: Classes can be frustrating

Dean tells us that certain units won’t be your cup of tea, for reasons of difficulty, being unrelated to your interests or, even, being too easy (we’ll discuss this below)! 

“Beginning of year two can be a major jump in skill required for a beginner programmer. Sometimes you’ll learn that you don’t like a class and you’ll have to do it anyway,” Dean says. “It’s a good learning experience but it can be frustrating or boring.”

For example, Computing Theory is an especially difficult second-year unit, where students are introduced to theories of computing, computation models, and computing problems. A great way to help through any gruelling classes can be forming a good friend group and engaging with the unit coursework with them.

#3: First year units can be too easy  

Since programming is not prerequisite knowledge for this course, the first year typically sets up students’ basic programming skills.

“If you are already a novice or beginner programmer, the first semester will be far too easy and the course does not account for it,” says Dean. 

However, if you do have that preliminary programming knowledge, you can also feel confident in doing well in your unit grades for the first year! 

Any regrets? 

“My only regret is not spending enough time doing self study and learning extra stuff outside of my time studying the material in the first year,” Dean says. “If you can really get ahead and learn how to program in the first year, you’ll be set up for the rest of the course.”

What do you wish you had known before starting a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT? 

One thing Dean wishes he knew is “how important networking is — really get out there and meet people. It will be integral to your career later on”.

An easy way to take on this advice in real life is to check out the events held by RMIT CSIT Society, especially any competitions that can get your name on the map.  

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

“I think RMIT has a strong club presence which can help you learn and assist you with the material,” Dean reflects. “Also the location of RMIT is fun and exciting, another reason to attend classes.”

Located in Melbourne, it is easy for students to participate in extracurricular events and have a wider range of internship options. 

What inspired you to choose a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT?

Dean’s decision to choose Computer Science at RMIT was mainly through its great reputation. 

“I saw technology in Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and thought it would be good for Computer Science. Also a friend of mine was already in the year above me in Computer Science so that was a lot of help — meet some seniors and ask for advice,” he says. 

What are the possible career paths?

Students who graduate from a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT can enter a range of industries in their career pathway. They work for commercial organisations, government departments, research and software development companies, which include companies such as Deloitte, ANZ and Apple. 

Career roles for Computer Science graduates include: 

• Information security analyst 
• Software developer 
• Data scientist 
• Systems engineer 
• Cybersecurity manager
• AI researcher

Discover the top IT faculties in Australia here!

Lynn Chen is a Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is a Communication student at UTS with a major in Creative Writing. Lynn’s articles have been published in Vertigo, The Comma, and Shut Up and Go. In her spare time, she also writes poetry.