BlogITWhat It’s Like Studying a Bachelor of Computing Science at UTS

What It’s Like Studying a Bachelor of Computing Science at UTS

UTS Computer Science - Fact Sheet

If you’re interested in a Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) at UTS, then we’ve got you covered. 

We’ll take you through everything there is to know about the core units, majors, assessments, uni culture and more!

So, let’s get straight into it! 

What is a Bachelor of Computing Science at UTS?
Core Units and Majors
How to Get into a Bachelor of Computing Science at UTS
What’s the Teaching Format?
What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?

What is a Bachelor of Computing Science at UTS?

A Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) at UTS provides you with the technical skills and knowledge you need to enter the world of computing science and IT. Of course, you’ll learn the different programming languages, how to manage data and use equations to find different solutions.

You’ll also learn how to model and develop different solutions for IT business based projects. These are all skills that employers look for in computer science graduates!

Honours 

There’s a heavy focus on research, especially since Honours is included in the degree. That means, you’ll finish the degree having completed your own research project in the area of computing science!

Now the cool thing about a Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) at UTS is that the Honours is already built into the degree (nice!).

Career Paths 

Well, it depends on which major you take and what area of the computing science/IT world you’re most interested in because there’s a range of awesome jobs waiting for you. You could be a: 

    • Data scientist
    • Researcher
    • Cyber security consultant
    • Games developer
    • Programmer analyst 
    • Information systems manager

…and the list goes on!  

UTS Computer Science - Student Quote 1

Core Units and Majors

Course Structure 

In the first year, you’ll complete just the core units and then get to choose one of the ten majors in the second year. There are still core units spread throughout the degree and when you do them exactly, depends on which major you choose. 

You’ll also get to take four electives of your choosing—once again, when you take the electives depends on which major you choose. In the Spring Session of the third year, all students begin to prepare for the Honours program with the subject Technology Research Preparation. 

In the fourth and final year, students work on their research proposal during the subject Technology Research Methods and then complete their Honours Project in the final semester. 

Core Units 

You’ll complete 16 core Computing Science subjects throughout the degree—there’s a mix of programming, business and math-based subjects. Let’s also just point out that the core subjects are a great opportunity to meet people! 

Maths 

There’s lot of group work in the maths-based subjects—yay, easier to meet people! In Discrete Maths, you’ll go over everything you learnt in the high school math classroom and relearn all of that from a very new perspective!

An Introduction to Mathematical and Analysis and Modelling focuses on calculus and lots of equations while an Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems looks at applying equations to real world problems! 

Programming 

Of course, you’ll learn a lot about different programming languages! You’re taught Java in Programming 1 during your first semester.

In the subject Database Fundamentals, you’ll learn how to use the programming language SQL and how to manage data. Another really cool subject is Web Systems where you develop a website and actually build it, learning all about HGML (Hyper Graphics Markup Language)

Business 

There’s an Introduction to Information Systems  which looks at how technology can help the business world. 

The Business Requirements Modelling subject helps build the foundations which are needed for every other business subject, especially if you choose the Business Information Systems Management major. In the subject Project Management and the Professional, you’ll work on developing solutions and applying them to different projects – so as you can imagine, there’s a big focus on problem-solving here! 

There’s also a focus on developing good communication and research skills which are refined during Computer Science Studio 1  and 2. Students look at existing academic literature and conduct further research on a topic in the area of Computing Science under the guide of a researcher from UTS—now that’s pretty cool, you’ll have a research project to show future employers! 

For more info about all the core units, check this out! 

Majors

There are ten interesting majors you can choose from and you’ll do 8 subjects for whichever major you choose. 

Electives 

Throughout the degree, you’ll complete four electives. You don’t have a big selection of options because the electives you can choose from are based on the major because there are quite a few prerequisites!

Check out the course structure here to see which electives you can choose depending on your major. 

What is a major in Business Information Systems Management like?

Well, as the name implies, this major is more business-based and focuses on how information technology can be used in the business world.

The major builds on from what you learn in the core subject Business Requirements Modelling and looks at how to design and implement different ICTS (Information and Communication Technologies). So we’re talking finding solutions for business projects and the handling and sharing of data information as well as the monetary side like accounting and more!

The subject Information System Development Management encourages you to use your problem solving skills in a collaborative environment to design solutions for different IT projects. In Finance and IT Professionals, you’ll gain knowledge in financial management.

During the Strategic IT Project, you’ll develop your research and communication skills as you analyse a case study in relation to IT and the business world.

Are there any internships or built-in experience?

While the degree doesn’t require you to complete an internship, it never hurts – and it always looks great on the resume. There’s also the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice while doing your Computing Science degree at UTS at the same time (neat!). 

Basically it’s best to apply for during your final year of a Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) because you have to find employment for at least nine months and also complete some extra academic subjects. 

 

How to Get into a Bachelor of Computing Science at UTS

You’ll need an ATAR of 80 to secure your spot for a Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) at UTS. You’re also able to get some extra bonus points for HSC subjects that you excel in. 

Check out the Year 12 Adjustment Factors scheme for Computing Science (Honours).

Pathway Programs

There’s no need to stress if you didn’t get the ATAR you need for a Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) because there is another way! 

You can study a Diploma of Information Technology with UTS Insearch and if you meet the required GPA (Grade Point Average), you have a guaranteed spot to a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours). The Diploma can be completed in a year (standard) or even just 8 months (accelerated).

Check out all the details here! 

Assumed Knowledge

You should have completed Mathematics Extension 1 and any two units of English in the HSC—although UTS does recommend Advanced English.  

Scholarships

There are all sorts of scholarships that you can apply for at UTS which can be found here!

What’s the Teaching Format?

There’s no need to hold your breath because a Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) at UTS is completed through semesters! You’ll take a mix of lectures, tutorials and labs during the degree. 

UTS Computer Science - Class Structure

Lectures

The size of the lecture depends on the subject but you can expect to have anywhere from 50 to 200 people! The lectures are where you learn the content and take a lot of notes, so there’s not a lot of back and forth discussion—mainly just the lecturer teaching you content.

Tutorials 

The tutorials are smaller with around 20 to 30 people – these are more discussion based and you’ll do a lot of group work. It depends on the subject but you might revise the content from the lecture, find the solutions to various equations or work on any group assignments. 

Seminars 

Sometimes you might have seminars instead of a lecture and/or tutorial—depends on the subject, but they are usually a little bigger in size compared to the tutorials. These usually go for three hours and are more interactive where you can ask questions whilst also engaging in the content.

Labs

For all those programming subjects, you’ll have computer labs with around 20 to 30 people. These are where you’ll practice your programming skills, so make sure to attend these so that you can ask your tutor any questions if you are confused about how to do certain things! 

How many hours do you spend at uni?

If you study a Bachelor of Computing Science at UTS, you’ll take four subjects a semester on a full-time load. So, you’re looking at around 2-3 hours a subject which gives you between 8-12 contact hours a week (this can vary slightly depending on your major).

What are assessments like?

Of course, it depends on the subject however you can expect the core programming and math subjects to have weekly quizzes as well as midsem and final exams. There is a big focus on collaborative work so there will be at least one group assignment no matter which major you choose. 

For the majors, you can expect to have a mix of quizzes with multiple choice and short answer questions, reports, analysis of case studies and of course, mid sem and final exams. 

Skills That You Refine and Learn

There’s no doubt that you’ll refine your problem solving skills because that’s a big part of the degree—you have to find and develop solutions to various problems! And that’s also when creative thinking comes in—it’s not always easy finding those solutions and most of the time, you’ll really have to think outside of the box.

You’ll develop your communication and research skills as you undertake your research project during your Honours. You’ll have to look at existing academic literature, conduct your own research and present your findings in a written format.

Since there is so much group work, you’ll also learn how to work efficiently in a team—finding a good balance between listening to others and also contributing. 

What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?

Since the Computing Science cohort is usually on the smaller scale, you get to know everyone quite quickly and really well; the cohort becomes like a small family in a way! 

During the first year, everyone does the same subjects and that’s the time for you to make friends. There is a lot of group work so you’re bound to meet some cool people and you’ll probably hang out a fair bit. 

Since the core units are spread throughout the course, you’ll still have classes with people who are doing different majors to you—there’s always a familiar face somewhere! 

UTS Tech Society

You can also join the UTS Tech Society which provides social and professional opportunities. There’s Welcome drinks, trivia/games nights, different tech related workshops and the much loved Tech & Eng Ball where you can dance the night away.

You can also attend networking nights where you can talk with industry professionals and get to know more about the different companies out there. 

Support Programs

So, say you’re finding some of those core Computing Science subjects like Applications Programming or Web Systems a bit challenging and need some extra help? You can sign up for a UPass class. 

Past students who have completed the same subjects as you revise the material with you and help you wherever you need it. Unlike tutorials, there’s more time to ask questions and have things explained because the classes are smaller and tailored towards helping you with what you specifically need. 

It’s free and all you have to do is sign up for whatever time suits you best! 

To know what the pros and cons are of this degree, check this article out!


Tanna Nankivell is a Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is currently in Germany completing a year of study for her double degree in Communications (Journalism) and Bachelor of Arts (International Studies). She has had articles published on Central News – the UTS Journalism Lab and wrote a feature piece for Time Out Sydney during her internship. Tanna has a love for travel and the great outdoors, you’ll either find her on the snowfields or in the ocean, teaching aqua aerobics or creating short films.

 

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