BlogUniversityWhat It’s Like Studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT

What It’s Like Studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT

RMIT Computer Science - Fact Sheet

Have you ever wanted to know how to build social media apps? Or does developing artificial intelligence interest you? If so, a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT could be your next step after HSC!

This article unpacks all the essential info about this course, from its core units, teaching format to faculty and culture.

Let’s jump in! 

What is a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT?
Core Units for this Degree
How to Get into a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT
What’s the Teaching Format?
What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?

What is a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT?

A Bachelor of Computer Science teaches the mathematical and theoretical side of computer science. At RMIT, there’s a big focus on building students’ programming skills, however it also covers areas such as software engineering and a range of electives related to complex systems relevant in the tech industry.

RMIT has revised its course structure to make the first year of studying Computer Science engaging and practical-based for its students. Throughout the course, students also have networking opportunities by participating in hackathons and other tech-related events! 

Can this degree be studied in conjunction with another or completed as Honours?

While it is not compulsory, a Bachelor of Computer Science can be studied as a double degree with the following:

There is also an option of studying an additional Honours program for Computer Science students who have achieved at least GPA of 3.0. This year is dedicated to building the student’s research skills and completing a thesis. 

Career Paths 

Since tech specialists are required in many industries, Computer Science graduates can enter a range of industries in their career pathway. This includes working for commercial organisations, government departments, research and software development companies including Deloitte, ANZ and Apple.

These career roles include: 

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

Core Units for this Degree

A Bachelor of Computer Science is taught in a mix of core units and electives. 

First Year

In the first-year computer science program, units focus on programming and computing-specific mathematics. Students extensively attend workshops and computer laboratories to get a hands-on understanding of these concepts.

In addition to normal studio and class formats, the 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. 

Second Year

The second year narrows down to more niche and advanced topics related to computer science. For example, Computing Theory is an especially difficult introductory unit to theories of computing, computation models, and computing problems; it is also one of the prerequisites to the third-year unit Artificial Intelligence.

Students also learn basic components of software engineering in the units Software Engineering Fundamentals and Software Engineering: Process and Tools

Third Year

The third year is the most flexible of the years since it is designed to prepare students for real-world  activities and problems. For example, the unit Artificial Intelligence unpacks the burgeoning field of AI while Cloud Computing relates to the issue of big data management.

As a way to prepare for working in a professional environment, students also work on a project where they develop software and/or deliver IT solutions; this is not an internship or work placement as this course program does not incorporate work experience units.

Electives

While there are no specialisations in this degree, there is an interesting range of electives for students to choose in their second and third year. These include: 

Interactive 3D Graphics and Animation explores algorithms, techniques and principles behind 3D computer graphics and animation such as real-time rendering and realistic image synthesis. Programming Internet of Things looks into the technologies for building Smart Homes, Smart Campus and other systems that collect data through sensory devices. 

How to Get into a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT

The ATAR cut-off for a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT is 75.15. 

Alternate Pathways

If your ATAR does not meet the cut-off, you firstly should consider whether you are eligible for adjustment points through RMIT’s Subject Adjustments Scheme. For this course, a maximum of four points can be awarded if the applicant has achieved:

  • A study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 1 aggregate point per study
  • A study score of 30 in English other than EAL equals 1 aggregate point per study
  • A study score of 30 in one but no more than three of Computing: Software Development, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 1 aggregate point per study. 

In addition, RMIT offers a two-year Associate Degree in Information Technology in which graduates can continue into a Bachelor of Computer Science, provided they have:

  1. Have passed VCE Mathematical Methods (CAS), Specialist Mathematics or have completed MATH2395 – Introduction to Engineering Mathematics as a program option course within AD006
  2. Successfully completed Discrete Mathematics or Discrete Structures in Computing
  3. Successfully completed Further Programming

Prerequisite Subjects

The prerequisite subjects for a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT are: 

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL 
  • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics

Scholarships

While there are more than 2000 scholarships offered at RMIT, the most relevant scholarship for commencing Computer Science students is the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship. This offers a value of up to $5000 for any student commencing a technology-related degree, provided they are shortlisted and successful in the selection interview. 

The whole list of RMIT scholarships can be found here!

What’s the Teaching Format?

A Bachelor of Computer Science is taught in semesters and course content is delivered with lectures, tutorials, and practicals. Tutorials and practicals are generally interchangeable classes, depending on what the coordinator names them; however, in certain units, tutorials and practicals are different. 

Class Structure

RMIT Computer Science - Class Structure

Lectures

In lectures, students watch the lecturer cover unit content. Sometimes, demonstrations are provided depending on the topic.

Most lectures are two hours on average, between 50 to 100 people attend lectures; if it is a late lecture this number can drop down to 12 to 30 people. However lectures are pretty important so we recommend at least studying the material that week if you don’t want to go to the lecture.

Tutorials/Practicals

In tutorials and practicals, students are walked through the process of applying theoretical knowledge to a different range of exercises, including building programs and algorithms, or maths exercises. These are either done on the student’s own computer or the computers at RMIT in the lab rooms (where both classes are based).

For tutorials and practicals, usually around 15 to 30 people are in attendance, but during very busy weeks, or if the classes are very late, the number can plummet to below 10. Tutorials can last an hour or two and practicals are usually only an hour long.

How much time do you spend in classes?

While contact hours vary semester to semester, the average number of contact hours for a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT is 16 hours.

What are the assessments like?

For programming-based units, there is a focus on coding, programming, and building applications for assessments such as in-lab exercises, quizzes or at-home assignments.

Mathematics-based units have similar assessments but predominantly contain maths-related problems. 

Currently, units generally have three main assessments that weigh 25-50%, with smaller assessments (online tests or small exercises) dotted throughout the semester. Assessments that are project-based, such as building a large application, will usually weigh 50% of the unit grade.

Skills You Refine and Learn

RMIT Computer Science - Skills

The skills students learn during a Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT can be categorised into programming, analytical and design skills, which are all fundamentals to projects in various career fields.

Since there is a large focus on programming in this course, graduates have a sharpened knowledge of programming techniques, skills and practices that are necessary for modern software development.

In combination with computing theories and mathematical knowledge, the graduate’s programming skills build the graduate’s analytical skills in which they learn to understand different real-world issues and propose software or IT solutions to them.

Lastly, design skills correspond to the graduate’s ability to deliver, develop and implement solutions by using formal methodologies.  

What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?

Faculty 

Most of the faculty are passionate about their work and supportive. Since student experiences vary, choosing a tutor that suits your learning needs can be pivotal to how well you engage in class and, therefore, your grades (changing lecturers is pretty much non-negotiable).

The RMIT facilities have been recently renovated, so most lecture rooms, lab rooms, and the technology in these rooms are generally up to date. Computer science students are generally friendly and it is quite easy to form friendships because of the many contact hours for this course. 

Societies

Joining at least one society is recommended as students have the chance to attend networking events with industry professionals as well as with other peers. 

RMIT Computer Science - Quote

One great society for Computer Science students is the RMIT CSIT Society which represents the students in Software Engineering, Computer Science, and associated Information Technology Programs.

They offer professional and career development events such as technical workshops, hackathons, and meet-ups before major tech events. Their sponsors for 2021 are Deloitte, Accenture, ESRI and Atlassian.

Other IT clubs include the Programming Club and RMIT Society for Women in Information Technology (‘SWITCH’).

Mentoring Programs

Computer Science students can also sign up to mentor high school students. The In2science’ program selects students from Victorian universities to help out grades 7-10 students in their STEM subjects for 2-3 days and promote awareness of STEM pathways.

If you’d like to add some great volunteering experience to your CV, In2science is an awesome opportunity for that!

Keen to learn about the pros and cons of this degree? Check out our article 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.

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