Get tech savvy

Computer science is central to developments across almost every industry. Computer science and IT expertise is a huge asset in the changing landscapes of the modern world.

What will you do?

This six-month program is suited to students with limited prior experience in computer science. You will:

• learn to navigate computer software and hardware
• practise algorithm programming
• gain advanced problem-solving skills
• apply your learning to complex computing challenges.

JAVA and C + + are the primary programming languages used in this program. If you’re unfamiliar with object-oriented programming and computer organisation, enrol in Foundations of Computer Science in your first semester of study. Please note that if you are required to take Foundations of Computer Science you will need to study this program part-time which will affect the duration of your program.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate prepared to pursue computer science roles in all sorts of industries—from entertainment and networking to science, software engineering and defence. The graduate certificate also acts as an exit point if you’re not interested in completing the full graduate diploma or master degree.

This is a 12 unit program. Students may elect to start in semester 1 or 2.

Students unfamiliar with object oriented programming and a basic knowledge of computer organisation should enrol in Foundations of Computer Science and Algorithm and Data Structure Analysis in their first semester of study.

Please note: SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies is assumed knowledge.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Graduate Certificate in Computer Science

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 12 units including, comprising:

Electives to the value of 12 units.

All courses are worth 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Career Readiness

While the graduate certificate alone may not be a sufficient qualification for a career specifically focused on information technology, it will provide a solid grounding in the application of information technology in other disciplines and industry.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.

1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
7. Digital capabilities
8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Internet - Web Programmer;  Software Engineer;  Computer Programmer;  Systems Support;  Database Coordinator;  Multimedia / Web Designer;  IT Manager;  Scientist;  Systems Programmer;  Information and Communications Technologist ...

Bachelor degree or equivalent (from a field other than Computer Science or Computer Engineering) with a minimum GPA of 4.5.

IELTS: Overall 6.5 (Reading 6, Listening 6, Speaking 6, Writing 6); TOEFL: Internet-based: Total score of 79 with a minimum of 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking and 13 in Reading and Listening; TOEFL Paper-based: Total score of 577 with a minimum of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE); Pearsons: Overall 58 (Reading 50, Listening 50, Speaking 50, Writing 50); Cambridge: Overall 176 (Reading 169, Listening 169, Speaking 169, Writing 169).