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

What will you do?

This one-year program is suited to students with little prior experience in computer science. You will:

• learn to design and construct large software systems
• 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 diploma can also act as an exit point for students who do not wish to complete the full master program.

The graduate diploma typically consists of 24 units of material selected from the Level 2 and Level 3 courses, or 12 units if the candidate has already completed the graduate certificate. The course Software Engineering and Project is compulsory for graduate diploma students.

Academic Program Rules

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

Graduate Diploma in Computer Science

Example Study Plan

To satisfy the requirements for Core Courses students must complete courses to the value of 3 units, Elective Course to the value of 21 units.

All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Graduates may find employment opportunities in academia, commercial and government sectors, defence, entertainment, computer science and information technology industries. 

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

Professional Accreditation

The Graduate Diploma in Computer Science is designed to provide a professional qualification in computing and information technology, and also provides the necessary academic requirements for membership of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers  and the American-based Association for Computing Machinery .

Potential careers

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

Computer Scientist;  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).