Graduate Certificate in Computer Science

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.





  • Ranked #50 in the world for computer science and engineering^
  • Ranked #7 in the world for Artificial Intelligence*
  • Home of the world-leading Australian Institute of Machine Learning

* US Global Rankings, 2023
^ ARWU, 2022

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GC123, 3GC017
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree in a field other than Computer Science with a minimum GPA of 4.5.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $9,315

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Successful domestic applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science will have access to a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places, meaning a reduction of up to 80% off the course fees due to government subsidies. Offer subject to change.

To apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place, please include SATAC code 3GC123 on your SATAC application.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

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 ...

Degree Structure

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.

Foundation Electives

COMP SCI 7081 Computer Systems

COMP SCI 7088 Systems Programming

COMP SCI 7201 Algorithm & Data Structure Analysis

COMP SCI 7207 Web and Database Computing

COMP SCI 7210 Foundations of Computer Science A

COMP SCI 7211 Foundations of Computer Science B

General Electives

COMP SCI 7015 Software Engineering & Project

COMP SCI 7039 Computer Networks & Applications

COMP SCI 7059 Artificial Intelligence

COMP SCI 7064 Operating Systems

COMP SCI 7076 Distributed Systems

COMP SCI 7305 Parallel and Distributed Computing

COMP SCI 7306 Mining Big Data

COMP SCI 7307 Secure Programming

COMP SCI 7308 Cybersecurity Fundamentals

COMP SCI 7314 Introduction to Statistical Machine Learning

COMP SCI 7315 Computer Vision

COMP SCI 7316 Evolutionary Computation

COMP SCI 7411 Event Driven Computing

Advanced Electives 

COMP SCI 7000 Software Architecture

COMP SCI 7007 Specialised Programming

COMP SCI 7023 Software Process Improvement

COMP SCI 7092 Mobile and Wireless Systems

COMP SCI 7407 Advanced Algorithms

COMP SCI 7408 Modelling and Analysis of Complex Systems PG

COMP SCI 7409 Search Based Software Engineering

COMP SCI 7411 Event Driven Computing

COMP SCI 7412 Secure Software Engineering

COMP SCI 7413 Introduction to Quantum Computing

COMP SCI 7416 Applied Machine Learning

COMP SCI 7417 Applied Natural Language Processing

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024