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Bachelor of Computer Science (C2001)

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Monash University

Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTC

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Course title

Bachelor of Computer Science

Short title

BCompSc

Course code

C2001

Credit points

144 credit points

Course duration

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Time limit

8 years

Enrolment information

Contact us at Monash Connect.

Congratulations on your offer and welcome to Monash IT.

This page explains what you will study in the Bachelor of Computer Science and what you need to enrol in. It outlines your core units, specialisation requirements, electives, and enrolment planning.

Enrolling in units through WES is how you formally accept your offer.

How your degree is structured

Each course has specific requirements that must be satisfied in order to graduate. Your course map outlines these requirements year by year and semester by semester.

The Bachelor of Computer Science consists of:

  • 8 core (compulsory) units
  • 8 units in a specialisation (you must complete at least one)
  • 8 free electives

This totals 24 units (144 credit points).

Core units (compulsory)

You must complete all of the following core units to meet the requirements of your degree.:

  • FIT1008: Fundamentals of algorithms
  • FIT1045: Introduction to programming
  • FIT1047: Introduction to computer systems, networks and security
  • FIT1049: IT professional practice
  • FIT1058: Foundations of computing
  • FIT2004: Algorithms and data structures
  • FIT2014: Theory of computation
  • FIT2094: Databases

These units cover programming, mathematics, professional practice, algorithms, data structures, theory of computation, and databases.

All core units must be completed to meet the requirements of the degree.

Units, year levels and credit points

Each unit has a code and a name, for example FIT1045 Introduction to programming. The first digit indicates the year level.

Across your degree:

  • First-year units (FIT1xxx): normally 8 units (48 points), maximum 10 units (60 points)
  • Third-year units (FIT3xxx): minimum 6 units (36 points)
  • Most units are worth 6 credit points
  • 24 units × 6 credit points = 144 credit points required

All prerequisite and corequisite requirements must be met before enrolling in a unit.

Specialisations (compulsory)

You must complete at least one specialisation as part of the Bachelor of Computer Science.

Each specialisation includes eight units. Once you decide on a specialisation, you must complete all core units within that specialisation.

Available specialisations:

Your choice of specialisation will affect your second-semester unit selection in first year and will determine the degree title you graduate with.

When enrolling in WES, you will be prompted to nominate your specialisation (referred to as your “Area of Study”). You can nominate a specialisation at enrolment, but you do not need to finalise this until the end of your first year and you may change it later.

Refer to your course map for the core units within each specialisation.

Minors and elective options

The Bachelor of Computer Science includes 8 free electives and, depending on your specialisation, 1 or 2 specialist electives.

You may use your electives to:

  • Complete an Information Technology major*
  • Complete one or two minors
  • Complete a major from another faculty
  • Select individual elective units

*If completing an IT major, up to two units may be cross-counted between the major and your course core. This also applies to minors.

Majors are not compulsory in this degree but consist of eight units studied over at least three years. Majors appear on your academic transcript.

Available IT majors:

Minors consist of four units studied over at least two years and are listed on your transcript.

Available IT minors include:

You may also complete a major or minor from another faculty, such as Science. Some non-FIT areas include applied mathematics, mathematics, pure mathematics , and languages.

Refer to the Handbook for the full list of majors, minors, and unit requirements.

Course maps and enrolment planning

Course maps outline the recommended progression for each specialisation. They show core units, specialisation units, and elective units.

Always refer to the course map relevant to the year you commenced your degree.

If you are commencing:

  • Semester 1 (February/March): enrol in Semester 1 and Semester 2
  • Semester 2 (July): enrol in Semester 2 only

Domestic full-time students normally enrol in four units per semester (eight per year). International students on a student visa must enrol in four units per semester.

In your first year, you may need to choose an elective in each semester, depending on your specialisation and commencement semester.

Students commencing in a non-standard semester should refer to the course maps listed under Quick Facts.

Credit for prior learning

You may apply for credit for completed Diploma-level TAFE or university-level study.

If granted:

  • Credit points will count towards your degree
  • You will not be required to complete equivalent units

You can search previous credit decisions online before applying.

If you completed Units 3 & 4 VCE Algorithmics (HESS), you are eligible for 12 credit points: FIT1045 and a Level 1 FIT elective.

Credit applications can be submitted online after creating your Monash computer account. Supporting documentation must include transcripts and detailed unit outlines.

If you have already applied for credit, refer to your course map and enrol in the remaining required units.

Industry Based Learning (IBL)

You may apply for an Industry-Based Learning (IBL) placement during your degree.

While undertaking IBL:

  • You cannot enrol in on-campus units
  • Core course requirements must be completed outside the IBL semester
  • International students may need to overload or complete summer/winter units to maintain duration

Students may complete one IBL placement, subject to meeting entry requirements. Prerequisites include FIT1045 and FIT1049.

An IBL placement replaces:

  • Algorithms and software: FIT3161, FIT3162 and the approved elective
  • Artificial intelligence: FIT3192, FIT3193 and the approved AI elective
  • Cybersecurity: FIT3188, FIT3189 and the approved cybersecurity elective
  • Data science and AI: FIT3163, FIT3164 and one approved data science elective

Students who do not complete IBL must complete a third-year capstone project. Prerequisite units for capstone projects are listed in the Handbook.

What to do next

Now that you understand your course structure, specialisation requirements, elective options, and credit arrangements, you are ready to enrol.

Enrol through WES to formally accept your offer. If you require assistance, contact Monash Connect.