University of Technology Sydney

C10239v1 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

Award(s): Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc)
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BA)

UAC code: 609230 (Autumn session)
CRICOS code: 059726G
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 240
Course EFTSL: 5
Location: City campus

Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Assumed knowledge
External articulation
Recognition of prior learning
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course diagram
Course program
Levels of award
Honours
Transfer between UTS courses
Professional recognition
Other information

Overview

This course integrates a professional degree in information technology with the study of a language and culture other than English and the opportunity for students to study overseas for an academic year, pursuing a major research project in a field of their choice.

The information technology component provides a sound education in all aspects of computing and information technology for a career in the profession.

The international studies component offers an in-depth understanding of diverse cultures through academic learning at UTS and the host institution during the year abroad.

Students choose an IT major and are allocated to a country major as part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.

The course adopts a practice-based approach to IT education and the course content is designed with a mix of theory and practice. As well as gaining strong technical skills in IT, students gain skills in business analysis, problem-solving, teamwork and communication. Employers look for graduates with industry experience and, in this course, students are exposed to real IT problems.

The international studies component of this course means that graduates have the added advantage of being well prepared to participate in a global workforce and a diverse range of IT careers and companies.

Course aims

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology aims to produce graduates who are able to apply, in the context of any organisation, the knowledge and skills required of:

  • information systems professionals in business units who integrate packaged systems rather than develop systems from first principles
  • information technology professionals who develop systems from first principles
  • network specialists who build, maintain and administer complex network systems, or
  • computing specialists for technical research careers.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies aims to:

  • provide an opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of another language and culture, intercultural awareness and engagement, resilience and adaptability, and stronger communication skills, and
  • encourage understanding and appreciation of, and sensitivity towards, diverse cultural perspectives, practices, needs and values, in international and local contexts.

Career options

Depending on the major selected, career options include business analyst, network engineer, network specialist, software developer, software engineer or web developer. Graduates of this course are in high demand with technology companies and industries that use IT such as banking, construction, energy, finance, government, manufacturing, retail and transport. Options are enhanced by international experience, making students more marketable to prospective employers, including multinational companies.

Course intended learning outcomes

FEIT A.1 Historically and Culturally Informed about Indigenous Knowledge Systems: FEIT graduates are culturally and historically informed, able to work as respectful professionals with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
FEIT B.1 Socially Responsible: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduates are socially responsible professionals, able to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, to assess personal, organisational, social, ethical and environmental needs and impacts of IT systems.
FEIT C.1 Design Oriented: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduates apply design techniques and appropriate methodologies to develop IT systems and components to meet stakeholder requirements.
FEIT D.1 Technically Proficient:Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduates apply a range of discipline fundamentals, tools, and techniques to design, implement, operate and evaluate IT systems.
FEIT E.1 Collaborative and Communicative: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduates work as effective team members, communicating effectively, and operating within diverse contexts.
FEIT F.1 Reflective: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduates critically self-review their professional performance, to improve themselves and their teams.
INT.1.1 Employ effective cultural strategies to operate within professional settings in Australia and internationally.
INT.2.1 Conduct independent research into contemporary societies and cultures.
INT.2.2 Evaluate research findings and creatively use research methods in International Studies.
INT.3.1 Reflect on and use knowledge of contemporary societies to engage with diverse cultures.
INT.3.2 Communicate effectively for everyday and/or professional purposes in an additional language.
INT.4.1 Value Indigenous knowledges and sovereignty in Australian and international settings.
INT.5.1 Develop capacity to engage with current issues and to act ethically in Australian and international settings.
INT.6.1 Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken English.

Key

INT = International Studies course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.

Students are admitted to the international studies program with no guarantee of entry to a specific major, although every effort is made to meet students' preferences.

Current school leavers are advised to complete the Year 12 Engineering and IT Questionnaire. The questionnaire allows applicants to demonstrate their strong motivation to study engineering or IT at UTS and may assist applicants whose ATAR falls short of the required cut-off by up to three points.

Non-current school leavers are advised to complete the employment question on their UAC application as adjustment factors may be applied on the basis of relevant work experience.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics and any two units of English.

HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and English (Advanced) are recommended.

There are no prior language requirements for the international studies program. Entry level to the various language and culture programs depends on students' prior knowledge of the relevant language.

External articulation

Students admitted through the UTS Insearch pathway are eligible for up to 48 credit points of recognition of prior learning.

Students who have completed a relevant diploma at TAFE NSW may be eligible for at least 24 credit points of recognition of prior learning.

Recognition of prior learning

Students who have previously undertaken relevant study at a recognised tertiary education institution may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) if the subjects completed are deemed by the faculty to be equivalent to subjects in the course. Study completed more than three years prior to the date of admission cannot be recognised. Limits apply to the number of credit points of RPL granted.

Course duration and attendance

The course duration is five years of full-time study. Students spend two sessions at a higher education institution in the country of their major. Students may undertake an additional year with the Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C20056).

Course structure

Students are required to complete 240 credit points, comprising 96 credit points in information technology, 96 credit points in international studies and 48 credit points of electives. The information technology component consists of core (48 credit points) and major (48 credit points). The international studies component consists of foundation studies and contemporary society (16 credit points), language and culture (32 credit points) and in-country study (48 credit points). The 48 credit points of electives can be a combination of a second IT major, or two sub-majors, or one sub-major and four electives, or eight electives.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is completed over a minimum of three years and is not offered as a separate degree; it is completed only in combination with the professional degree program.

The IT major is selected at the time of admission. Students nominate their preferred international studies major during the first year of the course.

Overseas study

Students spend their fourth year of study at a university overseas.

Industrial training/professional practice

Industrial training is available as an additional year by concurrently enrolling in the Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C20056). The diploma comprises a minimum of nine months' full-time paid work experience and supporting subjects at UTS.

Course completion requirements

CBK90005 Country major choice 96cp
CBK90781 Major choice (Information Technology) 48cp
CBK90782 Major/Two sub-majors/Electives 48cp
STM90651 Core subjects (Information Technology) 48cp
Total 240cp

Course diagram

Course diagram: C10239

Course program

The sample program below shows a suggested sequence of subjects for the Japan major. Students in other country majors follow a similar sequence. Sample programs for IT majors are available under the standalone Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (C10148). The program is intended as a guide only and does not take into account such factors as recognition of prior learning, changes in attendance mode and subject availability, or satisfactory academic progress. Students should consult the Timetable Planner to confirm the availability of subjects in the current academic year.

Year 1
Autumn session
31265 Communication for IT Professionals   6cp
31266 Introduction to Information Systems   6cp
48023 Programming Fundamentals   6cp
31268 Web Systems   6cp
Spring session
31269 Business Requirements Modelling   6cp
41092 Network Fundamentals   6cp
Select 6 credit points of options   6cp
Select 6 credit points of electives   6cp
Year 2
Autumn session
31271 Database Fundamentals   6cp
97201 Japanese Language and Culture 1   8cp
976001 Foundations in International Studies   8cp
Select 6 credit points of options   6cp
Spring session
97202 Japanese Language and Culture 2   8cp
Select 12 credit points of options   12cp
Year 3
Autumn session
Select 12 credit points of options   12cp
97203 Japanese Language and Culture 3   8cp
Spring session
97204 Japanese Language and Culture 4   8cp
976211 Contemporary Japan   8cp
Select 6 credit points of options   6cp
Select 6 credit points of electives   6cp
Year 4
Autumn session
977210 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1: Japan   24cp
Spring session
978210 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 2: Japan   24cp
Year 5
Autumn session
31272 Project Management and the Professional   6cp
Select 18 credit points of electives   18cp
Spring session
Select 6 credit points of options   6cp
Select 18 credit points of electives   18cp

Levels of award

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology may be awarded with distinction, credit or pass.

Honours

Students interested in research and who excel in their studies are eligible to undertake one additional full-time year of study in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology (C09019). The honours year is also available on a part-time basis over two years.

Transfer between UTS courses

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (C10148) or Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C10345) may transfer to this course after completing the first year (full-time equivalent) of their current course, subject to achieving a minimum weighted average mark of 65.

Students in this combined degree may transfer to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C10345). International students may transfer to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (C10148).

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for professional-level membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Other information

Further information is available from:

UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887) or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS