Diploma in Computer Science
Take the first step in your study of the design, construction and uses of computer systems with a Diploma in Computer Science at UNSW Sydney, for a direct pathway into Second Year at Australia’s top Engineering faculty.
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Is a UNSW Diploma right for you?
A UNSW Diploma is the perfect transition to university life in Australia. It’s ideal for international students who need extra support, including those who missed out on direct entry into their preferred bachelor’s degree, or hold qualifications that aren’t recognised by UNSW Sydney.
Study a Diploma in Computer Science at UNSW Global2, and progress to Second Year at UNSW Sydney to study a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science).
A UNSW Diploma makes it easy to adjust to the second year of your undergraduate degree:
- Smaller classes and at least 20% extra teaching time
- Additional English and academic skill support
- Course material equivalent to first year courses within the UNSW Sydney degree
- Access to the same facilities and resources as undergraduate students
Why study Computer Science at UNSW Sydney?
Pursue your passion to create solutions that will change the world, with a career in the dynamic world of computer systems. UNSW’s globally renowned School of Computer Science and Engineering is in the #1 Engineering faculty in Australia, providing world-class education that empowers students through a hands-on approach. You’ll explore new ideas and diverse perspectives within a vibrant student community, through a wide choice of majors available in your Bachelor of Science (Computer Science).
Diploma in Computer Science program information
| Intakes | January, May, August | See intake dates |
| Duration | 12 months | |
| Terms | 3 terms | See academic calendar |
| Courses | 9 courses | See program structure |
| Contact hours | Approx 20-25 hours per week | |
| Progression | Year 2 - Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) at UNSW Sydney | Find out more |
| Scholarships | Up to $7,500 | Find out more |
"The Diploma program offers a more personalised introduction to your UNSW degree. Small class sizes allow you to get to know your lecturers and tutors. The program runs at a slower pace than the standard first year courses, helping you to balance your study and non-study time with less pressure."
Dr Noel Hanna
Progress to UNSW Sydney
Once you successfully complete a UNSW Diploma in Computer Science, you will progress to Second Year at UNSW Sydney to study a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science).
To learn more about the program structure and courses you will study, click below.
Computer science is the study of the design, construction and use of computer systems. This degree focuses on comprehension of the basic principles behind computing tools, operating systems, compilers and translators, and computer hardware. You will study the representation of data and data structures and the design of algorithms for programming languages and machine systems. A main focus is the design and development of hardware and software tools for developing computer applications. Non-computing elements, which can often determine the success of computing systems (such as human interface or psychological aspects), are also considered within the design and development process.
You must take all of the following Core courses:
- Mathematics 1A
- Mathematics 1B
- Introduction to Programming
- Computer Systems Fundamentals
- Communication & Academic Literacy
You must also select 4 courses from the following list of Electives:
- Introduction to Engineering Design & Innovation
- Physics 1A or Higher Physics 1A
- Physics 1B* or Higher Physics 1B*
- Molecules, Cells & Genes
- Applied Biomolecular Sciences
* Note: you can only select this option if you have studied Physics 1A or Higher Physics 1A
Note: Diploma in Computer Science students must achieve a pass across all Diploma courses to be guaranteed entry into Second Year at UNSW Sydney.
Diploma entry requirements
Check if you meet the academic and English language entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma program.
If you don’t meet the academic entry requirements for a UNSW Diploma program, you can study a UNSW Foundation Studies program first.
If you need help meeting the English language requirements, you could study the University English Entry Course (UEEC) before starting your UNSW Diploma program.
Dates and fees
| Enrolment | Finish | Start UNSW Degree | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Aug 2020 | 20 Aug 2021 | Term 3 - September 2021 | $43,200* |
| 18 Jan 2021 | 10 Dec 2021 | Term 1 - February 2022 | $43,200* |
| 10 May 2021 | 29 Apr 2022 | Term 2 - June 2022 | $43,200* |
| 30 Aug 2021 | 19 Aug 2022 | Term 3 - September 2022 | $43,200* |
* Tuition fees are indicative only. View a breakdown of 2020 diploma tuition fees by course here. View non-tuition fees here.
“While studying the Diploma program at UNSW Global, one of the most important things I learned was time management – and balancing my study and social life. The great facilities, close proximity and similarities between the systems at UNSW Global and UNSW Sydney really help to prepare me for further studies at UNSW.”
Aileen Inez Widjaja
Indonesia
Important Information
- 1 QS World University Rankings, 2020 .
- 2 UNSW Diploma programs are delivered on UNSW campus by UNSW Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of UNSW Sydney.
- Australian permanent residents, Australian citizens and New Zealand citizens are not eligible to enrol in Diploma programs at this time. If a student becomes an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or New Zealand citizen after they enrol, they must continue to pay international student fees for the duration of their Diploma program and will be subject to additional competitive processes for entry into a UNSW Sydney program.
