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Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology – Software Technology

Build practical software development skills.

  • Prepare for software-focused technology roles
  • Gain hands-on experience with cloud computing, mobile app development and interface design 
  • Specialise in Cyber Security or Data Science
  • Accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)
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100% Online

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Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

3 years full-time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

24

Units

Icon Fees

$1,192*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology – Software Technology?

Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – with a major in Software Technology provides you with skills to master the latest practices in web and mobile app development, programming, and interface design.

You’ll develop the technical expertise needed to identify, maintain, and upgrade complex software systems.

While the course is streamlined for software technology, you can also choose minors and electives that match your specific career goals.

Is AI built into this program?

AI is woven throughout the course, so you can build the fluency needed for modern development practices. You’ll work with industry-standard tooling across your programming, web, cloud, and data units.

You can also deepen your AI capability by choosing the Data Science Advanced Minor, which includes a dedicated unit: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. This unit will also teach you how to design software that implements AI concepts.

Who is this course for?

  • Future IT professionals: For those looking to develop practical skills in web and app development, programming, system maintenance and user‑focused software solutions.
  • Career changers: Individuals looking for a recognised pathway into software and technology roles through hands-on industry-linked learning.

How you’ll study

  • The degree runs across three Teaching Periods per year. 
  • Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week, per unit.
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.  
  • You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.  
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.  

What you’ll learn

  • Project Management: Identify the need for ICT intervention, and work with stakeholders to research and implement effective solutions.
  • Software Development: Use your IT expertise to develop programs, apps and other digital tools that will shape the workflow of large organisations.
  • Situation Analysis: Source and apply the generic and specialised software tools used by IT professionals to improve processes and outcomes.
  • Professional Communication: Communicate effectively in a professional context, adapt communication style to a given audience, work efficiently in a team and guide and team members to success.
  • Technology Integration: Understand ICT infrastructure and how technologies interact and depend on one another.
  • Data Management: Understand how to securely store and manage large volumes of user data.

Recognition and Accreditation

Jacob-BW

‘The flexibility to study at my own pace and my own time was perfect and allowed me to finish my degree in around three years, using every [Teaching Period] I could.’

Jacob, Swinburne Online graduate

27% ▴

As a Software Developer, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 27% job growth expected in the next five years.  (SEEK 2026)

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Our Information Technology courses have been awarded a five-star rating by the Good Universities Guide for skills development.

‘The flexibility to study at my own pace and my own time was perfect and allowed me to finish my degree in around three years, using every [Teaching Period] I could.’

Jacob, Swinburne Online graduate

27% ▴

As a Software Developer, you’ll have a strong future ahead of you, with a 27% job growth expected in the next five years.  (SEEK 2026)

Our Information Technology courses have been awarded a five-star rating by the Good Universities Guide for skills development.

The Good Universities Guide 2024

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology with a major in Software Technology you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

  • 8 Core Units
  • 8 Major Units
  • 8 Additional units made up of 
    • 4 units from either the Cyber Security or Data Science Advanced Minor 
    • 4 elective units of your choice 

In your final year, you will complete a Capstone Industry Project unit that combines your theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios. This unit aims to consolidate and integrate your learning with real-world practice and facilitate a successful transition from academic learning environment to work environment.

What you'll study:

Web Development

Introduction to Programming

Network Administration

ICT Inquiry Project

Technology in an Indigenous Context Project

Fundamentals of Data Management

ICT Project A

ICT Project B

Object-Oriented Programming

Cloud Computing Architecture

ICT Design Project

Advanced Web Development

Data Visualisation

Software Development for Mobile Devices

Interface Design and Development

ICT Innovation Project

Data Science Principles

Big Data Architecture and Applications

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

IoT Programming

Malware Analysis

Network Security and Resilience

IT Security

Cyber Security for Business

Students can complete eight (8) units of any discipline to round out their degree.

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

  • A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
  • Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology with a major in Software Technology? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case by case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.

To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss your options!

Need more info?

We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarships

  • The estimated fee per unit is $1,192*.
  • There are 24 units in this course; each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS-HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with the Bachelor of ICT – Software Technology

A career in ICT specialising in Software Technology allows you to combine problem-solving skills with a passion for innovation and technology. With an Advanced Minor in Cyber Security or Data Science, you can further expand your job opportunities (average salaries via Seek):

$85,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Write, test, and debug code, ensuring functionality and adherence to standards. Work on various types of software, from web applications to mobile apps, and are involved in all stages of development, including design, implementation, and maintenance.

Write, test, and debug code, ensuring functionality and adherence to standards. Work on various types of software, from web applications to mobile apps, and are involved in all stages of development, including design, implementation, and maintenance.

$110,000 to $130,000 Average Salary

Monitor security systems, conduct risk assessments, implement security protocols, and respond to security incidents. This role requires strong technical skills, analytical abilities, and knowledge of security best practices and relevant Australian regulations.

Monitor security systems, conduct risk assessments, implement security protocols, and respond to security incidents. This role requires strong technical skills, analytical abilities, and knowledge of security best practices and relevant Australian regulations.

$95,000 to $115,000 Average Salary

Design, develop, and maintain applications for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The role involves not just coding, but also testing, debugging, and optimizing applications for different platforms and devices.

Design, develop, and maintain applications for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The role involves not just coding, but also testing, debugging, and optimizing applications for different platforms and devices.

$165,000 to $185,000 Average Salary

Become a technology leader who designs and oversees the implementation of complex IT systems, ensuring they align with business goals and technical strategies.

Become a technology leader who designs and oversees the implementation of complex IT systems, ensuring they align with business goals and technical strategies.

$90,000 to $110,000 Average Salary

Oversee the successful deployment of new systems, technologies, or processes within an organisation. This involves planning, coordinating, and executing the implementation process, ensuring it aligns with the company's objectives, budget, and timeline.

Oversee the successful deployment of new systems, technologies, or processes within an organisation. This involves planning, coordinating, and executing the implementation process, ensuring it aligns with the company's objectives, budget, and timeline.

$100,000 to $120,000 Average Salary

Monitor and defend an organisation's digital assets from real-time threats and vulnerabilities. You will be responsible for triaging security alerts, performing technical risk assessments, and implementing incident response protocols to ensure the continuous protection of networks, systems, and sensitive data.

Monitor and defend an organisation's digital assets from real-time threats and vulnerabilities. You will be responsible for triaging security alerts, performing technical risk assessments, and implementing incident response protocols to ensure the continuous protection of networks, systems, and sensitive data.

Young IT professional showing colleague something on their screen

Why choose to major in Software Technology?

This degree is designed to give you both the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in the evolving field of software technology, making you a valuable asset in a variety of IT and digital roles.

  • Industry Projects: Gain experience working with external organisations on real-world projects through two dedicated industry placement units, helping you build professional networks.
  • Software Major: Choose a major with a clear focus on software-oriented technology roles while remaining part of a broader ICT degree.
  • AI Skills: Graduate with skills in AI-augmented workflows used daily by modern software teams.
  • Career Advancement: Choose to specialise in Cyber Security or Data Science by curating your units, and essentially your career goals.

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

 

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Your online classroom: Canvas

Canvas is Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime! 

What you’ll use Canvas for: 

  • Explore all your units and modules 
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time 
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates 
  • Receive assessments and feedback 
  • Track your study progress 
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile 
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Your online campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information 
  • Access library and technical support 
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more
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Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.  

You’ll have access to: 

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing 
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management 
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated 
  • 7-day support – to assist you at any time 
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Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. 

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Available support includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

 

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.