Swinburne University of Technology

Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering
Just like the above, the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering is only offered at the Hawthorn campus. As the name suggests, the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering is primarily focused on setting up, maintaining and fixing computers - both at a hardware and software level.

As a student of Computer Systems Engineering, you'll cover a bit of programming and a lot of networking, as well as a good deal of material related to project management and customer support.

Once more, the Advanced Diploma can be a pathway into a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor of Business Information Systems
Okay, so it's not strictly an information technology degree. We get that. Put simply, the field of information systems is all about learning how to take a look at a workplace and come up with and maintain some sort of computing solution for it that suits its needs and fits its technical, geographical, economic, legal or other restrictions. Essentially, it, like all areas of information technology, is about solving problems - albeit in a more abstract way than a programmer.

The Bachelor of Business Information Systems is a three-year course run through the Hawthorn and Sarawak campuses. It can be extended to four years if you choose to do a stint of industry-based learning. Just note that this option isn't available to those of you who are here as international students. There's also an industry project in the final year.

Topics covered include programming in .NET, basic accounting, basic marketing and basic databases, as well the meat of the kebab - project management, enterprise systems and the analysis and modeling of computer systems and processes within a business environment.

Bachelor of Computing
Again, a three-year course - with the option of an extra year of industry-based learning - offered at the Hawthorn campus. Those entering with the right TAFE qualifications to their name may be able to finish this course in 18 to 24 months.

Essentially, this is a programming degree. Aside from programming, the Bachelor of Computing covers abstract problem solving, project management, communication, databases and information systems.

Students of the Bachelor of Computing are able to major in one of four areas - software development, information systems, networks or multimedia and games development. An honours program is offered to those students who've, by their final year, proven capable of attending class and taking home respectable results.

Bachelor of Information Technology
A three-year course that includes 22 weeks of industry-based learning. The requirements, in terms of marks, aren't ridiculous - the clearly-in ENTER last year was 81.50 - but you will need to attend an interview and a briefing session. Curiously, all students receive a $33,500 scholarship paid over the duration of the course. Apparently the local information technology industry really likes this course - those scholarships are paid for by twenty of Australia's top organisations, according to Swinburne's website.

Student of Information Technology have to complete units on programming, information systems. Students are encouraged to pick up electives that cover not just information technology, but business too.

Bachelor of Science (Computer Science & Software Engineering)
Available only at Swinburne's campus in Sarawak, Malaysia. Essentially, it's a heavy coding degree - you cover logic and problem solving, software development, a couple of different languages and basic artificial intelligence. In the final year, you complete a year-long project.