Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Computer Science)

Program Overview

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Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Computer Science)

Quick Details

• Course code: AU004
• CRICOS code: N/A
• TISC code: N/A
• Intake: February and July
• Duration: 1.5 years
• Domestic fee type: Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP
• Location: UWA (Perth)
• Related study areas: Data and Computer Science, Associate Degree in Applied Technology (Co-delivery with South Metropolitan TAFE)

About the Course

The digital economy is profoundly changing the way companies use information technologies to deliver services. This course is designed for early and mid-career professionals with industry experience, who want to gain industry-recognised skills in computer programming, digital automation and IT, to advance their career in rapidly emerging and growing fields.

The Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (Computer Science) is designed to build your knowledge and foundational skill set in mathematics and communication, with specialised skills in the Python programming language and its applications in computer science. You’ll graduate with the skills to build custom applications to automate basic processes in your working environment.

The work integrated learning capstone unit provides a unique opportunity for you to apply the skills acquired throughout the course to a real-world industry project of your choice – whether that’s delivering a solution to an industry-orientated problem from your workplace, or through case studies.

Mentored by local experts and academic leaders, you’ll also gain core skills needed in any workplace, such as project management, communications and teamwork.

Why Study the Course?

• You'll gain in-demand technical and professional skills to give you an edge in your current workplace
• You’ll have a cutting-edge understanding of how information technology is changing the workforce of the future
• The course outcomes are guided by industry expectations and deploy industry-standard tools, ensuring graduates can immediately apply outcomes in current and future roles
• The Associate Degree in Applied Technologies is a recipient of funding from the Department of Education, which provides partial financial support for women and their employers to undertake this qualification
• Build on what you have already studied. Graduates from this Associate Degree will have the credit points to complete a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science, Cybersecurity or Data Science, depending on optional unit courses) within two years of full time study, or part-time equivalent

You'll Learn to

• Gain a foundational skill set in mathematics and communication
• Learn specialised skills in Python programming, databases and cybersecurity
• Build custom applications to automate basic processes within small to medium enterprises
• Apply your new skills to real-world industry projects and gain core skills in project management, communication and teamwork

Course Structure

• 96 points comprising 16 six-point units. Students take four units in the semester.

Accelerated Pathway

Successful graduates may have the opportunity to articulate into a bachelor's degree at UWA, with a majority of their bridging subjects complete. For example, the option units within this course provides students with the opportunity to complete all first-year units within the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science, Cybersecurity or Data Science depending on optional unit courses).

Successful graduates may then be able to complete their Bachelor of Science within two years of full time study, or part-time equivalent.

Careers and Employability

The students graduating from this program will be para-professionals within the computer science and information technology industry. Over the past decade, these roles have become ubiquitous in every industry. Tech jobs are amongst the most well-paid, stable and flexible jobs in the Australian economy, accessible to people from all walks of life.

Potential Jobs

• Data Analyst
• Digital Service Technician
• IT Consultant
• Service Technician
• Systems Architect

Are You Eligible for the Women in STEM Funding Grant?

UWA is a successful recipient of funding as part of the Department of Education's Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program, which encourages more women to pursue qualifications in STEM and is designed to support women to study part-time, while continuing their careers.

Up to $5,000 per employee, per year, is available for eligible employers to support employees’ participation in the program. These funds can be used to provide flexible work arrangements or to cover costs associated with study, tuition fees or other study-related expenses.

Applicants are invited to discuss this further with the Program Chair during application.

Fees and Scholarships

Student contribution amounts are charged by unit. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Annual fees are subject to annual indexation.

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Domestic Students

Domestic students who are eligible for a Commonwealth-supported place can use the HECS-HELP loan scheme to pay their tuition fees.

Course credit points: 72 Average annual fee - 2023: $9,134

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have:

(a) completion of a TAFE Diploma in a relevant field

(b) at least 5 years of relevant work experience undertaken in an English-language environment (including inventory management, customer management, data analyst, manufacturing or mechatronic technician, service technician, system architect or technician, or a similar field across the manufacturing or service sectors);

(2) Interview with the Program Chair

(3) Demonstrate English language competence

We offer a number of other pathways for you to gain entry into our undergraduate degrees if you do not meet the standard admission requirements. Find out the admissions pathways for School Leavers and Non-School Leavers.