Diploma of Computer Science
LAY THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A DYNAMIC CAREER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $3,807
4 x $2,728
Indicative Annual Course Fee*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$26,140 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Annual Course Fee reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $4,439
4 x $3,178
Indicative Annual Course Fees*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$30,468 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Annual Course Fees reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).
Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the course units over one year (3 trimesters).
February 2025
May 2025
September 2025
February 2025
May 2025
September 2025
February 2025
May 2025
September 2025
Your creative career starts with SAE
DIPLOMA OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
If you’re looking to take your first steps into the ever-evolving world of technology, the Diploma of Computer Science is the foundational course for you.
Covering the first of three stages included in our bachelor’s program, this course explores key fundamentals of computer science. You’ll begin to build a skillset in scripting and automation, web development, data structures, IT and cyber security, and programming.
Explore industry-standard languages including Python, Powershell and Javascript to set yourself up for success in professional workplaces.
You’ll also develop an understanding of the technical process, project design and management, core communication practices, ownership, distribution, and copyright in the technology and creative industries.
As a technology-driven computer science practitioner, you’ll be assessed through the completion of real-world, industry-based projects. This will ultimately help you build up a body of work and portfolio to share with potential employers or your first client.
Upon completion, you will be eligible for up to 80 credit points towards the Bachelor of Computer Science, providing a structured pathway to future study opportunities.
Start your journey towards an exciting and varied career in Computer Science today at SAE University College.
CAREER OUTCOMES
- Entry Level Software Developer
- Junior App Developer
- Gameplay and Engine Assistant
- Junior Systems Engineer
- Security Assistant
- Junior ICT Consultant
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT SAE
Aldo Arechar
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Hans Zimmer's Remote Control Productions company in LA
Keovilay Cola Saycocie
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Unreal Engine Developer
Sarah Khalaf
SAE Alumni | Current Job: TV ProducerSAE Diploma of Computer Science offers:
Craft communication, project management and key technical skills within computer science.
Explore the fundamentals of computer science and solidify your knowledge.
A range of approaches to learning and teaching, including virtual and on-campus opportunities that allow for flexibility, real-world application of knowledge, and support for students.
YOUR CAREER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE BEGINS NOW
Tools & Software
COMPUTER SCIENCE SKILLS
Course Structure
Complete your Diploma of Computer Science faster by studying the 8 required units in as little as 7 months (2 trimesters).
This subject serves as your gateway to understanding how humans and computers interact effectively. Here, you will explore the fundamental principles of HCI that underpin all user interfaces, from the ones on your phone to complex software applications. We will delve into various interaction methods, including traditional desktop interfaces, mobile technologies, and even emerging concepts like tangible objects and ambient displays.
Scripting and automation concepts are core to computing disciplines. In the cyber security context, scripting and automation is used in numerous ways, from secure software development, through to software defined networks, and Development Security Operations. You will experience a practical approach to scripting and automation, focusing on the development of scripts and the integration of these scripts with common security and business applications to automate security, networking, and other processes. You will use Python, a popular scripting and automation language widely used in the cyber security industry, and Powershell, a powerful scripting language used as a command shell, a scripting language and for configuration management.
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
This unit focuses on the fundamental knowledge and skills required by all IT professionals. You will explore basic IT concepts and terminology as well as the hardware and software elements that form the basis of systems from personal computing through to enterprise level. You will also explore how software is developed and used, and the collection, storage and use of data. All these topics will be viewed through a cyber security lens and the unit will conclude by considering the field of cyber security as a holistic discipline.
Modern personal and enterprise computing relies on internetworked systems. Understanding the basis of how systems are networked and how information is transported is essential to cyber security. This unit explores fundamental networking concepts, how networks are managed, and how they are secured. You will use network simulation tools to build simple and complex networks and will be introduced to important diagnostic tools and techniques.
This unit equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to navigate the intricate world of data structures and algorithms. You will explore fundamental structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues, along with their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world applications. Delve into advanced structures such as trees and graphs, used to represent hierarchical relationships and network connections, and explore essential algorithms for sorting (e.g. selection sort, merge sort), searching (e.g. linear search, binary search), and graph traversal.
This unit serves as your launchpad into the world of creating software applications. You'll unveil the secrets behind the technology you use every day and gain the fundamental skills to build your own programs. We will delve into the core concepts of procedural programming, where you will learn how to break down problems into step-by-step instructions that computers can understand. This foundation will then be expanded upon as we explore the power of object-oriented programming (OOP), a more structured and efficient approach to building complex software. The unit adopts a hands-on learning approach, where you will actively apply your knowledge through engaging projects.
This unit will introduce you to foundational knowledge and skills for web development which will be useful throughout your studies and career in computer science. You will learn foundational concepts, principles and skill in web development. We will delve into the core concepts of the Document Object Model (DOM), Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and its companion Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and an industry-standard programming language for websites: Javascript. Explore concepts of web design theories and practices including web servers, web databases, web domains, Content Management Systems, web design, web layout, responsive web design, functionality and usability.
FEE‑HELP* is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible fee paying students pay all or part of their tuition fees. It cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or text books. The total amount of FEE‑HELP a person can use is known as the ‘FEE‑HELP limit’.
Once a person begins using FEE‑HELP, the amount of FEE‑HELP they have left to use is known as their ‘FEE‑HELP balance’.
* Terms and conditions apply. For the latest updates regarding FEE-HELP please refer to sae.edu.au/fees
You can choose to study most of our courses in a part-time capacity. An SAE course advisor will be able to give you more information about the study options for your chosen course.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE’s policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
