Information & Communication Technology

Discipline Overview

Computer scientists focus on the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to computation and its applications. They design methods and tools and write programs for computer applications. These applications can be in areas such as computer systems to control machinery, information management and big data, applications for mobile devices, stock market trend analysis, game design, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, patient monitoring in hospitals, and much more.

Key employability skills

• Demonstrate an understanding of core knowledge of computer fundamentals and the ability to apply theoretical basis of computer science to solve a range of practical problems.
• Design and develop innovative software solutions for a variety of applications.
• Design, develop, and employ novel approaches and algorithms in solving practical problems.
• Deploy appropriate theory, practices, and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and maintenance as well as the evaluation of computer-based systems.
• Function effectively as part of a team to accomplish a set of common goals and objectives and communicate with project stake holders.
• Adopt a professional and ethical approach to decision making and related social responsibilities.

Specialised areas

• Big Data
• Cyber Security
• Digital Systems Security
• Game and Mobile Development
• Software Engineering

Related occupations

Find out what kinds of positions you could apply for with your major by researching some of the jobs in your field.

• Analyst Developer
• Analyst Programmer
• Application Trainer
• Applications Engineer
• Associate Technology Specialist
• Automation Engineer
• Big Data Architect
• Business Information Analyst
• Commercial Analyst
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Scientist
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Consultant
• Consultant Programmer
• Control Systems Engineer
• Data Centre Engineer
• Data Management
• Data Research Assistant
• Desktop Analyst
• Developer
• Electronic Engineer
• Game Service Administrator
• Graduate Engineer
• Integration Engineer
• ISP Dispatcher
• Java Developer
• Junior Developer
• Junior Slash Developer
• Network Engineer
• Network Manager
• Network Support
• NOC Systems Engineer
• Operations Delivery Graduate
• Patent Examiner
• Programmer
• Security Engineer
• Service Developer
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Software Tester
• Specialist Technician
• Systems Administrator
• Systems Developer
• Technical Analyst
• Technical Programmer
• Technical Support Officer
• Technology Analyst
• Test Engineer
• Web Developer
• Web Master
• Web Support
• Webmaster
• Website Designer and Developer

Employers

Explore what types of organisations you would like to work for through looking at some of the employers in your field.

• AAM Hatch
• Abraxas Technologies
• Acer Computers Australia
• AMP
• ANSTO
• Asset Insure
• Atlassian
• Australian Health Management
• Australian Securities Exchange
• Bluescope Steel
• Bubblegum Interactive
• Buildsoft Pty Ltd
• Canon Information System Research Australia
• Central Data Networks
• Centre for Academic Systems and Resources
• Commonwealth Bank
• CSIRO
• Cubic Consulting
• Cuscal
• Department of Defence
• Department of Human Services
• Digiflex
• Emotion Design
• Eternity Technologies
• Facebook
• Fivium
• Getronics
• Gidfast Pty Ltd
• Google Grox
• Guardian Software Development
• HCL Technologies
• Health Communication Network
• Hotline IT
• IBM
• Industrie IT
• Infra Software
• Interactive
• Internetrix
• IP Australia
• ISS Australia
• JP Morgan
• Korala Associates Ltd
• Magenta Technologies
• Manufacturing Software Pty Ltd
• Maunsell
• AECOM
• Microsoft
• Net Gen Net
• Net Merchant
• Oasis Asset Management
• Opal Software Pty Ltd
• Optiver Australia
• Optus
• Pactera
• Partech Systems
• PBL Media
• Prime Focus
• Quantium
• RailCorp
• Roads and Maritime Services
• Sandstone Technology
• Suncorp
• Surpac Minex Group
• Switched on Knowledge
• Telstra
• UT Box
• Wizwerx Private Limited
• Wollongong City Council

Formal graduate programs

Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies.

• Wipro
• Allianz
• Deloitte
• IBM
• BP
• KPMG
• NAB
• Softel Systems
• NBN
• Cisco
• Accenture
• Datacom
• Tata Consultancy Services
• Atlassian
• Dimension Data
• Capgemini
• DXC Technology
• Avolution
• HIVERY
• Commvault
• Leidos
• WiseTech Global
• CloudWave
• Palantir Technologies

Professional bodies and associations

Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.

• Australian Computer Society
• Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA) 
• ICT Illawarra - local ICT & Support Service businesses working together to promote capabilities

Postgraduate study options

UOW offers postgraduate study options if you want to pursue further research or specialise through academic coursework.

If you are interested furthering your studies in your field, UOW offers:

• Graduate Certificate of Computing
• Master of Computer Science 
• Master of Computer Science (Intelligent Systems)
• Master of Computer Science (Machine Learning and Big Data)
• Master of Computer Science (Network and Information Security)
• Master of Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Course information

• Bachelor of Computer Science  (Big Data, Cyber Security, Digital Systems Security, Game and Mobile Development, Software Engineering)

Discipline overview

IT graduates install networks; handle network administration and security; design web pages; develop multimedia resources; install communication equipment; manage email systems; and plan and manage a company’s technology upgrades.

Graduates select and deploy software products for commercial organisations, software development companies, government departments and large computer organisations. They create and manage business applications, websites, systems and environments.

Key employability skills

• Perform analysis and design of innovative systems to solve a range of problems.
• Acquire, synthesise and integrate information within a complex professional settings
• Think critically and creatively to identify better system solutions within business contexts.
• Function and work collaboratively with others to solve information technology problems achieving a common goal.
• Apply informed professional judgements regarding ethical and responsible decision making with consideration of related social responsibilities.

Specialised areas

• eBusiness
• Network Design and Management
• Web Design and Development

Formal graduate programs

Make sure you consider the fast tracked career pathway programs which are offered by some large corporate organisations and government agencies.

Below are examples of graduate employers who take Information Technology graduates into their graduate programs.

• Wipro
• Allianz
• Deloitte
• IBM
• BP
• KPMG
• NAB
• Softel Systems
• NBN
• Cisco
• Accenture
• Datacom
• Tata Consultancy Services
• Atlassian
• Dimension Data
• Capgemini
• IRESS
• DXC Technology
• TechnologyOne
• FDM Group
• WiseTech Global
• Palantir Technologies

Professional bodies and associations

Build your career network and stay up to date with the latest developments in your industry by joining a professional association.

• Australian Computer Society 
• Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA)
• ICT Illawarra

Post graduate/additional studies

UOW offers postgraduate study options if you want to pursue further research or specialise through academic coursework.

 If you are interested furthering your studies in your field, UOW offers:

• Master of Information Technology (Enterprise Networking), (IT Strategic Management), (Information Systems Development)

Course information

• Bachelor of Information Technology