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Bachelor of Information Systems

UNSW Business School
Join Australia’s #1 Business School
Learn to anticipate, investigate and solve business problems with digital technologies and tools. The Bachelor of Information Systems is a three-year program that teaches students how to manage and process data, safeguard a business’s digital infrastructure and drive innovation. This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 424500
Program code 3979
CRICOS code 068782C
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2023 lowest selection rank
88
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$13,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$35,000*

Overview

People, processes and tech – they’re the beating heart of every business. With a Bachelor of Information Systems from UNSW, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how all three interact, and learn how to apply your knowledge to help organisations drive operational efficiency and achieve their goals. 

Businesses everywhere are looking to information systems experts to analyse data, solve business problems, optimise systems, drive innovation and improve user experience. As a result, information systems graduates are in high demand. Virtually every industry, from healthcare to finance to retail, is reliant on information systems for their operations, making the skills of these graduates universally applicable across a range of industries.

With our three-year Bachelor of Information Systems degree, you’ll become an expert in the practical application of technology in a range of environments. You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge in areas as diverse as digital transformation, agile product management and database management to programming, cybersecurity and the application of artificial intelligence to business analytics.

Still curious? Here are 6 things you didn’t know about information systems.

 

Key features

Learn to innovate

Discover how to change the status quo through the innovative use of information systems technology. Not only will you learn to solve business problems, but you’ll tackle social challenges to make the future better than the present with innovative digital business solutions.

Gain practical skills and accreditation

Accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the Professional Level, you’ll graduate from UNSW with an industry-recognised qualification in information systems.

Get real-world experience

With work-integrated learning (WIL), you’ll gain hands-on experience and learn how to apply your knowledge and skills in information systems in the real world.

Make global industry connections

Take part in an international information systems and technology practicum and develop a practical understanding of international business aspects of information systems and information technology.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

We’re business leaders

The School of Information Systems and Technology Management is ranked 1st in Australia, 2nd in the Asia-Pacific Region and 11th worldwide by the Association for Information Systems (AIS).

UNSW is also home to the #1 Business School in Australia, as voted by AFR BOSS for the last two years in a row. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.

Strong graduate outcomes

UNSW produces the most employable graduates in Australia, according to the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards. Our distinctive degrees bring the boardroom to the classroom with a range of hands-on professional learning opportunities, exclusive to UNSW Business School.  

Our Career Accelerator program offers real-world professional experiences from day one. These opportunities include internships, professional networking and mentoring, global opportunities and group consulting projects.

You can also take part in the Sandbox program, a platform that empowers partnerships among industry, academics and students to co-create solutions for contemporary problems. We have over 22 industry partners and over 140 industry representatives taking part. It’s seen over 60 real-world projects completed and over 630 unique solutions created. By taking part in real-world projects you can show employers you already have industry experience.

Double your impact

Combine the Bachelor of Information Systems with a complimentary degree and watch your career opportunities grow. You’ll set yourself apart in the job market with a unique set of skills without necessarily doubling your workload or study duration. Double degrees can help you become more of a specialist in a particular area or gain a breadth of skills that meet the demands of today’s organisations.

Information Systems double degree options include:

  • Commerce

  • Actuarial Studies


Level up with honours

Give yourself a competitive edge by adding honours study to your degree. With an honours degree, you’ll complete an independent research project and advanced coursework in the area of business you’re passionate about.

Program Code
3979
CRICOS Code
068782C
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
424500
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
450

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank
88
2023 A levels
15
2023 IB Diploma
33
2023 Lowest ATAR
77
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

TAFE Admission Pathways

If you’ve studied a relevant diploma under a TAFE Training Package, you can receive credit transfer for up to 48 units of credit (UOC) into the Bachelor of Information Systems. Please see here for the Bachelor of Information Systems TAFE Pathway Study Plan.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Bachelor of Information Systems is a three-year degree program consisting of 24 courses. In your first year, you’ll develop an understanding of the broader business environment and build transferable business skills along with an introduction to Information Systems.

You can choose to focus your studies in one of three different electives streams: Information Systems in Data Analytics, Information Systems in Programming and Information Systems in Organisations. Alternatively, you can select the prescribed electives that interest you the most.

 

The degree includes:

  • Interdisciplinary business courses

  • Information systems core courses

  • Level 2 and 3 prescribed electives (Student can pursue one of three electives streams)

  • General education courses from other faculties

 

Professional development courses and experiences

  • Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning - Benefit from a guaranteed industry experience such as an internship, consulting project or practicum.

  • Practical Application - Solve real business problems from UX design, app design or database development. Test your code in digital playgrounds on real challenges and in real-time and complete a Sandbox project for your final Capstone course.

  • This program contains a total of 144 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Students must complete:

     

    • IFY Business Core Courses (30 UOC)
    • Information Systems Core Courses (72 UOC)
    • Level 2 and 3 Prescribed Information Systems Electives (12 UOC)
    • Work Integrated Learning Course (6 UOC)
    • Free Electives (12 UOC)
    • General Education (12 UOC)

Future careers

Bachelor of Information Systems graduates are highly sought-after. The rapid evolution of technology means there's a constant demand for professionals who are up to date with the latest trends and tools in information systems, and understand how to apply their knowledge in a business context. 

With their blend of business and technical skills, information systems experts bridge the gap between technical teams and management, and ensure that technology solutions align with business goals. Virtually every industry, from healthcare to finance to retail, is reliant on information systems for their operations, making the skills of these graduates universally applicable across a range of industries. 

 

Fields related to Information Systems

With a Bachelor of Information Systems degree, you could work in the following industries:

  • Digital transformation
  • IT consulting
  • Business systems analysis
  • User Experience (UX) design
  • Information system design
  • Communications network analysis
  • IS security development
  • Cybersecurity consulting
  • Digital innovation
  • Data science
  • IS and IT architecture
  • Database administration
  • Infrastructure development and maintenance

 

Potential jobs in Information Systems

Roles for a graduate with a Bachelor of Information Systems graduates include:

  • Business analyst
  • IS/IT architect
  • IT project manager
  • IT infrastructure developer
  • Information Systems Manager:
  • Management consultant
  • Network developer
  • Systems analyst
  • Technical manager
  • User Experience (UX) designer
  • Chief Information Officer

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for provisional membership at the Professional Level. 

Double degrees

Design your degree to suit your career goals with the flexibility to specialise in up to two different business areas, or a subject outside the UNSW Business School faculty, such as arts or science. With a wide-ranging education, you can strengthen your career opportunities by completing a double degree. 

Information Systems double degree options:

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$13,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$35,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$51,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$163,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

This degree gave me industry experience working in technology, extremely early on in my degree.
Student, Holly Lin

Holly Lin

Current student

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