Computer systems engineering

Why study Computer systems engineering?

Develop skills in computer hardware/electronics and computer software. Train in embedded systems and electronics, programming, database engineering, network and system security, and software engineering. Choose to specialise in network engineering. Work with high-end switches and routers to implement complex networks and provide end-to-end services including voice, video and hi-speed data. Apply business requirements to software systems and communication networks. The Cisco curriculum is part of our networking courses and can lead to industry certification.

Industry enterprise practices

The Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering offers the opportunity to gain industry-standard qualifications with CISCO and Microsoft as part of your degree. See career possibilities.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work in all software-related occupations including software engineers, systems analysts, analyst programmers and developer programmers. You may work in research and development, consultation, project management, taskforce management, database engineering, networking and security. For information on past students and the positions they hold worldwide, see alumni careers.

Courses

Local students

2013

Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering

Duration :
4 years full time, or up to 8 years part time.
Semester starts :
Semester 1 (March)
Campus/ATAR:
Melbourne 65.5
Year
2013
Course description
This course integrates an understanding of computer software and hardware with specialised knowledge in electronics. Students can choose computer science specialisations in artificial intelligence, data engineering, network engineering, and software engineering. In electronic engineering, they can specialise in sustainable energy production, or biomedical, communications, electronic systems or optical engineering.

The course includes an opportunity for industry-recognised CISCO certification in computer networks, an incorporated Honours year, industry experience, and practical learning. Students also have access to opportunities for industry-based project work in both disciplines, as well as the Faculty's industry experience and student support programs.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and either Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.
Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 70 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. They may also be asked to complete a maths test.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.
Middle band
Successful completion of Physics or Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study.
Additional information
Students must complete at least 12 weeks' certified practical experience to be deemed to have completed the course. This is usually undertaken during the vacation following third or fourth year.

A CISCO certification training program is available for students who pass the network engineering subjects. Interested students should contact the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering at the beginning of first semester.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2013.
Professional recognition
This course is fully accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society.
Full course details
Computer Systems EngineeringMelbourne

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students

International students

2013

Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (006949J)

Duration :
4 years
Semester starts :
Semester 1 (March)
Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
25 060
Campus
Melbourne
Year
2013
Course description
This course integrates an understanding of computer software and hardware with specialised knowledge in electronics. Students can choose computer science specialisations in artificial intelligence, data engineering, network engineering, and software engineering. In electronic engineering, they can specialise in sustainable energy production, or biomedical, communications, electronic systems or optical engineering.

The course includes an opportunity for industry-recognised CISCO certification in computer networks, an incorporated Honours year, industry experience, and practical learning. Students also have access to opportunities for industry-based project work in both disciplines, as well as the Faculty's industry experience and student support programs.
Melbourne
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - a minimum overall score of 550 with a score of 5 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - a minimum overall score of 60 with a minimum for SLR 18; W 22;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B (EFS5 UG minimum 60 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 60 per cent final result in a course;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): a minimum score of 57 with no communicative skill score less than 50.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a pass grade of C or higher;

or approved international equivalent.
Melbourne
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 60
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 61
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 2 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCC
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 4.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 60
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5
Sweden Slutbetyg - G
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Melbourne
Subject prerequisite
Mathematics determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics and English (any).
Melbourne
Additional information
A CISCO certification training program is available for students who pass the network engineering subjects. Interested students should contact the Department of Computer Science and Computer Engineering at the beginning of Semester 1 (March), contact: (+61 3 ) 9479 2220. Semester 2 (July) start is only available to students with Advanced standing (credit).
Melbourne
Professional recognition
This course is fully accredited by Engineers Australia and by the Australian Computer Society.
Melbourne
Full course details
Computer Systems EngineeringMelbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Computer systems engineering placements

Industry-based project experience is built into this course. All students are required to complete an internship as part of the industry-based learning program, that provides successful applicants with paid, full-time employment in industry as well as credit towards their degree. See Industry-based learning (IBL) program.

The industry cadetship program also allows you to gain paid workplace experience between semesters, offering the chance to build on your skills and build your career. See industry cadetships.

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. La Trobe has partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.

Student and graduate profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academic staff during your studies, from tutors through to lecturers and supervisors. You can view staff in Computer systems engineering or search all staff in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.

Computer systems engineering events

Nancy Millis Public Lecture

Professor Jenny Graves presents the Nancy Millis Public Lecture

Browse all events

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