Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of International Studies (Honours)
Note
This is an exit-only course. There is no direct admission to it. Current CUA students may be able to submit an Internal Course Transfer (Graduating) application to exit with this course. See the Course transfer page for further details.
The Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) is an exit-point for students who have completed the International Honours pathway within the Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of International Studies (C10239).
This course integrates a professional degree in information technology with the study of a language and culture other than English and the opportunity for students to study overseas for up to an academic year, pursuing a major research project in a field of their choice, depending on their chosen pathway.
The information technology component provides a sound education in all aspects of computing and information technology for a career in the profession.
The international studies component offers an in-depth understanding of diverse cultures through academic learning at CUA and the host institution during study abroad.
Students choose an IT major and are allocated to a country major as part of the Bachelor of International Studies.
In the fourth year of the combined degree, International Honours students spend an academic year studying in the local language at a university in the country of their major and also complete an honours level research project under the supervision of a relevant CUA academic.
Entry to the International Honours pathway is dependent on students maintaining a credit average (or higher) in both their International Studies and professional degree in their first three years of study, and on the availability of placements in particular majors.
The course adopts a practice-based approach to IT education and the course content is designed with a mix of theory and practice. As well as gaining strong technical skills in IT, students gain skills in business analysis, problem-solving, teamwork and communication. Employers look for graduates with industry experience and, in this course, students are exposed to real IT problems.
The international studies component of this course means that graduates have the added advantage of being well prepared to participate in a global workforce and a diverse range of IT careers and companies.
Course aims
The Bachelor of Information Technology aims to produce graduates who are able to apply, in the context of any organisation, the knowledge and skills required of:
- information systems professionals in business units who integrate packaged systems rather than develop systems from first principles
- information technology professionals who develop systems from first principles
- network specialists who build, maintain and administer complex network systems, or
- computing specialists for technical research careers.
The Bachelor of International Studies aims to:
- provide an opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of another language and culture, intercultural awareness and engagement, resilience and adaptability, and stronger communication skills, and
- encourage understanding and appreciation of, and sensitivity towards, diverse cultural perspectives, practices, needs and values, in international and local contexts.
Course fees
For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:
Local student
All students at CUA pay tuition fees to contribute towards the cost of their studies.
In 2024 all offers made to domestic undergraduate students will be for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), which means that the Australian government makes a substantial contribution towards the cost of your education, and you pay the balance through student contributions.
The amount you pay depends on your area of study and the number of credit points (cp) in which you enrol. At CUA 48 credit points is considered to be one Equivalent Full Time Study Load (EFTSL).
The table to the right shows the amount a student can expect to pay for one year of full-time study (1.0 EFTSL).
Students can choose to pay their student contribution upfront, or if eligible, can defer their fees through HECS-HELP.
In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay a Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional cost.
You can calculate your student contribution as a percentage of the amounts shown on the table. Fee rates are divided into four bands covering broad discipline areas. It is important to note that a particular subject within a course may fall within a different band.
For example, if you are enrolled in a 6-credit point Architecture subject, your contribution would be 6/48 x $9,314 = $1,164.
Student contribution amounts for 2025 commencing students
| 2025 student contribution - Area of Study | Amount for 48 cp |
|---|---|
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications and Society and Culture | $16,992 |
| Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science | $13,241 |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual & Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science and Pathology | $9,314 |
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing or Foreign Languages and Agriculture | $4,627 |
International student
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students can be found using tuition fees search.
Tuition fees must be paid in advance each session and are subject to annual increase. Fees for future year(s) published in fees search, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. CUA makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, CUA reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.
For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $1092. The total credit points are 240.
All international students should familiarise themselves with the following documents:
- Protocol on refund of fees for international students - contains the refund of fees information for international students.
- Tuition Protection Service - designed to ensure that students receive the tuition they have paid for
In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Textbooks and other course materials will also result in additional costs.
CUA Alumni save 10%: www.cua-edu.org/advantage
For further information on costs related to your study at CUA, visit the international students' fees information page.
Careers
Depending on the major selected, career options include business analyst, network engineer, network specialist, software developer, software engineer or web developer. Graduates of this course are in high demand with technology companies and industries that use IT such as banking, construction, energy, finance, government, manufacturing, retail and transport. Options are enhanced by international experience, making students more marketable to prospective employers, including multinational companies.
Course structure
Course structure explained
Students are required to complete 240 credit points, comprising:
Information Technology (96 credit points)
- core (48 credit points)
- major (48 credit points)
- choice of (48 credit points):
- second IT major
- two sub-majors
- one sub-major and four electives; or
- eight electives
The sub-major(s) must be taken in a different field to that of the major.
The IT major is selected at the time of admission.
International Studies (96 credit points)
- Intercultural Communication (8 credit points)
- International Research Methods (8 credit points)
- Contemporary Society subject (8 credit points)
- Language and Culture subjects (32 credit points)
- International Honours (40 credit points)
The Bachelor of International Studies is completed over a minimum of three years and is not offered as a separate degree; it is completed only in combination with the professional degree program.
Overseas study
International Honours students spend a full year at a relevant partner university where they complete an honours level research project.
Industrial training/professional practice
Industrial training is available as an additional year by concurrently enrolling in the Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C20056). The diploma comprises a minimum of nine months' full-time paid work experience and supporting subjects at CUA.
Course completion requirements
| Requirement | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| CBK90781 Major choice (Information Technology) | 48 |
| CBK90782 Major/Two sub-majors/Electives | 48 |
| STM90651 Core subjects (Information Technology) | 48 |
| CBK92058 Country and Language choice (Honours) | 96 |
| Total | 240 |
Additional information
Course duration
This course is offered on a five-year, full-time basis. Students spend two sessions of study at a university or other higher education institution in the country of their major.
Full time, on campus
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course. For more information about inherent requirements and where prospective and current students can get assistance and advice regarding these, see the CUA Inherent requirements page.
Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course.
CUA will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.
For course specific information see the Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.
For course specific information see the Bachelor of International Studies Diploma in Languages Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.
Assumed knowledge
HSC Mathematics Advanced and any two units of English. Mathematics Extension 1 and English Advanced are recommended.
There are no prior language requirements for the international studies program. During their first year of study students complete a language survey to ensure they commence their language and culture study at the appropriate level.
Year 12 adjustment factor scheme
Alternative entry
Students admitted through the CUA College pathway are eligible for up to 48 credit points of recognition of prior learning.
Students who have completed a relevant diploma at TAFE NSW may be eligible for at least 24 credit points of recognition of prior learning.
Recognition of prior learning
Students who have completed equivalent subjects at a recognised tertiary education institution may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) if the subjects completed are deemed by the Faculty to be equivalent to subjects in the course. Established agreements for RPL with external tertiary institutions are outlined in the Recognition of prior learning tool.
To be considered for recognition of prior learning, subjects must normally have been completed no more than ten years prior to the commencement of this course. Limits apply to the number of credit points of RPL that can be granted.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for professional-level membership of the Australian Computer Society.
Transfer between CUA courses
Students in the Bachelor of Information Technology (C10148) or Bachelor of Information Technology Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C10345) may transfer to this course after completing the first year (full-time equivalent) of their current course, subject to achieving a minimum weighted average mark of 65.
Students in this combined degree may transfer to the Bachelor of Information Technology Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C10345). International students may transfer to the Bachelor of Information Technology (C10148).
CUA: Handbook
Information for international students
Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at CUA.
Domestic students
How to apply
This is an exit-only course. Current CUA students wishing to transfer may submit an Internal Course Transfer - Graduating application. To confirm eligibility, check with the CUA Student Centre.
Need more information?
International students
How to apply
This is an exit-only course. Current CUA students wishing to transfer may submit an Internal Course Transfer - Graduating application. To confirm eligibility, check with the CUA Student Centre.