What It’s Like Studying a Bachelor of Science (Computing) at Macquarie Uni

Ever wondered what it would be like to study Macquarie University Computer Science? 

Well, we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled everything there is to know about the units, culture, assessments and what it’s really like to study a Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing at MQ Uni.

Let’s dive in! 

What is a Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing?

Core Units and Majors

How to Get into Macquarie University Computer Science

What’s the Teaching Format?

What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?

What is a Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing at Macquarie University?

A Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing at Macquarie University is a flexible science degree that offers students the chance to specialise in a particular area — in this case, Computing. 

The program offers an interdisciplinary approach that combines theoretical and practical knowledge to develop your understanding of science, computing, mathematics and the extensive realm of Information Technology (IT). You’ll gain the highly sought after skills to design, analyse, create and evaluate a range of diverse information technologies. 

Alongside your computer science studies, you’ll be offered opportunities to work on professional IT projects, undertake work-oriented activities with a partner organisation, practice making presentations and importantly you’ll learn the ins and outs of job interviews to secure your dream position. 

Can this degree be studied in conjunction with another?

As a Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing student at Macquarie Uni, you’ll have access to the double degrees that are offered to all science students. Macquarie University offers a wide range of double degree options that allow you to study a Bachelor of Science in conjunction with another undergraduate degree.

You have the opportunity to pair your science degree with:

• • Bachelor of Arts 
  • Bachelor of Commerce 
  • Bachelor of Information Technology 
  • Bachelor of Media and Communications 
  • Bachelor of Education (Secondary) 
  • Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences 
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

You can compare Macquarie’s double degrees here!

While there is definitely no requirement to study a double degree at Macquarie, because there would sure be a lot more work, the option is there. Despite the increased workload, studying another undergraduate degree in conjunction with your Science degree would increase your employability and career flexibility and it would be great for those having trouble specialising in one particular area. 

Postgraduate Study

While Macquarie does not have an Honours program for Science students, it does offer a Master of Research that allows you to complete 2 additional years of study as part of a postgraduate program. 

A Master of Research (Science and Engineering) at Macquarie offers a combination of advanced research training, course work and provides a fast-tracked avenue towards completing a PhD. 

Career Paths

A Computer Science degree at Macquarie University would provide you with the practical and theoretical skills to work in the following professions:

• • Business systems analyst 
  • Communication systems analyst 
  • Computer systems auditor 
  • Information technology analyst 
  • End-user support and training officer 
  • IT salesperson or marketer 
  • IT or management consultant 
  • Programmer 
  • Project leader 
  • Systems designer 
  • Web designer/development 

Core Units and Majors

Within the Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing course, you’ll have 240 credit points to complete over 2 specific components — these components are known as the Core Zone and the Flexible Zone.

This is a pretty standard breakdown of courses at Macquarie Uni and helps to make sure you get a taste of every element of your degree and specialisation. This also means that you can personalise your subjects to suit your area of interest.

You can have a look at the course structure for yourself here!

Just to make things a little extra confusing, Macquarie then breaks down the aforementioned components into smaller elements — we’ll flesh these out now. 

Core Zone

As a student in the computing science course, you can expect your Core Zone subjects to be broken down like this:

• • Elective Units 
  • Capstone Units 
  • Specialisation Requirements (in this case, computing)

It’s also important to note that the required workload for your subjects at Macquarie are measured in credit points. In total, a full time study program will involve 240 credit points where each subject is usually worth 10 credit points.

In your Core Zone, you’ll complete 120 credit points in your specialisation of computing, 30 credit points in electives and 10 credit points in your Capstone unit. 

Flexible Zone

Alongside the electives that you’ll pick in the Core Zone, you also get to choose 80 credit points (8 subjects) of flexible electives. The difference between these and the ones you get in your Core Zone, is that your Flexible Zone is exactly as the name suggests — far more flexible.

When selecting the electives in your Flexible Zone, you can pick any undergraduate unit you’d like (as long as you meet the requirements which are specific to each unit). 

Since there is a lot of flexibility in this course, we’ll lay out an example of a few of the units you can choose from on a yearly basis. However, keep in mind that you will choose the majority of your subjects out of a rather long list of possibilities.

You can check out all of your options in the Macquarie University Handbook!

First Year

• • Introduction to Computer Programming 
  • Introduction to Database Design and Management 
  • Introduction to Video Games 
  • Foundations of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences 1

Second Year

• • Data Communications 
  • Software Engineering 
  • Game Development 
  • Systems Programming 

Third Year

• • Computing Industry Project 
  • Consulting in Statistical Sciences 
  • Advanced Web Development 
  • Computer Networks

What are the Majors or Specialisations?

While all are paired with a Bachelor of Science, here are a few of the other specialisations that Macquarie has on offer for Science students:

• • Applied Statistics 
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics 
  • Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 
  • Geography Studies 
  • Human Biology 
  • Mathematics 

You can have a more extensive look at the other undergraduate specialisations that Macquarie has on offer if you scroll to the ‘Specialisations’ section here!

“Growing up, maths was always my favourite subject and I loved spending time knowing more about computers and how they work which is why I chose to specialise in a Computing major.” — Sadia Anannya

Internships

While an internship is not a requirement in the Bachelor of Science program, you are given the opportunity to select PACE electives.

Macquarie University’s PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) is an initiative offered to undergraduate students that allows them to engage and participate with local, regional and international organisations. PACE aims to improve students’ academic credit, increase employability and enhance networks. 

In the Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing course at Macquarie, you can undertake the PACE initiative in the following electives:

• • PACE Experience in Biological Sciences 
  • PACE in Earth and Environmental Sciences 

How to Get into Macquarie University Computer Science

To get into the Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing course at Macquarie, you’ll need to receive a minimum ATAR of 75. But there’s no need to stress if you don’t meet the entry requirements!

Since Macquarie understands that your strengths and abilities go far beyond an HSC mark, they offer a number of alternative entry pathways which you can personalise and compare through Macquarie’s entry program navigator. 

You can check out the alternative admission pathways that you may be eligible for right here!

Early Entry

Macquarie University is pretty renowned for its generous early entry schemes offered to HSC students. Its early entry programs are great if you’re still in Year 12 and know what you’d like to do at uni or if you’d just like to relieve some stress before results day.

You can check out one of the early entry programs that Macquarie offers here!

Is there any assumed knowledge or prerequisite subjects?

Nope. There is no assumed knowledge that is required for Computing Science at Macquarie. While nothing is required, Macquarie recommends that its potential students should have completed Advanced Mathematics and at least 2 units of Science in the HSC. 

If you didn’t complete the recommended HSC subjects and you’d like to feel a little more confident in the advanced maths and science side of things, you may want to consider choosing electives that hone in on these skills. 

Scholarships

Macquarie University offers a wide range of scholarships to its potential students. These scholarships may be awarded for academic excellence, athletic achievement, community engagement or leadership potential.

Macquarie also offers plenty of scholarships given on the basis of financial support and hardship. 

You can take a look at Macquarie’s scholarships here! 

What’s the Teaching Format?

As a student in the Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing course, you can expect to undergo your studies in a two-semester program. This means that you’ll study two sessions a year with a couple of long breaks in between!

If you’re completing a full-time study load, you will be taking 4 subject each semester to be on track to graduate in 3 years. 

Class Structure

You can expect each subject you take to be taught with a 2 hour lecture, a 1 hour tutorial and a 2 hour practical. So you will typically be on campus for at least 20 hours a week to account for all lectures, tutorials and practicals.

On top of this, you’ll probably spend a few hours before and after classes to consolidate your knowledge from previous lessons and prepare yourself for future classes. 

Lectures

Macquarie University’s lectures are typically 2 hours long and you’ll be expected to attend a lecture for each of the subjects that you’re taking that semester. Since a Science degree with a Specialisation in Computing at Macquarie involves a range of different units and topics, your lectures may look a little different depending on the class. 

For example, you can expect 100 to 200 students in a lecture theatre for your core science subjects but a computing unit will have less students. This also goes for the electives that you choose — the size and format of lectures will vary depending on the subject. 

Tutorials

Similar to lectures, you’ll be expected to also attend a tutorial for each of your weekly subjects. Tutorials differ from lectures in their size, format and style, however there will be around 20 to 30 students in each.

You can often expect tutorials to be taught informally and conversationally. This means that there’ll be a lot of class communication and participation. 

The best way to learn and understand the content in tutorials is to ask questions! While you’ll be guided by a tutor throughout your lessons, it’s up to you to make sure that you have a strong grasp on what’s being taught. 

Practicals

Practicals at Macquarie University give you the chance to gain hands-on experience in professional labs with advanced equipment and resources. In a practical class, there will be around 20 to 30 students and you’ll undertake lots of group work so it’s a perfect way to get to know your classmates! 

Assessments 

While the assessments will vary depending on what subjects to choose, the majority of your graded tasks will involve a midterm exam or a final exam. You’ll also be typically marked on practical exercises as well as plenty of group projects. 

Skills That You Refine and Learn

As a student in the Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing course at Macquarie University, you can expect to develop and improve a wide range of theoretical and practical skills. In this course, Macquarie is especially committed to ensuring that its students will graduate with skills that are in high demand and most importantly, ones that will set you up for the workforce.

Interested in the pros and cons of this degree? Check out our article here!

What’s the Faculty and Culture Like? 

As a Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in Computing student at Macquarie University, you’ll be a part of the large Faculty of Science and Engineering. The Faculty serves almost 6000 students across their programs so you will be in safe and experienced hands! 

The Science Faculty and cohort are a group of intelligent and inviting people. You’ll feel constantly supported and encouraged by the staff and students. 

Societies and Clubs 

Macquarie University has a huge range of societies for every interest imaginable — joining some societies and clubs are great if you want to get to know people with similar interests to you. With over 140 student-led clubs to offer, there is something for everyone! 

You may be interested in the Disney Appreciation Society, the Vegetarian Association or you may want to stick to your computing roots by joining the Mathematics club or the Women in Science and Engineering society.

You can check out all the options here! 

Resources

Macquarie University offers a range of assistance in health and wellbeing, accessibility services, academic advice, Indigenous student support, careers and employment and even tech help.

You can browse the range of student support that Macquarie offers right here!

Gemma Billington is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and an undergraduate student at the University of Technology Sydney. While studying Journalism and Social and Political Sciences, Gemma enjoys spending her time at the gym or reading about Britain’s medieval monarchy – ideally not at the same time. She currently creates and administers social media posts for Central News and writes for the student publication, The Comma. After completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to study a Masters of Medieval History and is very excited about the prospect!