Computer Science: Associate Degree of Computer Science

What You Will Learn

Comprising two of the three stages included in our bachelor's program, the Associate Degree of Computer Science offers emerging professionals a practical look at computer science fundamentals.

Guided by industry-expert mentors, you'll develop key skills in scripting and automation, project design, IT and cyber security, web development, cloud computing and technical workflow practices.

In addition to your core units, you'll choose from a pool of electives to develop a specialisation in one of four areas: Games Programming, Software Development, Cyber Security or Web Development.

Enhance your expertise by completing dynamic projects reflective of real-world scenarios, simulating professional practice to prepare you for the workplace. As you develop your technical knowledge and work on more dynamic projects, you'll collaborate with fellow SAE students and apply your skills to multidisciplinary projects in VFX, Film, Games and Animation.

Graduate from the Associate Degree of Computer Science equipped with the in-demand skillset you need to thrive in any number of industries, from IT and telecommunications to healthcare and education.

Upon completion, you will be eligible for up to 160 credit points towards the Bachelor of Computer Science, providing a structured pathway to future study opportunities.

The Associate Degree of Computer Science is broken up into two distinct stages, each designed to develop different skills. This course allows you to choose from a pool of electives throughout your studies and will see you develop a specialisation in one of four areas: Games Programming, Software Development, Cyber Security or Web Development.

• Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other students and professionals.
• Credit points: 10 This subject serves as your gateway to understanding how humans and computers interact effectively. Here, you will explore the fundamental principles of HCI that underpin all user interfaces, from the ones on your phone to complex software applications. We will delve into various interaction methods, including traditional desktop interfaces, mobile technologies, and even emerging concepts like tangible objects and ambient displays.
• Credit points: 10 This unit introduces you to the fundamental concepts and techniques of programming using a high-level programming language. You will learn to write, debug, and execute basic programs while developing problem-solving skills essential for computer science. The unit covers variables, data types, control structures, functions, data structures, file input/output (I/O), modules, error handling, and an introduction to object-oriented programming. By the end of the unit, you will be able to develop simple programs and understand core programming principles.
• Credit points: 10 This unit focuses on the fundamental knowledge and skills required by all IT professionals. You will explore basic IT concepts and terminology as well as the hardware and software elements that form the basis of systems from personal computing through to enterprise level. You will also explore how software is developed and used, and the collection, storage and use of data. All these topics will be viewed through a cyber security lens and the unit will conclude by considering the field of cyber security as a holistic discipline.
• Credit points: 10 This unit provides an engaging and practical introduction to the fundamentals of software development, focusing on the concepts, methodologies, and processes involved. Students will learn about the software development lifecycle, various development methodologies, version control systems, teamwork, project management, and the importance of documentation. The unit is highly interactive, featuring a mix of case studies, group activities, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world software development scenarios.
• Credit points: 10 This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact. As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
• Credit points: 10 This unit introduces you to the fundamental principles of data analysis including foundational mathematical skills and effective data visualization techniques. You'll gain foundational knowledge of statistics and probability for data analysis, along with hands-on experience using industry-standard techniques and software for data visualization, statistical analysis, and interactive dashboard creation. Through practical exercises and case studies, you will explore real-world datasets, learning to apply quantitative methods to solve analytical problems along with developing an awareness of potential biases, errors, and ethical considerations in data interpretation.
• Credit points: 10 This unit explores scripting and automation techniques, and their application in areas such as system administration and data extraction. You will learn to use scripting for automating tasks, managing system operations, and extracting data from the web. The unit also introduces the Internet of Things (IoT) and programming on microcontrollers. You will gain hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, IoT networking and communication, and basic security practices. The practical focus of this unit prepares you to design, implement, and manage automated and IoT systems effectively.
• Credit points: 10 This unit will introduce you to foundational knowledge and skills for web development which will be useful throughout your studies and career in computer science. You will learn foundational concepts, principles and skill in web development. We will delve into the core concepts of the Document Object Model (DOM), Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and its companion Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and an industry-standard programming language for websites: Javascript. Explore concepts of web design theories and practices including web servers, web databases, web domains, Content Management Systems, web design, web layout, responsive web design, functionality and usability.

• Broaden your scope to work on complex multidisciplinary projects in accordance with industry standard practices.
• Credits points: 10 In this unit, you will collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that blend creativity and technology across fields such as film, audio, music, gaming, design, and computer science. Through project-based learning, you'll explore how different disciplines contribute to innovative outcomes-like immersive installations or interactive experiences. The unit focuses on strengthening communication, problem-solving, and teamwork across creative and technical areas. You'll be challenged to apply your existing skills while embracing new perspectives and ways of working, developing a holistic understanding of contemporary media production and preparing you to deliver complex, boundary-pushing creative solutions.
• Credit points: 10 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming the global digital landscape. From healthcare to finance to creative industries, AI and ML are the engines of innovation. In this unit, you will explore core algorithms, tools, and ethical frameworks surrounding intelligent systems.
• Credit points: 10 This unit equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to navigate the intricate world of data structures and algorithms. You will explore fundamental structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues, along with their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world applications. Delve into advanced structures such as trees and graphs, used to represent hierarchical relationships and network connections, and explore essential algorithms for sorting (e.g. selection sort, merge sort), searching (e.g. linear search, binary search), and graph traversal.
• Credit points: 10 This course introduces students to the dynamic field of cloud computing. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and hands-on practice, students will grasp the basics of cloud computing, including virtualisation, service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and the principles driving cloud adoption. Using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, students will learn to provision virtual machines, configure networking, and manage storage. They'll delve into cloud security, covering identity management, encryption, and compliance. Additionally, leveraging microservices, containers (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), and serverless computing (e.g., AWS Lambda), students will design and implement scalable, resilient, and cost-effective cloud-native solutions.
• Credit points: 10 Creatives have always contributed to real-world problem solving, whether through innovative inventions, creative calls for action, public awareness building, or art and science collaborations. In this unit you will use your interdisciplinary collaboration skills to address a real-world problem. Using different theoretical frameworks within a 'hackathon' style studio environment you will produce a prototype that can be presented within SAE, as well as to external stakeholders.