Key facts
4 years full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving digital disruption through the development of smart systems and machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. From self-driving cars to the proliferation of smart assistants, AI is a growing part of everyday life. This specialised four-year course prepares you with the knowledge and skills required to design, develop and evolve computational solutions that harness the latest advances in AI.
You will study up-to-the-minute trends, insights and emerging topics to ensure you graduate with a highly relevant skill set that is sought after by employers across the globe. You will explore different AI tools and techniques as you learn key concepts and deep dive into advanced topics in machine learning, language and speech processing, and robotics.
Want the skills to develop the intelligent systems that drive digital disruption?
The Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (Honours) gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. In the beginning you'll explore fundamental concepts across mathematical modelling and programming, before diving into more advanced topics in data wrangling, machine learning, natural language and speech processing, robotics and AI. You’ll also have opportunities to undertake a professional placement and to work in teams with an industry partner, tackling authentic business challenges as part of a capstone project. You can also focus your studies towards the area that interests you most by undertaking minor studies in an area of your choosing. In your final year, culminate your knowledge in your final year through completion of an honours research project.
Course information
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (Honours), you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 17 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points artificial intelligence capstone units
- 4 credit points artificial intelligence research training capstone units
- 8 credit points which may comprise of:
- 2 minors (8 credit points)
- 1 minor (4 credit points) and 4 credit points of open elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
17
Core units
7
Capstone units
8
Minor/Elective units
32
Total
Core
Year 1 - Trimester 1
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
- Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)
- Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)
- Introduction to Programming
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Systems
- Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Year 1 - Trimester 2
- Object-Oriented Development
- Database Fundamentals
- Computer Networks and Communication
- Introduction to Mathematical Modelling
Year 2 - Trimester 1
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Computational Intelligence
- Data Wrangling
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
- Machine Learning
- Professional Practice in Information Technology #
- Linear Algebra for Data Analysis
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 3 - Trimester 1
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 3 - Trimester 2
- Robotics, Computer Vision and Speech Processing
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Plus 2 credit points from the following capstone options:
- Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^
- IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+
OR
- Professional Practice (2 credit points) ^+
Year 4 - Trimester 1
- Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points) (Research Training capstone)^
Plus 2 minor or open elective units (2 credit points)
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus 2 open elective or minor units (2 credit points)
Plus 2 credit points from the following Research Training capstone options:
- Research Project (2 credit points)^
OR
- Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points)^*
^ Offered in Trimester 1, Trimester 2, Trimester 3.
+ Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in Information Technology.
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit).
*Entry to SIT746 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. You may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Minor sequences
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
- Cloud Technologies
- Cyber Security
- Cyber Security Analytics
- Embedded Systems
- Finance
- Full Stack Development
- Health Analytics
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Retail Management
- Security Management
- Sport Analytics
- Sustainability and Environmental Science
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Information Technologies Research
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
Trimester 2 - July
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Equipment requirements
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a laptop or desktop computer. For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the 'Bring your own device (BYOD)' guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for work integrated learning experiences.
For more information visit SEBE Work Integrated Learning.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Maths: General Mathematics
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) with a minimum WAM of 70 or equivalent
- evidence of mathematical ability (equivalent to that of the Year 12 maths prerequisite)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
You will also require evidence of mathematical ability (equivalent to that of the Year 12 maths prerequisite).
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven't undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter - it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
You will also require evidence of mathematical ability (equivalent to that of the Year 12 maths prerequisite).
English language proficiency requirements
Selection adjustments
Admissions information
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Further study options
A Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (Honours) may also provide you with the opportunity to pursue a research pathway to Higher Degree by Research.
Careers
Career outcomes
Skilled AI professionals are increasingly in demand as organisations realise the potential of intelligence systems to improve our daily lives – both in and outside the workplace. The increasing integration of AI into business practices enhances automation and operating efficiencies such that skilled professionals in this emerging field of IT are highly sought-after across the globe.
As a graduate, you will have a highly specialised skill set that enables you to push boundaries. You may find employment in roles such as a data engineer/scientist, data analyst, AI technology engineer, AI ethicist, or an AI architect – to name a few.
By undertaking a focused research project in your final year of study, you will acquire research skills and advanced technical expertise in your chosen topic. Plus, you will develop the skills to become a creative, solutions-driven professional in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence. You will also be well positioned to pursue further study including a masters by research or PhD.
Course learning outcomes
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