Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Application Development)
Becoming a leading professional in the development, implementation, testing and management of sophisticated software systems.
Course essentials
ATAR
Guaranteed ATAR Score 50
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Online
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Application Development) gives you a broad knowledge applicable to the IT industry in both well-established technologies and emerging IT trends. In your first year of study you’ll obtain the required core IT foundations, and then become ‘job-ready’ by completing specialist Software Development units, plus our mandatory career development units including 60 days of paid placement through Federation Co-op.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Information Technology
Course co-ordinator
Leigh Achterbosch
Career paths
Professional recognition
This program holds Professional Level accreditation with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Work integrated learning
This course provides you with real experience in your chosen profession, through our Co-operative Model.
You will undertake a minimum of 60 days (450 hours) paid placement in industry – contributing directly to course credits. Federation University will arrange the placements for you through our network of industry partners.
Flexible placements options are available which include full time over one semester, part time over an extended period or in blocks embedded into your subjects. Federation University Co-op ensures that you graduate with employability skills and industry experience.
Learn more at https://federation.edu.au/co-op
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Digital Literacy15 credit pointsITECH1500
- User Centred Design15 credit pointsITECH1501
- Connected Systems15 credit pointsITECH1504
- Data and Information Systems15 credit pointsITECH1503
- Professional Identity (Information Technology)15 credit pointsCOOPI1001
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals15 credit pointsITECH1502
- Foundations of Programming15 credit pointsITECH1400
Elective
- Agile Coding15 credit pointsITECH2306
- Web Design15 credit pointsITECH2003
Elective
- Data Modelling15 credit pointsITECH2004
- IT Project Management Techniques15 credit pointsITECH2250
- AI Governance and Assurance15 credit pointsITECH2119
Elective
- Co-operative Placement 1 (Information Technology)30 credit pointsCOOPI2011
- Project 115 credit pointsITECH3208
- User Experience15 credit pointsITECH3001
- Co-operative Placement 2 (Information Technology)30 credit pointsCOOPI2012
- Project 215 credit pointsITECH3209
- Software Engineering15 credit pointsITECH3506
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Successful completion of Australian Year 12
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level or above, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as Federation University Foundation Access Studies (FAST) or Foundation Studies (International applicants).
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Compulsory: Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants who have not completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway course such as Federation Access Studies (FAST) Program
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3701811991 - Berwick (on campus)
3700511991 - Mt Helen (on campus)
3700811991 - Online - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- IT5
Hear from our staff
Hi, my name is Dr Gour Karmakar and I am the Associate Professor in Information Technology and Program Coordinator of Bachelor of IT Gippsland and Networking and Security stream at Federation University. My favourite part of this program is that it comprises contemporary and in-demand courses and streams such as Business Information Systems, Big Data, Analytics, Networking and Security and Software Development. They enable students to get highly paid jobs such as data scientist, cyber security and networking specialist, software engineer and business analyst. The program not only focuses the development of theoretical knowledge but also underpins on hands-on experience and contemporary tools. Using contemporary tools they equip students with sufficient knowledge and technical foundational skill to apply in different business context. What makes our program different from other universities is that we are collaborating with industry to embed co-op education, that is co-design, co-delivery and co-assessment of the courses. Besides, authentic assessment is the bedrock of this program. The coordination of co-operation is also mapping the courses to relevant vendor certification which help students become job ready and secure great job. Fun fact, that I occasionally write poetry and like walking in the morning. So please study this course and join Federation University.