Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op)

Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location
Cairns
Next start term
Term 1, 2027
Internship
Yes
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CG99
CRICOS
077816A
First-year fee
A$36,720 (2026 Indicative)
Two people sitting at a computer on campus, talking and pointing towards screen

Overview

With extensive work-integrated learning opportunities featuring a three-month paid industry placement, our Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) will provide you with hands-on industry-relevant experience to launch a successful career in the Information, communication and technology (ICT) industries.

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) will enable you to acquire valuable experience through a supervised industry placement, typically of three months duration. The placement is an opportunity for you to earn while you learn, put theory into practice, and develop industry networks.

This course provides you with a solid grounding in the core body of knowledge and skills of ICT professionals, as defined by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). 

During your studies, your core units will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of key areas in IT and computer-based systems. From your second term, you will begin to study units from your chosen major:

  • Application Development
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Business Data Analytics
  • Cyber Security. 

Through the selection of a minor and electives, you can further specialise in ICT and/or broaden your knowledge into other disciplines. Available minors include:

  • Application Development
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Business Data Analytics
  • Cyber Security 
  • Emerging Technologies
  • ICT Management
  • Liberal Studies
  • Mathematics.

Learn more about each major and minor in the Structure & Availability section below.

You will also have the flexibility to exit the degree early after completing a number of units and graduate with an Associate Degree of Information Technology or a Diploma of Information and Communications Technology.

Study Experience

Discover more about your industry-accredited IT degree, offering flexible study options and practical learning opportunities to ensure you graduate work-ready. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • International student smiling at the camera with trees above them
    “
    I love my course because it allows me to practise each assessment in a real-world situation. When I graduate, I want to work in data analysis or cyber security.

    Silvia Ramirez

    Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-Op) | Colombia

Career Opportunities

On completion of the Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) you will be qualified to work in both public and private sectors and in roles such as:

  • application programmer
  • analyst programmer
  • database administrator
  • ICT customer support technician
  • ICT support engineer
  • ICT support technician
  • information technology project manager
  • network administrator
  • security analyst
  • systems administrator
  • systems analyst
  • web developer.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. 

You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete 23 units (144 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (8 units)
  2. 2
    One eight-unit major
  3. 3
    One four-unit minor
  4. 4
    Three elective units

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Core Units

You will study the eight units listed below.

Application Development Major

The Application Development Major consists of the eight units listed below.

Application Development involves using tools, techniques, and programming languages to develop systems. In this major you will study concepts such as the architectural design of an application including how to break up an application and distribute its components across a networked system, and the development of mobile and internet applications. You will become an advanced, enterprise-ready developer.

You might be required to enrol in some units in online mode depending on the campuses. Term 3 units are not offered on some campuses. If you want to study in Term 3 on the campus at which a unit is not available, you will need to enrol in online mode.

Application Development Minor

The Application Development Minor consists of the four units listed below.

Application developers need to be able to develop using both front end languages such as HTML and CSS and back end languages such as Java.

If you choose the Artificial Intelligence Major, Business Data Analytics Major or Cyber Security Major, you could take this minor to develop skills in areas such as Internet applications and Enterprise software development.

This minor is not available to you if you are an Application Development Major.

You might be required to enrol in some units in online mode depending on the campuses. Term 3 units are not offered on some campuses. If you want to study in Term 3 on the campus at which a unit is not available, you will need to enrol in online mode.

Elective Units

You will choose three elective units:

  • Electives may include any unit from the Bachelor of Information Technology (CQ18) majors or minors provided all prerequisites have been met.
  • Students may also choose any unit from the list below provided all prerequisites have been met.

You might be required to enrol in some units in online mode depending on the campuses. Term 3 units are not offered on some campuses. If you want to study in Term 3 on the campus at which a unit is not available, you will need to enrol in online mode.

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Additional Information

Industry Work Placement - COIT13238

A paid industry placement is built into this degree. Your placement is usually between three and six months duration and cannot be taken at any host organisation where a conflict of interest may arise. Generally, you'll complete your placement with a CQU industry partner towards the end of your degree. The skills, knowledge and experience you gain from this helps enhance your work readiness. Plus, you'll build your professional networks.

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) provides a distinguished bachelors degree in IT that enables you to acquire valuable experience through a supervised, industry placement. You will normally undertake industry placement following the successful completion of two years (4 terms) of study. Industry placements are typically of six months duration.

Learned Society - Australian Computer Society

Cyber Security Major

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op)(Cyber Security) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.
https://www.acs.org.au/cpd-education/accredited-courses.html

Learned Society - Australian Computer Society

Business Analysis Major

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op)(Business Analysis) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.
https://www.acs.org.au/cpd-education/accredited-courses.html

Learned Society - Australian Computer Society

Application Development Major

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op)(Application Development) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.
https://www.acs.org.au/cpd-education/accredited-courses.html

If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

English and Alternative Entry Pathways

CQU offers a range of English and alternative entry pathways to help you get started. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are options available, depending on your background and previous experience.

View Alternative Entry Pathways

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Course Fees

This is an approximate cost of enrolling in this course, shown in Australian dollars (A$), for one academic year and is based on a full-time study load (8 units over 2 terms). 

Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units that you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.

International Course Fees

Study online from outside Australia and access reduced fees for the duration of your course. Graduate certificates are A$8760 in total, and bachelor and master courses are A$17 520 for the first year in 2027. 

Fees are indicative and based on a full-time study load of 24 credit points per term. Graduate certificate fees are based on one term (six months) of study, while bachelor and master fees are based on two terms (one year) of study.

You may be eligible for a scholarship depending on your citizenship, your study mode or whether you're pursuing a research degree. Together with our affordable tuition fees, this can help make achieving your study goals more affordable.

Browse our scholarships

In addition to your course fees, you must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses. These may include visa application fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), textbooks and learning materials, checks and certifications, living expenses and more.

How to Apply

You can apply through an agent for expert guidance, or directly via iStart, our online application system for international students if you’re in Australia.

Apply