Thinking about studying a Bachelor of Information Systems at UNSW?
This article will give you the lowdown on what this degree is like! From future career paths to faculty culture, here’s everything you need to know about studying Information Systems at UNSW.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Bachelor of Information Systems at UNSW?
Core Units for this Degree
How to Get into a Bachelor of Information Systems at UNSW
What’s the Teaching Format?
What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?
What is a Bachelor of Information Systems at UNSW?
ABachelor of Information Systems at UNSWcombines the study of information technology with core business concepts to prepare you to thrive in a tech-driven world! Information Systems isa specialised degree that explores how technology is used in the business industry.
The core units that students engage in examine information technology (IT) and business concepts fromprogramming and app development to accounting and economics.This degreecan be taken along with a Bachelor of Commerce as a4-year double degree programto give you an extra leg up in the business industry!
Career Paths
In an increasingly tech-driven world,Information Systems graduates are in high demand, withcareer prospects ranging from IT development to consulting.
Here’s an idea of what kind of career a degree in Information Systems can give you:
-
- Information System Consultant
- Information System Architect
- Management Consultant
- Network Developer
- Technical Manager
Core Units for this Degree
All students studying a Bachelor of Information Systems will have to complete12 core unitsalong with prescribed electives in the course of the degree.
-
- Digital Transformation in Business
- Introduction to Business Databases
- Fundamentals of Business Programming
- Business Analysis
- Intermediate Business Programming
- Database Management & Big Data Infrastructures
- Enterprise Systems
- Introduction to Business Analytics
- Business Process Management
- Information Systems Innovation & Transformation
- Networking & Cyber Security
- Mobile Applications Development
Here’s a little peek at a few of the core units:
| Core Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Transformation in Business (INFS1602) | Introduces students to how information systems are used in the industry, examining the issues and management of information systems in relation to businesses and their products and services. |
| Introduction to Business Databases (INFS1603) | Introduces students to the core concepts and technologies needed to create and manage business databases and information. |
| Business Analysis (INFS2603) | Furthers students’ knowledge of information systems by building their business analysis skills. |
| Business Process Management (INFS3604) | Teaches students about the way that business processes can be analysed, redesigned and improved to meet the needs of their customers in the form of software. |
Have a lookherefor descriptions on all the core units!
Are there built-in internship programs?
Although this degree does not have any built-in internship programs, there isa third year course (INFS3020) that gives students the opportunity to go on a two-week study tour to one Asian country!
The study tour involvesvisiting large international companiesto provide students with a firsthand observation of businesses anddevelop their understanding of the international aspect of information systems business operations.
How to Get into a Bachelor of Information Systems at UNSW
An ATAR of 90 will guaranteeyou entry into this course!If you don’t quite achieve this ATAR, however,Adjustment Factors(also known as Bonus Points)can boost your selection rank based on what band you achieve in certain subjects, such as English and Maths.
UNSW also provides alternate pathways into their degrees, such as theACCESS Scheme.Check out how it works and if you’re eligible to applyhere!
Are there any prerequisites or assumed knowledge?
A Bachelor of Information Systems does not require any prerequisite HSC subjects. However,Mathematics is considered ‘assumed knowledge’ by the university,所以这是recommended totake at least Advanced Mathematics in the HSC.
Scholarships
ABachelor of Information Systems (Co-op)is a scholarship program thatprovides financial assistance, secured internships, industry mentoring and placements integrated into the degree. This Co-op degree in Information Systems is adifferentdegree from a Bachelor of Information Systems, with different entry requirements and a separate application process.
UNSW also offers a whole host of scholarships that you can apply for! Check out the full listhere.
What’s the Teaching Format?
Are there semesters or trimesters?
新南威尔士大学教下trimesterformat. This means that there arethree 10-week terms across the yearand increased flexibility! A normal workload iseight courses一年(例如分裂3,3,2)但有三mesters, overloading with nine courses in a year is possible.
Overloading and studying3 courses per term(resulting in nine units per year, as opposed to the usual eight) means thatyou can potentially fast-track your degree and finish before the full three years!
Class Structure
Information Systems at UNSW is taught throughlectures, tutorials and labs.
Lectures
Lectures are where youlearn thecontentof the courseand can have anywhere from100 to 300 students!They often go for2 hoursand are rarely compulsory, soyou have the freedom to either learn independently from lecture recordings and slides, or join your peers in a lecture hall!
Tutorials
Tutorials are where you consolidate the content learnt from lectures throughsolving problems and discussing course content with 30 or so other peers. Tutorials are a place where you can ask any questions you may have from watching the lectures, make friends and apply your knowledge to real-life case studies and problems.
Labs
Labs are where you学会codeand use a range of softwares in a computer labwith20 to 30 other people.Labs can go from1 to 3 hours一个地方,你可以得到hands-on experience with the concepts learned in class!
How often will you have to be on campus?
Students studying Information Systems at UNSW will roughly have12 or morecontact hours in a week, meaning thatyou’ll likely see yourself on campus for 2-3 days a week.
What are the assessments like?
Most Information Systems courses will have agroup assignmentcomponent that will be worth the most other than thefinal exam. These assignments vary from course to course, but willoften involve some sort of presentation.
Most courses will also have a final exam where you’ll be assessed on the course content through a range of formats likemultiple choice, short answer or extended response.
Ongoing assessments throughout the term are also a feature in this degree and can come in eitheronline quizzes, tutorial participation or weekly homework. Be sure to consult your course outline for a clear idea of what is due each week!
Skills That You Develop
A Bachelor of Information Systems at UNSW willequip you with a wide range of skills essential for working in a tech-related business industry!
You will developproblem solvingandcritical thinking skillsthrough the case studies presented in class, and refine youranalytical skillsas you assess the information and data given.
The group assignments and projects will teach you how tocollaborate effectivelywith others who have a range of backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. Learning to work with your team will also develop yourcommunicationandleadership skills.
What’s the Faculty and Culture like?
Information Systems ispart of the School of Business, which sports a large faculty and cohort, with thousands of new students joining per year!
Don’t fret though, as Information Systems is a smaller, more specialised degree, this means that you will be able to see people you recognise as you progress.Most of your peers will be looking out and pushing each other forward as many students are highly academically motivated!
Societies
UNSW is known for their large range of clubs and societies, which are a great way for you to form genuine connections with other students outside of your degree!
BIT ISM Student Association(BITSA) is the society associated with Information Systems and is known for supporting students byhosting networking events, professional upskilling workshops and lots of social events like trivia nights! You’ll also have the chance tointeract with lots of upper year studentswho will have lots of helpful advice and study resources!
Other societies, such asWomen in Technology(WIT) also feature events likehackathons and skill-building workshopsand are a great place to develop experiences that will continue to assist you in the workforce.
Check out more about these societieshere!
Support Programs
UNSW’s Business School runs a program calledPeer Assisted Study Sessions(PASS), which is a useful resource in helping you ‘pass’ your course!
Older, high achieving students lead the weekly PASS,explaining course content and providing free tutoring to support you in your studies. There’s no need to register or apply, this program is made available to everyone studying a business related degree!
We hope this article helps you as you make lots of big decisions after high school!
Millicent Taihopes to one day become a full-time teacher and is currently studying a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science at UNSW. She enjoys tutoring students at Art of Smart in English and Maths and has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember. In her spare time, you can find her avidly reading Christian biographies or fishing in Animal Crossing.
