The BIS (Co-op) (Hons) is a full-time four year Honours degree program. It is an industry linked education program leading to the award of the qualification Bachelor of Information Systems (Co-op) (Honours). The program draws on both Information Systems and business and is intended to develop conceptual and practical skills. After an introductory first stage, students will learn about business analysis systems and design, data management, business systems infrastructure and security as well as commercial programming statistics, management accounting and commercial programming.

The BIS (Co-op) (Hons) program has been designed in conjunction with Information Systems and Information Technology industry professionals to provide for the needs of Australian businesses. The program combines the requirements for the award of the degree with 18 months of coordinated industrial experience at three different sponsoring organisations (24 weeks at each). Industry Training extends outside university semesters. A scholarship is payable from funds donated by the sponsoring organisations. Entry to the program is limited to students awarded a scholarship through the BIS (Co-op) (Hons) selection procedures administered by the UNSW Co-op Program Office. For more information about requirements for the BIS (Co-op) (Hons) Program please visit the frequently asked questions page.

Consideration for entry to the course may proceed only on the basis of an application directly to Co-op program Office at the University of New South Wales and application through UAC. Visit the UNSW Co-op website for a brochure and application form.

Students who are academically acceptable for the BIS (Co-op) (Hons) degree program, but who are not offered a scholarship position, should consider registering for first Stage entry into the BIS 3979 program. If BIS (Co-op) (Hons) scholarships become available at the end of stage 1, students undertaking the BIS 3979 program may be offered an interview and a transfer into the 3964 BIS (Co-op) (Hons) degree program.

Students should always follow the program requirements according to the year they started their degree. For more information please visit Previous UNSW Online Handbooks.

This four Stage program teaches Information Systems Theory and Practice and provides industrial training linked to that teaching. The three industry placements in the course are each of approximately six months duration, running from January of Stages 2 and 3, and July of Stage 3 of the program.

The program combines courses that assist students to learn about the technical environment of IS as well as develop an understanding of the business implications of these systems. Organisations are always looking for business savvy IS graduates who understand the business and technical issues which surround and impact their information systems. IS graduates from this degree can target careers in areas such as: business systems analysis, information system development, communications networks analysis and development; IS security development; e-business systems development; business intelligence systems construction, and IS and IT architecture and infrastructure development and maintenance.

The BIS (Co-op) (Hons) program is 192 UOC consisting of:

And one of

And one of

Plus General Education course 6 UOC

Plus Stage 2/3 INFS Electives (6 UOC) from Table 1

Plus General Education course 6 UOC

Plus Stage 4 INFS electives from Table 2, totalling 12 UOC.

To be eligible to enrol in level 4 INFS courses and the thesis component, a student must:

Students not meeting the above eligibility requirements to enrol in level 4 INFS courses and/or the thesis component will be transferred to the BIS (3979) degree program.

The thesis will be marked by two independent markers. In line with the Business School Honours Protocol the honours supervisor will not be one of the markers.

Content of Program

To be awarded the BIS (Co-op) (Hons) degree it must contain:

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Students satisfactorily completing the requirements for this degree will be awarded Honours First Class I, Second Class Division 1, Second Class Division II, or Third Class.

Class of Honours will be based upon average of results in Level 4 courses (weighted as 50% coursework and 50% thesis) :

First Class Honours 85 and above
Second Class Division I 75 – 84
Second Class Division II 65 – 74
Third Class 50 – 64

If requirements for these classes are not met, a student will be transferred into 3979 and the Pass degree awarded. For more information please refer to the Honours Program link on the SISTM webpage.

All students who complete the requirements for this program will be awarded a Bachelor Honours degree.

University Medal may be awarded as per University Medal Procedures.

For further information, refer to Professional Recognition of Programs in the UNSW Online Handbook.

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change. Students should always follow the program requirements according to the year they started their degree. For more information please visit Previous UNSW Online Handbooks.

Contact the UNSW Business School Student Centre for advice.
tel: + 61 2 9385 3189
location: Level 1, room 1028, Quadrangle Building
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