University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This honours degree provides a balanced curriculum of core computer science topics and specialised AI and machine learning subjects. In early years you study programming, data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and software engineering. As you progress you take specialised units such as machine learning, deep learning, statistical learning, natural language processing, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and scalable data systems.

The honours year places strong emphasis on independent research: you complete a substantial research or development project under academic supervision, together with advanced coursework units covering research methods, ethics and contemporary issues in AI. Practical work is integrated through laboratory sessions, programming assignments, group projects and a capstone design or research experience that applies AI techniques to real problems.

• Core topics: programming, algorithms, operating systems, databases, software engineering
• Mathematics & statistics: discrete maths, linear algebra, probability and statistics
• AI & ML specialisms: supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks and deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP, computer vision
• Practical skills: data engineering, model evaluation, deployment, ethical and trustworthy AI
• Honours project: an independent research or development project supervised by academic staff

Entry requirements

Entry to the honours programme typically requires completion of secondary school with competitive senior secondary results and strong preparation in mathematics, or successful completion of an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science or a closely related discipline with the required level of academic performance. International applicants must meet English language requirements. Specific admission pathways, prerequisites and minimum academic thresholds are set by the University of Adelaide and depend on the applicant’s educational background.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require expertise in AI and software engineering, including machine learning engineer, data scientist, AI developer, computer vision engineer, natural language processing engineer, robotics engineer, and AI product developer. The honours research year also provides a pathway into research roles and higher degrees such as a PhD. Employers span technology companies, research institutes, healthcare, finance, government agencies and startups that apply AI to real‑world problems.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers strong research expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, including close links with the Australian Institute for Machine Learning and local industry partners. Teaching is research‑led and emphasises hands‑on experience, with access to modern computing facilities and opportunities for collaborative projects and industry placements. Studying in Adelaide also provides connections to a growing technology sector and multidisciplinary research centres, supporting transitions into both professional practice and postgraduate research.