Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined degree brings together core IT topics and foundational business disciplines. On the information technology side you will study programming and software development, databases, web technologies, networks and infrastructure, systems analysis and design, cybersecurity fundamentals, and data analytics. On the business side you will cover accounting and finance fundamentals, marketing, organisational behaviour and human resources, management and strategy, business law, and economics.

The degree typically includes a sequence of foundational first-year units, discipline-specific intermediate units, and advanced units in later years that focus on integration and application. Common components include a capstone or final-year project where you apply technical and business skills to a real-world problem, and options for elective units or a specialist major within either IT (for example software development, networking or data analytics) or business (for example marketing, accounting or human resource management).

Practical learning is emphasised through labs, team-based projects, case studies and opportunities for industry engagement or work-integrated learning placements, enabling you to build a professional portfolio and employable skills.

Entry requirements

Entry typically requires completion of a recognised senior secondary qualification (for example an Australian Year 12 or equivalent) and meeting the university's published selection criteria. Applicants are selected on the basis of academic results and may be considered via alternative pathways such as recognised prior learning, vocational qualifications or relevant work experience.

International applicants must meet ACU's English language requirements; additional programme-specific prerequisites (for example demonstrated ability in mathematics or computing) may be recommended depending on the chosen study areas. Applicants who do not meet direct entry requirements can often access pathway programs or enabling courses offered by ACU.

Career prospects

Graduates of this double degree are well placed to pursue roles that require both technical and business acumen. Typical career paths include:

• Software developer or application developer
• Systems analyst or business systems consultant
• IT project coordinator or project manager
• Network or infrastructure administrator
• Cybersecurity analyst or information security specialist
• Data analyst or business intelligence analyst
• E-commerce manager, digital marketing coordinator or product manager
• Business analyst, management consultant or operations manager

Employers commonly include private technology vendors, consulting firms, financial services, government departments, healthcare organisations and not-for-profits. The combined degree is also a strong foundation for postgraduate study in specialised IT or business fields.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers a student-centred learning environment with relatively small class sizes and a focus on applied, ethical practice. The university provides contemporary computing labs, access to industry-standard tools and regular opportunities for industry engagement and work-integrated learning that help bridge study and employment.

Course structure is designed to be flexible, allowing you to tailor the program through electives and majors to match career interests. ACU also offers student support services including career development, academic skills assistance and opportunities to connect with employers, which can help you transition from study into the workforce.