Software development courses

If you’d like to become a software developer, you will need a Bachelor of Computer Science or a Bachelor of Information Technology. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose between the two:

• A Bachelor of Computer Science focuses more exclusively on programming, design and software engineering related topics. This course will teach you how to develop and test different applications and software.
• A Bachelor of Information Technology, on the other hand, will teach you about computers, networks and systems as a whole. This is an option worth considering if you'd like to build a broader IT skillset while majoring in software development.

If you already work in the IT industry and want to transition into software development, consider a specialist postgraduate qualification. The Graduate Certificate of Programming and Development, for example, is a bootcamp course that allows you to upskill within six months.

It will take the equivalent of three years of full-time study to complete a Bachelor of Computer Science or a Bachelor of Information Technology. From there, you can apply for graduate software developer roles.

However, we know life often gets in the way when you’re studying. If you decide to earn your software development course online through Open Universities Australia, you can take as long as you need to reach the finish line. Many of our students complete their degree a subject at a time because this makes it easier to balance other commitments like family and full-time work.

With a degree in software development, you can apply for work in IT departments across most industries. If you’re after a more flexible career, you could even forge a path as a freelancer who supports clients on web and mobile app projects.

Roles to consider include:

• Software developer
• JavaScript developer
• Web developer
• Cloud developer
• Mobile app developer
• Front-end/back-end developer
• Analyst programmer

Online study is convenient no matter what you’re studying. But it makes even more sense for those who want to work in the IT industry.

Software developers frequently collaborate with clients and manage projects from a distance. You’ll practice these skills every day during your online software development course. This may make it easier for you to feel at home in the workforce. It could even set you apart from other graduates who aren’t as confident or patient with remote communication.

Software development is an ideal career for you if you want to solve problems, work on versatile projects—and get paid well to do it. According to SEEK, the average annual salary for software developers is $90,000 to $110,000 (at time of publishing).

And with our technology needs constantly evolving, there is strong future demand for software developers in Australia. It’s likely that 40,000 new software and applications programmers will be employed by 2026, so your prospects in this role look bright indeed.

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

• You can enrol without entry requirements 
  We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
• You have total control over how you study
  Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
• You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
  Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
• We’ll help you navigate the university world
  Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.