Computer science is the fastest-growing undergraduate STEM enrolment in WA. UWA, Curtin and Murdoch all offer Bachelor of Computer Science (or equivalent) degrees. Common majors include software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and gaming.
Most CS degrees have only one universal prerequisite (Methods). But the cohort is strong, and choosing the right surrounding subjects determines both your ATAR and your readiness for first-year programming and discrete maths units.
What each WA university requires
| University | Required ATAR subjects | Typical ATAR cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| UWA Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) | Mathematics Methods | ~85 to 90 |
| UWA Master of Information Technology (postgrad) | Bachelor degree first | N/A |
| Curtin Bachelor of Computer Science | Mathematics Methods | ~75 to 85 |
| Curtin Bachelor of Cyber Security | Mathematics Methods | ~80 |
| Murdoch Bachelor of Computer Science | Mathematics Applications or higher | ~70 |
Methods is the universal prerequisite for direct entry to UWA and Curtin CS. Murdoch accepts Applications.
The optimal 5-subject combination
For students aiming at UWA Computer Science, the strongest combination is:
- Mathematics Methods (mandatory).
- Mathematics Specialist (highest scaling; first-year discrete maths and algorithms easier).
- Physics (lifts ATAR; useful for hardware/systems-focused CS).
- English (mandatory for WACE).
- One creative or applied subject: Visual Arts, Design, or Applied IT.
ATAR projection: 90 to 96 for competent students with strong scaled marks in Methods and Specialist.
Why Specialist matters for CS
Computer science is, at its core, applied discrete mathematics. First-year CS units cover proof techniques, induction, set theory, graph theory and elementary algorithms. All of these are taught more rigorously in Specialist than in Methods.
Students who take Specialist alongside Methods typically:
- Score 10 to 15 marks higher on first-year discrete maths units.
- Find AI, machine learning and cryptography first-year content easier.
- Are more competitive for high-scoring CS internships.
If you cannot fit Specialist, take Physics. The mathematical maturity from Specialist is the second-most useful preparation; Physics builds similar abstraction muscles.
Do I need Year 12 programming experience?
No. UWA, Curtin and Murdoch CS programs assume zero prior programming. The first-year programming unit (typically Python or Java) is taught from absolute basics.
That said, students who have programmed before (through Applied IT, hobby projects, or Year 12 Computer Science where offered) typically score higher on first-year programming units. The benefit is real but not required for entry.
Applied Information Technology Year 12
Some WA schools offer Applied Information Technology (AIT) at Year 12. AIT is not an ATAR subject in most schools (it is a SCSA General course), so it does not count toward your ATAR. But it gives you exposure to programming concepts and digital systems.
Take AIT if you have spare elective room and want programming exposure. Do not take it instead of an ATAR subject.
The "no Specialist" pathway
If your school does not offer Specialist or you cannot fit it, the alternative is:
- Methods (required)
- Physics
- Chemistry (for STEM scaling)
- English
- One stretch subject (Economics, Modern History, etc.)
This combination is enough for UWA and Curtin CS direct entry, with ATAR projection 85 to 92.
Career outlook
Computer science graduates in WA enter roles including software engineer, data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, AI/ML engineer, network engineer and systems architect. Entry-level salaries in Perth typically run $65k to $85k. Mid-career roles in AI/ML and cybersecurity exceed $120k.
WA has growing CS employment in mining technology, government cybersecurity, defence (Curtin's link), and resource sector data analytics.
What to actually do this week
- Open the UWA, Curtin and Murdoch Computer Science admissions pages. Read the prerequisite sections.
- If your school offers Specialist, check whether you have the Year 10 grades to enter (typically 80%+ in advanced maths).
- If you have not programmed before, install Python and try a free online intro (codecademy.com or freecodecamp.org). 10 hours over your summer makes first-year much easier.
If you want to talk through your CS pathway and subject choice, book a free trial at our centres.