Overview 2020
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
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The Information and Communication Technology Catalyst Program combines a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology with extra experiences, activities and opportunities. It was created for outstanding students, just like you.
A global focussed ICT career needs a globally connected education, so you can apply for the Overseas Exchange Program and spend a semester learning at one of our international partner institutions. If you're accepted to the program, you'll be automatically supported by a $2,500 scholarship.
You can also apply for a Summer Research Project where you will work with a supervisor on a research topic of your choice. Again, upon being accept for a project you'll be supported by an automatic $3,000 scholarship.
You can even graduate with a custom built, multidisciplinary second degree, the high achiever academic extension Bachelor of Philosophy at no extra cost, with just a few additional units.
There is a $7,500 relocation scholarship available for domestic interstate students moving to Tasmania, and a $3,000 bursary for Tasmanian students to support the start of University studies.
If you want to get the most out of your University experience, set yourself apart in your chosen field, and give yourself an edge for future employment, the Information and Communication Technology Catalyst Program is for you.
Course objectives
The Information and Communication Technology Catalyst Program gives you a world-class ICT education including hands-on research experience and enriching overseas exchange and education opportunities.
The degree offers core knowledge and specialist units across the complete spectrum of computing and information technology. They range from non-technical areas such as the nature of information and the organisational need for ICT; to the hardware, software, network and creative technologies used to satisfy these needs; to the communication, design, development and management skills needed to create and implement ICT components.
In addition, you will be provided with the organisational skills needed to work within a business environment, including working as a team and independently; developing user-centred solutions; communicating effectively; problem-solving; community and social awareness; professional conduct; and industry best practice.
The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology is an industry-aligned and accredited degree that gives you the skills you need to be in demand by future employers. Combine that with the wealth of extra opportunities offered by the Catalyst Program, and you graduate truly prepared to hit the ground running and shape the world.
Practical experience
The ICT Catalyst Program is built with practical experience in mind. Field trips, research projects, specialist facilities and laboratories, work integrated learning, industry experience, international travel, and more. When you study with us, your learning experience extends well beyond the classroom.
Led by experienced and approachable staff, your learning could also include an international study exchange, valuable industry placement and practical project work. We provide extensive teaching laboratory facilities that deliver valuable hands-on experience in all technology specialisations. Students also experience the latest in technology development and application through challenging team projects.
ICT Project & Industry Experience
The University has active relationships with the Tasmanian business community. In the final year of the BICT, students obtain practical work experience during a full-year project in which you design, engineer and implement ICT solutions to real industry problems. This is a fully commercialised process, dealing with management, stakeholders, planning, development and execution.
"Our ICT Project was to create a mobile based game for local game developer, Secret Lab. I want to be a project manager, and the ICT Project units helped match my expectations to reality."
Ryan Ward, graduate
HITLab AU
Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HITLab) is a research and teaching facility focused on building advanced human-computer interface technology. It allows us to explore new forms of interface technology made possible by infrastructures such as the NBN and Ubiquitous Computing to realise interfaces in the wild.
Special facilities in the HITLab include Surface Research equipment, in particular the VisionSpace, a three-screen immersive stereo projection system enabling groups of people to view and interact intuitively with virtual 3D data; and an Access Grid, a high-end, collaborative communication facility including HD videoconferencing capabilities. Students have opportunities to undertake elective units or develop projects using HITLab AU.
Study overseas as part of your degree
Never mind a gap year when you can travel and study overseas and have it count towards your degree! The University exchange program provides students with the opportunity to gain an international experience as part of their current degree, with 150 partner institutes globally across 30+ countries, there is a program type for everyone offering programs from semester length to just 2 week international stints.
The exchange is typically undertaken in your second year, and you'll be fully supported by our dedicated Student Mobility team all the way. Upon successful application to the semester exchange, Catalyst students automatically receive a $3,000 scholarship to assist with costs. Other financial assistance is available for both domestic and international students.
Find out more by visiting the Student Mobility website.
Summer research project
Regardless if you choose to pursue a career in research, the Summer Research Project is a great way to set yourself apart for your future career. You apply to conduct a six to eight week research program on a topic of your choice during the summer, typically between your second and third year. If your is successful, Catalyst students receive a guaranteed $3,000 to assist with costs!
You have the advantage of working in some of Australia's best facilities, with access to leading researchers in whatever field of study you're interested in. This may become a pre-cursor to an honours year, or a great experience to add to your CV, either way it's putting you ahead when it comes to starting your career.
Work placement
All students undertake projects in their third year of their major that are supplied by a real industry client involving a significant open-ended and wide-ranging challenge, drawing on knowledge and capability from their earlier studies.
The project is based on a real life problem, and allows the students to experience the type of professional experiences that a graduate is likely to encounter following graduation. This learning experience facilitates a smooth transition to employment by providing real-world experience while you study.
Career outcomes
“With the University’s help, I managed to get an internship at a game development company called Giant Margarita.
It has been my dream since I was a little kid, to get a game development job, and thanks to Uni, I finally managed to get that, and I want to keep doing that for as long as I can."
The ICT Catalyst Program offers outstanding career advantages, giving you an edge over your competitors.
By combining our highly sought after Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology degree with a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, you graduate with a combination of knowledge, skills and experience that truly sets you apart.
Information and Communication Technology is a core function of industries all over the world. It contributes to everything from maintaining a company’s daily operations, to eScience, productivity gains, innovation, expansion, and job growth. This gives you truly global job opportunities, allowing you to forge a great career wherever your interests take you.
This is a career that rewards professionals who can take initiative and work independently, and rewards those who can multi-task and adapt. It is great for people who like to lead, as well as those who like operating in a team environment.
Career Opportunities with ICT
Graduates often enter technical positions, such as software programmer, network administrator, systems or business analyst, and web design/development. These allow you to apply your skills and knowledge while building on the industry experience already gained from your time studying with us.
Technical roles progress to management and leadership positions, typically with 3-5 years’ experience, setting you up in a career for life that goes wherever you want it to. These include project managment, business analyst, testing/network/systems manager, database administrator, security specialist, and much more.
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Scholarships
Catalyst Program scholarships
Interstate relocation scholarship (domestic students only)
There is a guaranteed $7,500 relocation scholarship available to domestic students who are relocating from interstate to Tasmania, and are commencing the Catalyst Program for the first time.
The scholarship will be delivered as $2,500 per semester for your first three semesters, provided you are fully enrolled in the Catalyst Program at census date, have successfully passed all your units in each semester.
Tasmanian Catalyst scholarship (domestic students only)
There is a $3,000 bursary available to domestic students from Tasmania to support the commencement of their university studies. The scholarship will be delivered as $1,500 per semester for your first two semesters, provided you are fully enrolled in the Catalyst Program at census date and have successfully passed all your units in each semester
Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) (international students only)
The Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) provides commencing international students with a 25% reduction in registered tuition fees for the duration of their course (provided satisfactory grades are maintained).
Overseas Exchange Scholarship
The College of Sciences and Engineering will give you a guaranteed $2,500 to assist with costs upon successfully applying for a semester overseas exchange. Note that other sources of funding are also available, including additional scholarships, funds through the Commonwealth OS Help Program and (if eligible). Domestic students can still claim Centrelink payments.
Dean's Summer Research Program
Typically taken in the summer of your third year, you have the opportunity to participate in a six to eight week research program working on a topic of your choice. You will work alongside your supervisor and graduate research students to gain experience in identifying and solving research programs. If your project is accepted for the program. You will need to apply to the program, and if successful, will receive a guaranteed $3,000 scholarship to assist with costs.
Additional scholarships
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.
Although you receive guaranteed scholarships as part of the Catalyst Program, you can still apply for others. For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Important eligibility information
Program participants will be required to fulfil all the Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies and, if applicable, Bachelor of Philosophy requirements.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries