Real is being ready to solve future AI and cyber security challenges with confidence.
Our new IT degree was co-designed with industry to make sure you graduate with in-demand skills. Choose one of seven new majors.
Bachelor of Information Technology
Create powerful information from data
We’re on the cusp of an AI-powered revolution that is reshaping industries, redefining jobs and creating opportunities we can’t yet imagine. There’s never been a more exciting time for tech careers.
With the AI workforce needing to grow 500% by 2030 to meet demand, new jobs in machine learning, data science, robotics, AI engineering and ethics are being created every day. The future is full of possibilities waiting to be explored.
Whether you want to build smart robots, teach computers to think, or guide how AI impacts our world, your journey can start now. The future needs bold thinkers – and that could be you.
Wherever you look, data is being produced and recorded. Using AI, we can turn that data into information that helps us make better decisions.
As part of my research, we’re combining farming data with satellite and sensor data to produce food more sustainably. We’re also using museum catalogues and hand-written auction records to track down lost and stolen
Richi’s top 3 traits
1Analytical thinking: How well can you shape data into information, information into knowledge and knowledge into better decision making?
2Communication: How well can you understand your clients and the challenges they face?
3Technical skills: How well can you convert a human problem into something an AI can solve?
Professor Richi Nayak Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, QUT
Using AI, we can turn data into information that helps our world make better decisions”
Indigenous history, and integrating old mining records with modern geological reports to better target the excavation of minerals.
At QUT, our focus on industry relevance ensures that students enter the workforce with confidence. That’s why we’re introducing an AI major into both our Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Data Science We’ve blended fundamental knowledge with real-world learning to provide an IT degree that balances tech with business, and a data science degree that incorporates statistics, computation, modelling, data management and programming.
You don’t have to be a maths or coding genius to have a successful career in AI. You just need curiosity and a desire to improve the world.
The future needs new ideas and fresh perspectives, and yours could be the one that changes everything.
Professor
Richi Nayak
Faculty of Science, School of Computer
Science, QUT
Studying AI gives you the skills to build smart technologies, solve real-world problems and be part of the breakthroughs that are changing how we live. If you want to make a difference and be at the forefront of innovation, AI is your future, and QUT’s new AI degree is the place to start. Major in AI with QUT’s Bachelor of Information Technology and graduate ready to lead in the AI-powered world. You’ll explore machine learning, robotics, data analytics and ethics, and gain hands-on experience that’ll get you job ready. And you can study 100% online!
QUT’s degree focuses on tech skills, and what you’ll need to wield them. Expect critical thinking, ethical thinking and digital literacy.
– Cristy Burne
Unlock well-paid, stimulating and future-focused career opportunities all over the world. Here are just a few possibilities:
AI machine learning (ML) engineer
Build cool tech that helps machines make smart decisions, like self-driving cars or music recommendations.
AI research scientist
Explore the limits of AI and come up with fresh ideas to help make the world a better place.
AI and ML specialist
Design and create apps and tools that use AI to solve everyday problems.
Data and AI business analyst
Dive into big sets of data to spot patterns, ask questions and find answers for industries using AI tools.
Imagine the worlds that AI opens up for people who can’t push buttons or use a conventional keyboard.
Laurianne Sitbon is working with people with disabilities to co-design inclusive AI-powered tech to support their daily tasks: think virtual realities, conversational agents, humanoid robots and more.
“AI unlocks so many new ways for us to interact. We are only starting to scratch the surface of these possibilities,” says Laurianne, a Future Fellow of the Australian Research Council and an Associate Professor in QUT’s School of Computer Science.
For Adriana Eufrosina Bora, blending AI with ethics has been transformative. Fresh from completing her PhD, she’s been harnessing machine learning to tackle one of the world’s most pressing human rights issues: modern slavery.
Her award-winning initiative, Project AIMS (AI Against Modern Slavery), uses AI to rapidly analyse modern slavery statements published by major corporations. The tool highlights each company’s efforts – or lack thereof – in addressing slavery within their supply chains, promoting greater transparency and accountability on a large scale.
“I asked myself, ‘How can I apply my background in statistics and political science to fight this crime?’” she says.
AI+data scientist
Make
Globally, workers with AI skills
Do you know what these AI acronyms mean?
ML –learningMachine
A type of AI where computers can learn from data they are exposed to, without being explicitly programmed.
DL – Deep learning
A type of ML where computers use artificial neural networks to mimic the structure of the human brain.
A type of AI model trained on text data and able to generate human-like language (GPT, for example).
GPT – Generative pre- trained transformer
The type of AI model that powers ChatGPT.
What to combine with your AI major
Make the most of your QUT Bachelor of Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence) by choosing a second major or minor.
AI+Business Analysis and IT Management
AI+Computer Science
AI+Cyber Security
AI+Enterprise Computing
AI+Process Analytics and Automation
AI+Software Development
Job security, great pay and meaningful work: tech has it all
Cyber security. Cryptography. Ethical hacking. Digital forensics. Deep fakes. AI.
When you read through Tanveer Zia’s list of teaching interests, you get an idea of what it might be like to study tech at the University of Notre Dame Australia, where Tanveer works as head of computer science.
As a kid, Tanveer loved maths, reasoning and logic. Now, these interests have combined into a job at the forefront of cyber security.
Tanveer is researching how AI and machine learning can help us stay ahead of cyber attacks. He works on everything from security for wireless sensor networks, to the detection of image forgeries and deep-fake voices and videos.
For Tanveer’s students, having access to his knowledge is a huge learning opportunity.
And Tanveer says there’s growing demand for
qualified computer scientists and cyber security experts.
“Cyber crime is rising globally, and Australia faces a shortage of thousands of cyber security workers annually,” he says.
If you’re skilled in cyber security, this translates to strong job security, high salaries and the flexibility to work abroad or remotely.
But it’s not just about the pay: “Cyber security specialists protect people, companies and nations from cyber threats,” Tanveer says.
So, what role will AI play in our future? How can we combat digital fakes and frauds? How can we protect our privacy and data?
If these questions interest you, a degree in computer science or cyber security could be your next move – and Tanveer says Notre Dame is a great place to start.
professor tanveer zia head of computer science. university of notre dame australia
There is a huge demand for cyber security and tech skills across all industries”
“Our point of difference is the pastoral care and small class sizes that we provide,” he says. And remember, says Tanveer, coding is just one tool. “Computer science is really about problem-solving and designing solutions. It involves thinking critically and staying ahead of evolving technologies.”
To find out more and apply, visit: notredame.edu.au/comp-sci-and-ai – Cristy Burne
Discover more when you study computer science at Notre Dame Uni.
Prepare for careers in tech, AI, cyber security and data science with hands-on learning and industry-aligned programs.
Tech careers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every IT team needs creators, planners, problem-solvers and innovators
Take this quick quiz to discover your natural role in a tech project and find out which IT career area could be your perfect match.
What’s your first instinct when starting a group project?
A. Talk to the team and figure out who needs what.
B. Start building something – let’s make it real.
C. Plan how to keep everything running smoothly.
D. Explore new tech that could solve the problem in a smarter way.
Which describesstatement you best?
A. A communicator who connects people and ideas.
B. A maker who loves to build and problem-solve.
C. A stabiliser who keeps systems secure and running.
D. An innovator who sees potential in data and machines.
• Tech careers you might enjoy: Business analysis and IT management; process analytics and automation.
• You’re people-centric, analytical and driven to improve systems. You connect user needs with smart solutions and design processes that work for everyone.
Did you know?
You can add any of these tech career areas as a major or minor when studying a Bachelor of Information Technology Intelligence)(Artificial at QUT!
Which task would you enjoy the most?
A. Mapping out how people and systems interact.
B. Coding an app or building a system from scratch.
C. Managing infrastructure or protecting systems from threats.
D. Training a model to recognise voices or images.
What excites you about working in tech?
A. Helping businesses work better with the right tech.
B. Turning ideas into working software.
C. Running complex systems behind the scenes.
D. Teaching machines to learn and improve.
When others get stuck, they turn to you because:
A. You understand what they really need.
B. You figure things out and get it done.
C. You keep everything safe, stable and under control.
D. You see patterns others miss and think ahead.
• Tech careers you might enjoy: Computer science and software development
• You’re the doer. You’re hands-on and focused. You love building tools, solving technical problems and making things function beautifully.
• Tech careers you might enjoy: Enterprise computing and cyber security
• You thrive on keeping the digital world running. Whether it’s infrastructure or security, you make sure systems are stable, safe and scalable.
• Tech career you might enjoy: AI
• You think ahead. You’re curious, data-driven and creative. You’re drawn to smart systems that can learn, adapt and change the way we live and work.
Want to get into AI but not sure where to start? Microcredentials help you level up – no pressure, just practical skills
AI is transforming everything – from the way we shop and stream to how we work, learn and solve problems. Want to get in on it early? You don’t have to wait until uni.
Microcredentials are short, focused online courses that teach you specific skills. In the world of AI, this could mean anything from coding to project management, or even how AI is used in marketing or policy. They’re often self-paced, and can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a few weeks to complete. Most include a digital certificate you can add to your résumé or LinkedIn.
They’re growing fast in popularity, with unis, TAFEs and employers recognising them as a legit way to show what you can do. And they’re relatively affordable too – some are free, while others range from about $100 to $1200 depending on the provider and content.
Not sure where to start? Try TAFE NSW’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, a 2.5-hour online course that walks you through how AI works, what it’s used for (like image recognition and language tools), and what kinds of jobs it’s creating.
Bond University’s free Foundations of Digital Literacy is broader – covering AI alongside topics like digital
• Online, flexible and self-paced
• Courses range from two hours to 16 weeks
• Cost varies – some are free, some can cost $1000 or more
• Great for CVs, job apps and uni prep
citizenship, cyber safety and gamification – and designed to help you build digital confidence in four to 10 hours.
Into the big-picture stuff? The University of Melbourne’s Artificial Intelligence Policies course takes around six weeks and explores how governments and organisations are responding to the social and ethical challenges that AI presents.
Or, to get hands-on, RMIT’s Future Skills short courses cover everything from AI programming with Python and deep learning, to building AI strategies for business.
Courses range from four to 16 weeks, and many are designed for beginners.
Whether you’re into coding, creativity or critical thinking, microcredentials are a smart way to explore AI and start stacking real skills today. – Gemma Chilton
Electives checklist ✔ Systems engineering ✔ Algorithmics (HESS) ✔ Applied computing ✔ Mathematical methods ✔ Physics AI isn’t taking your
Cyberpunk 2077 is an action role-playing game where corporations rule everything and AI is viewed as dangerous. You follow V, who has a cybernetic ‘bio-chip’ that contains a rockstar called Johnny. Your mission is to stop Johnny from taking over V’s consciousness, and separate the two.
Mass Effect is a highly acclaimed sci-fi action RPG series that explores the ethics of AI. Play as Commander Shepard, uniting the galaxy’s diverse species to fight an ancient, galaxy- harvesting machine race called the Reapers.
GLADIABOTS – AI Combat Arena is a strategy game where you get to make an AI robot squad and send them into battle!
Get digital!
Follow @covacut
A computer science student who creates videos that help demystify AI.
Read What Aussie students think of AI and the future of work
Find out how other students view AI in this Careers with STEM online article.
Watch I, Robot Starring Will Smith, this movie features a robopsychologist who investigates the murder of roboticist Dr Alfred. It explores whether robots (AI) can violate the laws of robotics and be capable of killing their creator.
Listen
“Scarier than killer robots”: why your brain isn’t ready for AI, ABC In this episode of the ABC’s All in the mind podcast, delve into the psychology of the AI revolution.
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