Applied Degrees Program

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Technology programs (Cyber Defence & Networking and Software Development) are expected to have access to a suitable personal computer for study, practice, assessment, and project work outside scheduled class hours. While UNSW College provides access to on-campus computer laboratories and teaching facilities, students may also bring and use their own laptop during classes if they wish. 

On-Campus Computer Facilities

Students will have access to dedicated computer laboratories on campus equipped with the software and virtual environments required for practical classes. These facilities are used extensively during workshops, labs, and supervised assessment activities.

Students may:

• Use the provided campus computer laboratories
• Bring and use their own laptop during classes

Assessment Requirements

For security, standardisation, and technical support purposes, supervised in-class assessments, practical tests, and laboratory examinations must be completed using the official on-campus computer laboratory systems rather than personal laptops.

Personal Computer Requirements

• Some courses require students to run virtual machines, container platforms, networking simulators, cybersecurity tools, and development environments.
• Students are responsible for maintaining their own device and ensuring software is updated and appropriately licensed.
• Tablets and mobile devices alone are not suitable for practical IT activities or assessments.
• Students without a personal computer may find it difficult to complete homework, practice exercises, group projects, and assessment preparation outside scheduled class time.

Recommended Minimum Specifications for IT Programs

Because IT students will work with programming tools, virtual machines, cybersecurity platforms, databases, cloud tools, and AI applications, the following specifications are recommended:

As part of the University’s commitment to safety, we encourage all students to download the SafeZone app from the App Store or Google Play.

SafeZone plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety of our UNSW community. It aims to provide our staff and students with the following advantages:

• Access to personalised emergency assistance without delay. (Emergency Alert, First Aid or Non urgent matters)
• A direct line to the UNSW Security Operations Centre who can deploy appropriate emergency resources
• Prompt notifications regarding safety issues in their vicinity.

In the event of an emergency, the app allows you to quickly share your location and details with the University Security team who will be able to get the right assistance to you.

Please download SafeZone via the link here and using your zID to register.

Here is the check-list for you to help you to prepare for your first day of classes:

• Laptop & charger
• Phone & battery pack
• Headphones
• Notebook & pen
• Water bottle

You can find your academic calendar on this page.

Your class timetable can be accessed via Allocate+ here.

If you have troubles finding your classroom, the article here can help you.

Equitable Learning Services (ELS) provides support and educational adjustments to help you feel confident and progress in your courses. It's a free and confidential service that provides practical support to ensure physical and mental health conditions, disability or trauma do not adversely affect your academic journey. Read more about or apply for ELS here.