VCE Applied  Computing & Data Analytics 

VCE Computing Unit 1: Applied Computing

Area of Study 1 - Data analysis. On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, collect and manipulate data, analyse patterns and relationships, and develop data visualisations to present findings. 

Area of Study 2 - Programming. On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements to design, develop and evaluate a software solution using an object-oriented programming language. 

VCE Computing Unit 2: Applied Computing

Area of Study 1 - Innovative solutions. On completion of this unit the student should be able to, in collaboration with other students, identify a problem, need or opportunity to analyse, design, develop and evaluate an innovative solution. 

Area of Study 2 - Cyber security. On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine a cyber security incident or a network vulnerability, evaluate the threats to a network, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information on the network.

VCE Applied Computing Unit 3: Data Analytics

Area of Study 1 - Data analytics. On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, extract data from large repositories, manipulate and cleanse data, conduct statistical analysis and develop data visualisations to display findings.

Area of Study 2 - Analysis and design. On completion of this unit the student should be able to propose a research question, formulate a project plan, collect and prepare data, and generate design ideas and a preferred design for creating infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations.

VCE Applied Computing Unit 4: Data Analytics

Area of Study 1 - Data analytics. On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop and evaluate infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations that meet requirements and assess the effectiveness of the project plan.

Area of Study 2 - Cyber Security: Data security. On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to analyse the impact of a data breach on an organisation, identify and evaluate threats, evaluate current security strategies and make recommendations to improve security strategies.

University Pathways:

1. Information Technology or Information Systems

2.  Build on skills in databases, networks, and data handling for business and tech solutions

Data Science or Analytics
Leads to roles in business intelligence, data visualisation, or big data.

Computer Science
Provides a technical foundation in software, AI, and computational thinking.

Business or Commerce (Analytics or Information Systems streams)
Combine computing with finance, marketing, or management decisions.

Cybersecurity or Digital Technologies
Some elements of computing can bridge into security or systems design.

Media and Communication (Digital Focus)
Apply data insights to audience research, content performance, or user engagement.

Education (Digital Technology teaching)
Prepares students for teaching IT or computing in secondary schools.

TAFE Pathways:

Certificate IV or Diploma in Information Technology
General IT skills in networking, databases, support, or cloud computing.

Data Analytics or Business Administration
Skills in data handling, spreadsheets, and performance tracking.

Web Development or App Design
Combine data skills with interface design and development.

Library, Records, or Information Management
Manage data and digital records across sectors.

Cybersecurity or Tech Support
Supporting users and systems using core IT skills learned in Applied Computing.

Skills Developed:

• Data collection and analysis

• Visualisation and interpretation of data

• Problem-solving and project design

• Use of tools like Excel, databases, and software apps

• Understanding user needs and ethical data use