2025AppliedComputingStudyDesign
2025AppliedComputingStudyDesign
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025
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Contents
Important information.....................................................................................................................................
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................
Scope of study..............................................................................................................................................
Rationale......................................................................................................................................................
Aims.............................................................................................................................................................
Structure.......................................................................................................................................................
Entry.............................................................................................................................................................
Duration........................................................................................................................................................
Changes to the study design........................................................................................................................
Monitoring for quality....................................................................................................................................
Safety and wellbeing....................................................................................................................................
Requirements for teaching standard.............................................................................................................
Use of digital resources................................................................................................................................
Employability skills........................................................................................................................................
Legislative compliance.................................................................................................................................
Child Safe Standards....................................................................................................................................
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025
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Important information
Accreditation period
Units 1–4: 1 January 2025.
To assist teachers in developing courses, the VCAA publishes online Support materials (incorporating the
content previously supplied in the Advice for teachers).
The current VCE Administrative Handbook contains essential information on assessment processes and
other procedures.
VCE providers
Throughout this study design the term ‘school’ is intended to include both schools and other VCE providers.
Copyright
Schools may use this VCE study design in accordance with the VCAA educational allowance, including
making copies for students and use within the school’s secure online teaching and learning environment. For
details, access the full VCAA copyright policy on the VCAA website.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025
Introduction
Scope of study
Individuals, organisations and governments are adopting new and emerging technologies faster than ever
before. As a result, the demand for skilled professionals that can support the adoption of these technologies
is also increasing. VCE Applied Computing focuses on four interrelated disciplines where skills are in high
demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. These disciplines are data analytics,
programming, emerging and innovative technologies, and cyber security.
Pivotal to this are the strategies and techniques for creating digital solutions to meet identified problems,
needs and opportunities. VCE Applied Computing focuses on students learning to apply a range of thinking
skills within local, national and global contexts. The study incorporates computational, design and systems
thinking, as part of students creating digital solutions. Legal and ethical responsibilities are also considered
at an individual and organisational level to ensure solutions protect intellectual property and the privacy of
data and information.
Through a structured approach to problem-solving, incorporating the disciplines and critical and creative
thinking strategies, students develop a robust awareness of the technical, social and economic impacts of
the digital solutions being developed and used around the world, now and in the future.
Rationale
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, there are increasing opportunities for enterprising and
entrepreneurial individuals to develop new technologies, as well as identify innovative uses for existing
technologies. Students develop a range of data analytics, programming and cyber security skills that are in
high demand in today’s digital age.
VCE Applied Computing equips students with the knowledge and skills required to navigate and adapt within
a dynamic technological landscape, use emerging technologies, envisage new uses for digital tools and
consider the benefits to society at a local, national and global level.
VCE Applied Computing facilitates student-centred learning that enables students to build capabilities in their
critical and creative thinking, communicate and collaborate with their peers, and develop personal, social and
digital literacy skills. Students are provided with practical opportunities and choices to create digital solutions
for real-world problems in a range of settings.
VCE Applied Computing plays a crucial role in transforming and improving student outcomes. It provides
students with diverse pathways that enable them to develop into knowledgeable and skilled individuals who
have the capability to work collaboratively in this rapidly expanding technological landscape. VCE Applied
Computing leads directly to further studies in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer science, cyber
security, data analytics and data science, data management, digital literacy, games development, networks,
programming, robotics, software engineering, systems analysis and telecommunications. The skills acquired
in VCE Applied Computing could be utilised across a range of industries including healthcare, finance,
entertainment, education, construction and business/commerce.
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Aims
This study enables students to:
understand how digital systems and solutions can be used by individuals and organisations
develop an understanding of the roles and applications of data analytics, programming, cyber security
and emerging technologies within society
build a capacity to solve problems by applying the problem-solving methodology to analyse problems,
needs and opportunities, design and develop solutions and evaluate how effectively solutions meet
needs
apply project management techniques to assist with the development of digital solutions
develop an informed perspective on current and emerging digital tools and trends
identify and evaluate innovative and emerging opportunities for digital technologies
develop critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration, and personal, social and digital
literacy skills.
Structure
The study is made up of six units.
Note: students may elect to undertake one or both Unit 3 and 4 sequences.
Each unit deals with specific content contained in areas of study and is designed to enable students to
achieve a set of outcomes for that unit. Each outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and key skills.
Entry
There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 and Unit 4 as a
sequence. Units 1–4 are designed to the equivalent standard of the final two years of secondary education.
All VCE studies are benchmarked against comparable national and international curriculums.
Duration
Each unit involves at least 50 hours of scheduled classroom instruction.
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relational database management software (RDBMS) to store data in tables and perform queries
spreadsheet software tools to store data and perform a range of calculations, including statistical
calculations
software tools that can run Structured Query Language (SQL) queries to extract data
software tools to create a range of data visualisations
software tools to create multimodal presentations
drawing and graphic software tools to create diagrams
programming tools and/or integrated development environments to facilitate programming and
testing of modules and solutions
software tools capable of documenting and monitoring a project plan
software tools capable of documenting ideation and designs
software tools for designing solutions.
Employability skills
This study offers a number of opportunities for students to develop employability skills. The Support
materials provide specific examples of how students can develop employability skills during learning
activities and assessment tasks.
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Legislative compliance
When collecting and using information, the provisions of privacy and copyright legislation, such as the
Victorian Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and Health Records Act 2001, and the federal Privacy Act
1988 (Cwlth) and Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth), must be met.
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Teachers must develop courses that provide appropriate opportunities for students to demonstrate
satisfactory achievement of outcomes.
The decision about satisfactory completion of a unit is distinct from the assessment of levels of achievement.
Schools will report a student’s result for each unit to the VCAA as S (satisfactory) or N (not satisfactory).
Levels of achievement
Units 1 and 2
Procedures for the assessment of levels of achievement in Units 1 and 2 are a matter for school decision.
Assessment of levels of achievement for these units will not be reported to the VCAA. Schools may choose
to report levels of achievement using grades, descriptive statements or other indicators.
Units 3 and 4
The VCAA specifies the assessment procedures for students undertaking scored assessment in Units 3 and 4.
Designated assessment tasks are provided in the details for each unit in VCE study designs.
The student’s level of achievement in Units 3 and 4 will be determined by School-assessed Coursework
(SAC), a School-assessed Task (SAT) as specified in the VCE study design, and external assessment.
The VCAA will report the student’s level of achievement on each assessment component as a grade from
A+ to E or UG (ungraded). To receive a study score, the student must achieve two or more graded
assessments in the study and receive an S for both Units 3 and 4. The study score is reported on a scale
of 0–50; it is a measure of how well the student performed in relation to all others who completed the
study. Teachers should refer to the current VCE Administrative Handbook for details on graded
assessment and calculation of the study score.
Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Applied Computing are as follows:
Details of the assessment program are described in the sections on Units 3 and 4 in this study design.
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Authentication
Work related to the outcomes of each unit will be accepted only if the teacher can attest that, to the best
of their knowledge, all unacknowledged work is the student’s own. Teachers need to refer to the current
VCE Administrative Handbook for authentication rules and strategies.
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Term Definition
Alpha testing A testing phase that checks whether modules or solutions meet all requirements and function
as expected. Alpha testing is carried out by developers, independent testers or high-level
users in a development or testing environment throughout the development phase.
Archiving The process of moving data from a system that no longer needs to be accessed regularly to a
less frequently accessed storage area for future use or to meet compliance requirements.
This ensures that data can be stored separately to systems for long periods of time without
impacting on current performance or storage requirements.
Backup The process of making a copy of data and storing the copy separately to the original data in
case it is needed due to data loss. Backed up data can be full (entire copy of data), differential
(changes since last full backup), incremental (changes since last backup) or a combination of
these. Backups can either run manually or be scheduled to run automatically, and can be
stored on a local hard drive (distinct from the original source), on external storage devices or
by using cloud computing. Backups are restored when data loss occurs.
Beta testing A testing phase that checks whether solutions meet all requirements, function as expected,
are stable and are usable by intended user groups. Beta testing is performed in a
development, testing or production environment with hardware identical (or similar) to that on
which it will be implemented on by users of the solution. Feedback from beta testing can be
used to recommend or make modifications to modules or solutions.
Computational thinking The process of recognising aspects of computation and being able to think logically,
algorithmically, recursively and inferentially. It typically involves the components of
decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, modelling and algorithms, which may be used
to create digital solutions.
Control structures Code structures that define the algorithmic behaviour of a software solution. For the purposes
of this study design:
Sequence: All lines of code are executed in the same order they appear.
Selection (or branching): Code is executed based on the evaluation of a condition and
the data provided. Examples include IF, IF…ELSE, IF…ELSEIF and SWITCH/CASE.
Repetition (or iteration): Code is executed repeatedly based on the evaluation of a
condition. Examples include pre-test (WHILE loops), post-test (DO…WHILE/REPEAT…
UNTIL loops) and repeating a block of code a set number of times based on context and
the data provided (FOR loop).
Conventions General or commonly accepted ways of working with digital systems or representing data to
ensure consistency across a solution. Examples include (but are not limited to):
how data might be aligned within the cells of a spreadsheet
using a consistent axis scale in a chart.
Conventions can be enforced, such as when passwords must have specific characters, or
recommended, such as including a subject line in emails.
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Critical and creative The process of using a range of techniques when developing ideas and designs. It involves
thinking composing, analysing and evaluating questions, data and decisions. Students explore the use
of these strategies when managing the process of solving problems.
Cyber security A multi-faceted field incorporating aspects of digital systems, organisational practices, threats
to data and systems, law, ethics and risk management. Cyber security measures focus on
protecting systems and data from a range of threats.
Data analytics The processes and tools that allow organisations to acquire and/or extract data in various
forms, update erroneous or incomplete data, analyse the data to identify trends, relationships
and patterns, draw inferences about the data and present findings using visual methods that
provide clear and unambiguous conclusions.
Data integrity A method of describing the overall accuracy, authenticity, correctness, reasonableness,
relevance and timeliness of data. Data with high integrity is more reliable and trustworthy,
while data without integrity should not be used in calculations or be trusted to make decisions.
Data sources Data accessed by or provided to a solution by an external file or system. Sources may be
unstructured (plain text files) or structured (delimited files or XML formats).
See also Primary data and Secondary data.
Data visualisations The process of using software tools to present analysed data, such as a graphic
representation, usually by combining charts, histograms, graphs, maps and network
diagrams, in a visually attractive and informative way. Data visualisations help users explore
data to identify patterns and relationships in large amounts of data. Data visualisation tools
allow graphic representations to be static or dynamic and can incorporate virtual reality and
augmented reality.
Debugging A process used when developing solutions using a programming language that involves
identifying existing errors, fixing the errors and testing to see if the changes made are correct.
Debugging occurs during the development of a solution as code is written.
Descriptive statistics A collection of measures that can be used to provide a summary of a data set. These can be
referred to as measures of central tendency (average, median) or measures of variability and
spread (maximum, minimum, range, frequency, standard deviation).
Design principles Accepted characteristics that contribute to the functionality, usability and appearance of
solutions. In this study, the principles are related to:
functionality (interactivity and navigation)
usability (ease of use and accessibility)
appearance (alignment, balance, contrast, image use, space, text and table formatting).
Design thinking A way of thinking critically and creatively to generate and evaluate innovative ideas, and
precisely define the preferred solution so it can be created using a digital system. It involves
an understanding of the needs of users and of ways of creating solutions that are more
efficient or effective than existing ones. When designing, students use both divergent and
convergent thinking skills. Divergent thinking supports creativity and the generation of a range
of ideas. Convergent thinking supports the selection of a preferred solution and the
preparation of accurate and logical plans and instructions to digitally create the solution.
Digital system Refers to elements such as hardware and software, and their interconnectedness, used to
create digital solutions. When digital systems are connected, they form a network.
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Dynamic data Graphical representations of complex data or information. They allow the exploration of data
visualisations in an interactive way. In contrast to a static visualisation or chart, a dynamic data visualisation
contains data that can change in response to user interaction or the addition of live data.
Effectiveness A measure of how well solutions, designs, data and information security strategies and
development practices function, and the degree to which they achieve their intended purpose.
Effectiveness measures for solutions and designs include accessibility, accuracy,
attractiveness, clarity, communication of message, completeness, maintainability, readability,
relevance, timeliness and usability. Effectiveness measures for data and information security
strategies include confidentiality, integrity and availability. Effectiveness measures for
development practices include security controls in place, exposure to vulnerability and risk,
and legal compliance.
Efficiency A measure of how much time, cost and effort is applied to achieve intended results. Measures
of efficiency in a solution could include the cost of data and file manipulation, its functionality
and the speed of processing. Measures of efficiency in a network include its productivity,
processing time, operational costs and level of automation.
Encryption The process of encoding data and information from a plain text format. This is done to protect
data and information from being compromised. There are two methods of encryption:
symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption involves the use of a single key for the
encryption and decryption of data. Asymmetric encryption involves the use of a public key for
the encryption of data and information and a private key for the decryption of the data and
information.
Errors (programming) Issues that arise that prevent a software solution from functioning as expected. Within
software development, errors can be categorised as:
syntax errors: errors in code that prevent a solution from being compiled and executed
as a result of a programming language’s syntax not being followed correctly
logic errors: errors in code that result in the solution generating incorrect output, such as
calculations or evaluating conditions
run-time errors: errors that arise during program execution that result in the solution
crashing if not handled correctly. Examples include overflow, index out of range, type
mismatch and divide by zero errors.
Ethics Issues that arise that challenge moral standards, principles or expectations and that can
impact individuals and/or organisations.
Format The physical appearance in which data and information can be presented. These include
images, graphs, tables, text and web pages. Formats specify characteristics such as
presentation style or arrangement, shape and size.
Ideation A process for generating and developing ideas that follows a cycle from starting with a
concept through to developing a design. Ideas can be expressed as text, images and
drawings, and in verbal form. Ideation tools can include mood boards, brainstorming, mind
maps, sketches and annotations.
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Identity and access The process of ensuring that the members of an organisation can access only the data,
management modules and systems required to perform their designated duties. When implemented
effectively, this ensures that:
individuals cannot access data, modules or systems beyond their needs
staff are not granted administrator or high-level privileges (unless necessary)
there is a decreased exposure to risk and security breaches for the organisation.
Industry frameworks Guidelines developed to ensure organisations and governments follow strategies for
protecting the security of their data and information with networks and maintain the highest
ethical standards. For the purposes of this study, the following frameworks are relevant:
Australia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Principles
Essential Eight
Information Security Manual (ISM).
Infographics Graphical representations of complex data or information that provide an overview of a topic
or area of interest. They rely on combining visual elements to communicate data patterns or
trends quickly and clearly or information as data visualisations. These include complementary
colour schemes, easy-to-read text fonts, headings, multiple graphs, simple charts and
statistics.
Legal requirements Key legislation (acts) that individuals, organisations and governments are expected to comply
with in relation to intellectual property and the privacy of data and information. For the
purposes of this study, the following acts are relevant:
Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth)
Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)
Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth), including Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection)
Act 2012 and Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Act 2017
Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).
Naming conventions A set of guidelines for providing consistency in the naming of entities during the development
of digital solutions. These include program names, function names, interface controls, variable
names, table names and file names. Naming conventions can minimise the effort needed to
read and understand the solution or code.
Primary data Data that is collected by researchers directly from sources using methods such as surveys,
interviews and observations. The data is raw and has not been processed or summarised.
Project management Detailed proposal for managing projects considering requirements and constraints. Features of
project management include identification of tasks, sequencing, time allocation, dependencies,
milestones and critical path.
Pseudocode A series of English-like statements used to represent an algorithm that will solve a problem.
Though there is no standard to pseudocode, there are a number of conventions, including:
the use of START/BEGIN and FINISH/END to indicate the beginning and end of a
program
IF…ELSE and SELECT to represent decisions/selections
REPEAT…UNTIL, WHILE…DO and FOR…NEXT to represent loops/iteration/repetition.
Secondary data Data that has been previously collected, summarised or analysed by someone other than the
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researcher. These can be large amounts of data and stored in repositories or data sets, and
could also include reports and articles.
Security controls Hardware, software, physical equipment, procedures and electronic measures used to assist
in the protection of individuals, systems, networks, organisations and data that is collected,
communicated and stored.
Security threats The actions, devices and events that threaten the integrity and security of data and information
stored within, and communicated between, digital systems. The threats can be:
Systems thinking A holistic approach to the identification and solving of problems. Systems thinking involves
analysing the interactions and interrelationships between components of individual information
systems (data, processes, people and digital systems) to identify how they are influencing the
functioning of the whole system.
User experience (UX) The consideration of how users perceive and respond when interacting with a digital system.
Characteristics of UX include affordance, interoperability, security (authentication and data
protection) and usability.
Validation The checking of data for its reasonableness and completeness by manual or electronic means.
Validation of data includes:
existence or presence checking, which verifies that a required field has a value entered
and is not empty or blank
type checking, which confirms that data entered is of a particular type
range checking, which involves ensuring that data entered falls within a certain range.
Validation may occur as the data is input or once it has been stored.
Verification The checking of data for accuracy and consistency that occurs after data acquisition/entry and
throughout the process of manipulation and analysis. This can include proofreading,
confirming the data against other sources and checking that the data visualised is consistent
with the data acquired/collected.
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1 2 3 4 3 4
Analysis: involves determining what is required to solve a problem. This involves acquiring and analysing data, and then identifying the solution requirements, constraints and scope.
Determine the functional requirements of the solution. These describe what the software solution should do. This involves specific
Solution details such as input required, output developed and functions of the solution, including data manipulation and validation.
requirements Determine the non-functional requirements. These describe the quality attributes of the solution, including usability, reliability,
portability, robustness and maintainability.
Use tools to assist in determining solution requirements, including context diagrams, data flow diagrams and use case diagrams.
Solution constraints can be described as the conditions or limitations that must be considered when designing a solution.
Solution Determine the constraints of the solution. These include economic (cost and time), technical (speed of processing, capacity,
constraints availability of equipment, compatibility, security), social (level of expertise of users), legal (intellectual property, ownership of data,
privacy of data), and usability (accessibility, usefulness, ease of use).
Collect data using a range of techniques to determine and clarify user needs, solution requirements, constraints and scope.
Collect primary and secondary data and prepare data for identifying trends, patterns and relationships.
Skills
underpinning the Critically analyse the sources of data and information to determine reliability, validity and relevance.
Analysis stage
Draft and evaluate questions to critically analyse requirements, problems, needs or opportunities.
Develop strategies for asking follow-up questions to further clarify the data and information collected.
Unit application
1 2 3 4 3 4
Design: involves determining how the solution requirements will function and appear. It involves designing the functionality, appearance and user interface of the solution and developing
evaluation criteria to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the software solutions.
Solution design focuses on the development of design ideas into preferred designs using design principles and a range of relevant design tools.
Design how the solution will function and appear by identifying the specific data required and how it will be named, structured,
validated and manipulated.
Use ideation techniques and tools for generating design ideas, including mood boards, brainstorming, mind maps, sketches and
annotations.
Solution design Use design tools to demonstrate structure and functionality, including data dictionaries, input–process–output (IPO) charts, object
descriptions, flowcharts and pseudocode.
Use design tools to show the relationships between the components of a solution, including annotated diagrams, mock-ups,
storyboards, sitemaps, queries, context diagrams, data flow diagrams and use case diagrams.
Use design tools to design the visual components of a solution (user interface, graphic representations or data visualisations),
including layout diagrams, annotated diagrams and mock-ups. This includes identifying the position and size of text, images and
graphics, font types and styles, colours and text enhancements.
Evaluation criteria Evaluation criteria measure the efficiency and effectiveness of designs and the entire solution.
Develop evaluation criteria to determine the degree to which solution designs meet requirements.
Note that the same evaluation criteria are used in the Evaluation stage to determine the degree to which the solution meets requirements. In the Evaluation stage,
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the evaluation criteria measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the solution.
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Unit application
1 2 3 4 3 4
Development: involves transforming the requirements and designs into a working software solution. It involves the manipulation and validation of data, testing to ensure the software
solution meets requirements and generating documentation to support the use of the solution.
Manipulation involves applying a range of functions and techniques using software tools.
Develop the solution to meet specifications using appropriate algorithms, features of programming languages or software functions
Manipulation and techniques.
Perform calculations using descriptive statistics and identify trends, patterns and relationships.
Validation checks the reasonableness of data being input. Validation can be both manual and electronic.
Use validation techniques to check data entry for reasonableness and completeness of data, including existence check, range check
and type check.
Validation
Use verification techniques after data entry to ensure that data entered matches the source data, including proofreading, confirming
the data against other sources and checking that the data visualised is consistent with the data acquired/collected.
Note that the effectiveness of validation is determined through the testing activity below.
Testing checks whether solutions meet all the requirements, function as expected and are usable by intended users.
Develop a testing strategy to ensure that the solution works as intended, including features to be tested, test data and expected
Testing
results.
Conduct tests, record the actual results and compare the actual results of the tests against the expected results.
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Documentation Write internal documentation to support the functioning, maintenance and upgrading of the solution.
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Unit application
1 2 3 4 3 4
Evaluation: involves determining the degree to which the software solution has met requirements. It involves developing a strategy to evaluate the software solution after implementation
and evaluating the software solution against the evaluation criteria to see how well it meets requirements.
Evaluation strategies focus on how the solution will be evaluated, including evaluation criteria, time frame and responsibility.
Propose a strategy to evaluate the extent to which the solution meets identified problems, needs or opportunities, or solves the
Evaluation
identified problem after the solution has been developed and implemented.
strategy
Specify a timeline for evaluation, the data to be collected, methods and techniques for data collection, who is responsible for
collection and how the data relates to the evaluation criteria.
Critically evaluate the analysis process and discuss how it assisted in meeting the requirements, problems, needs or opportunities.
Skills
Critically evaluate the design process and discuss how it assisted in meeting the requirements, needs or opportunities.
underpinning the
Evaluation stage Identify and discuss any improvements that could be made to the solution by approaching the problem-solving methodology process
differently.
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Software tools
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit.
Area of Study 1 Database software, spreadsheet software and data visualisation software
An appropriate tool for running Structured Query Language (SQL) queries
A prescribed list of software tools and functions, and outcome-specific requirements, will be published
annually by the VCAA in the VCAA Bulletin. Schools are to select software tools that fulfil these
requirements.
Area of Study 1
Data analysis
In this area of study, students use software tools to create data visualisations in response to teacher-
provided solution requirements, designs and data. The software tools are used for the interpretation and
manipulation of data to draw conclusions and create data visualisations that represent their findings. Data
visualisations could include charts, graphs, histograms, maps, network diagrams, spatial relationships,
infographics and dashboards. No restrictions are placed on the software tools used to create data
visualisations and dashboards.
Students examine the features of different design tools to represent the functionality and appearance of
software solutions. They interpret given designs and develop a database, spreadsheet(s) and data
visualisations using the data provided. Students focus on the appropriate functions and techniques to
manipulate and validate data and to make use of suitable formats and conventions.
Students apply computational thinking skills when extracting meaning from data and apply design thinking
skills and knowledge to develop data visualisations.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and
designs, analyse data and develop data visualisations to present findings.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.
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Key knowledge
types and purposes of qualitative and quantitative data, such as:
characteristics of data types relevant to the selected software tools, such as:
accuracy
bias
integrity
relevance
reliability
size
structure
relevance
accessibility
clarity
context
techniques for applying the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth) relating
to the use, management and communication of data and information, such as:
ethical issues arising from the management and communication of data and information, such as:
lack of transparency
use of inaccurate or incomplete data
ownership and control of data
misuse of personal data and information
repurposing and sharing of data by artificial intelligence systems
referencing primary and secondary data and information using the American Psychological Association
(APA) referencing system to acknowledge intellectual property
characteristics of functional and non-functional requirements, constraints and scope
design tools for representing the functionality and appearance of databases, spreadsheets and data
visualisations, such as:
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mock-ups
query designs
tables
queries
relationships using primary and foreign keys
software functions and techniques for efficiently and effectively manipulating, validating and testing data
to develop databases, spreadsheets and data visualisations, such as:
average
median
count/frequency
standard deviation
purposes of data visualisations for educating, entertaining, informing and persuading audiences
types of data visualisations, such as:
infographics (long-form)
series of posters of infographics
dashboards
formats and conventions suitable for databases, spreadsheets and data visualisations, such as:
consistent naming conventions for databases (database name, table name, column name, primary
key, foreign key)
consistent naming conventions for spreadsheets (worksheet names, header labels for rows, header
labels for columns)
use of colours, fonts, images and icons.
Key skills
interpret solution requirements, constraints and scope
interpret designs using appropriate design tools to represent the functionality and appearance of
databases, spreadsheets and data visualisations
explore data and information from primary and secondary sources, taking into account legal and ethical
considerations
use the APA referencing system to acknowledge intellectual property
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Area of Study 2
Programming
In this area of study, students use an appropriate OOP language to create a working software solution in
response to teacher-provided solution requirements. Students apply the problem-solving stages of design
and development to develop the software solution. Details of the relevant problem-solving methodology
specifications are on pages 18–23.
Students use a range of design tools to represent the software solution. They develop their working software
solution using a range of features of the selected OOP language. The solution should include the use of data
structures, naming conventions, internal documentation and validation. Students can choose whether to
develop a graphical user interface for the software solution. They apply testing and debugging techniques to
ensure the software solution works as intended.
Students apply computational and design thinking skills when preparing solution designs and transforming
them into a working solution.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements to
design and develop a software solution using an object-oriented programming language.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.
Key knowledge
emerging trends in programming languages and artificial intelligence-based (AI) code generators for the
development of software solutions, such as:
one-dimensional arrays
lists
records (varying data types, field index)
mock-ups
input-process-output (IPO) charts
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 1: Applied Computing Study Design
flowcharts/pseudocode
key legal requirements relating to intellectual property and copyright while designing and developing
software
principles of OOP, such as:
abstraction
encapsulation
Hungarian notation
camel casing
existence checking
type checking
range checking
debugging and testing techniques for checking software solutions function correctly, such as:
Key skills
interpret solution requirements to develop a software solution
select and use appropriate design tools to represent solution designs
use a range of data types and data structures
develop a software solution using appropriate features of an OOP language
document the functioning of a software solution through internal documentation
design and apply suitable validation, debugging and testing techniques.
Assessment
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of
outcomes specified for the unit. Teachers should use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks
that provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills in the
outcomes.
The areas of study, including the key knowledge and key skills listed for the outcomes, should be used for
course design and the development of learning activities and assessment tasks. Assessment must be a part
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 1: Applied Computing Study Design
of the regular teaching and learning program and should be completed mainly in class and within a limited
time frame.
All assessments at Units 1 and 2 are school-based. Procedures for assessment of levels of achievement in
Units 1 and 2 are a matter for school decision.
For this unit students are required to demonstrate two outcomes. As a set these outcomes encompass the
areas of study in the unit.
Suitable tasks for assessment in this unit may be selected from the following:
Outcome 1
A folio of exercises to demonstrate the learning of database, spreadsheet and data visualisation
software tools.
A solution including the use of database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software tools in response
to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs.
A personal portfolio to showcase the development of databases, spreadsheets and data visualisations.
Outcome 2
Where teachers allow students to choose between tasks, they must ensure that the tasks set are of
comparable scope and demand.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 2: Applied Computing Study Design
In Area of Study 1, students work collaboratively and select a topic of interest involving an emerging trend for
further study to create an innovative solution. The innovative solution can be presented as a proof of
concept, a prototype or a product. Students engage in all areas of the problem-solving methodology while
developing this solution. In Area of Study 2, as an introduction to cyber security, students investigate
networks and the threats, vulnerabilities and risks to data and information. They propose and justify
strategies to protect the security of data and information within a network.
Software tools
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit.
Area of Study 1 Any software tools used to design and develop an innovative solution, such as a
programming language, spreadsheet software, presentation software or tool for planning a
project
A prescribed list of software tools and functions, and outcome-specific requirements, will be published
annually by the VCAA in the VCAA Bulletin. Schools are to select software tools that fulfil these
requirements.
Area of Study 1
Innovative solutions
In this area of study, students work collaboratively to design and develop an innovative solution to an
identified problem, need or opportunity. They apply all stages of the problem-solving methodology to
investigate the use of digital devices and emerging digital technologies and their applications. Details of the
problem-solving methodology specifications are on pages 18–23.
The innovative solution may take the form of a proof of concept, prototype or product. The final form of the
innovative solution can be decided by the students in consultation with their teacher, because the complexity
of the innovative solution to address the problem, need or opportunity may not allow for either a working
prototype or product to be developed. Since the emphasis is on a collaborative project, students should
negotiate a problem, need or opportunity to research and then design and develop their innovative solution.
As the technological landscape continues to rapidly evolve, the potential topics that students can explore will
change. For example, students could choose one of the following topics to explore in greater detail:
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 2: Applied Computing Study Design
fall detection systems that automatically send alerts to caregivers or emergency services
automated pill dispensers for individuals with dementia
drones or nanosatellites that use microcontroller sensors to collect hygrometry data, which is either
stored on an SD card or telemetered (radio transmission) to a receiving ground station
(laptop/computer)
narrative-driven games that tell compelling stories related to cyberbullying, climate change or
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
simulation games that challenge players to construct and manage eco-friendly cities
multimedia programming that guides individuals through a fitness regime or mindfulness exercises
mixed realities, such as augmented or virtual reality, to develop programs that use avatars to deliver
educational content, or that create a virtual relaxation space with serene landscapes, soothing sounds
and guided mindfulness exercises
blockchain, such as:
artificial intelligence-based (AI) code generators to build an AI-based debugger that assists in
identifying and fixing errors in code
A project plan is prepared to support an organised approach to problem solving. Students use software to
record the identification and sequencing of tasks, time allocation, milestones, dependencies and critical path.
They record and monitor the progress of their innovative solution throughout the stages of the problem-
solving methodology. Students do not have to use dedicated project management software.
Students apply computational, design and systems thinking skills when developing solution designs and
transforming them into a proof of concept, prototype or product.
Outcome 1
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.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.
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Key knowledge
the role of curiosity, ingenuity and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to inspire and
drive innovation
functions and capabilities of digital systems used by individuals and organisations, such as:
assistive technologies
financial services
global positioning system (GPS) devices
robotics
traffic management
automation
cyberbullying
productivity
economic issues (deskilling, job loss, misuse)
the decline of physical human interactions and interpersonal skills
originality
effectiveness
user-centred
disruptiveness
methods for collecting data to determine user needs and requirements, such as:
interviews
surveys
design tools and techniques for representing solution designs, such as:
mock-ups
pseudocode
sitemaps
storyboards
techniques for documenting the development of solutions, task delegation and monitoring project
progress, such as:
Gantt charts
project journals
version control
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user testing
expert review
how emerging technologies are affected by key legislation and frameworks, such as:
ethical issues arising from the development of emerging technologies, such as:
ethical issues arising from the use of artificial intelligence, such as:
evaluation criteria and techniques for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of innovative solutions.
Key skills
investigate a problem, need or opportunity and identify potential users and purpose
propose and apply a range of methods to collect data for analysis
analyse and document solution requirements to develop an innovative solution
select and use appropriate design tools for generating solution designs
develop an innovative solution using appropriate digital systems
document the development of an innovative solution
design and apply suitable testing techniques
identify and discuss potential legal and ethical issues affecting the development of an innovative
solution
apply evaluation criteria and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of an innovative solution to meet
a problem, need or opportunity.
Area of Study 2
Cyber security
The awareness of cyber security incidents and how to be protected from them is more important than ever,
especially with the proliferation of mobile devices and online services. In this area of study, students
investigate emerging trends in cyber security and how networks enable data and information to be
exchanged locally and globally. Students examine the hardware and software components and procedures
required to connect, maintain and protect wired, wireless and mobile communications technologies. They
apply this knowledge to develop an understanding of cyber security issues when investigating security
threats to data and information on networks. Students examine network vulnerabilities and the strategies for
reducing risks and mitigating threats to networks, taking into account key legal and ethical requirements.
Frameworks such as Australia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Principles and the Essential Eight enable
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students to follow current industry practice when considering the use of artificial intelligence and strategies
for protecting the security of data and information within networks.
Students apply computational, design and systems thinking skills when analysing networks and proposing
strategies for reducing security risks.
Outcome 2
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.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.
Key knowledge
emerging trends in cyber security, such as:
functions and characteristics of key hardware and software components of networks required for
communicating and storing data and information, such as:
strengths and limitations of wired, wireless and mobile communications technology, measured in
terms of:
cost
data storage options
reliability
security
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technical underpinnings of malware that can intentionally threaten the security of networks, such as:
spyware
viruses
worms
ransomware
practices for reducing risks and mitigating threats to networks, such as:
application of firmware
multifactor authentication
backup strategies
operating system updates
software malware updates
staff procedures
the role of ethical hacking, such as identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in networks
key legislation and industry frameworks that affect how organisations ethically control the security and
communication of data and information:
Essential Eight
Health Records Act 2001 (HPP 2, 4, 5)
Information Security Manual (ISM) (Guidelines for Networking: Encryption; Segmentation and
segregation; Network access controls; Confidentiality and integrity of wireless network traffic;
Wireless network footprint)
Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth) (APP 1, 6, 11)
Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (IPP 2, 4, 5).
Key skills
identify and examine a cyber security incident or a network vulnerability
identify and describe the key components of networks
describe the capabilities of different networks
identify and evaluate the impact of network vulnerabilities and threats to the security of data and
information
identify and discuss possible legal and ethical issues arising from ineffective security strategies
propose and justify strategies to protect the security of data and information within a network.
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Assessment
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of
outcomes specified for the unit. Teachers should use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks
that provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills in the
outcomes.
The areas of study, including the key knowledge and key skills listed for the outcomes, should be used for
course design and the development of learning activities and assessment tasks. Assessment must be a part
of the regular teaching and learning program and should be completed mainly in class and within a limited
time frame.
All assessments at Units 1 and 2 are school-based. Procedures for assessment of levels of achievement in
Units 1 and 2 are a matter for school decision.
For this unit students are required to demonstrate two outcomes. As a set these outcomes encompass the
areas of study in the unit.
Suitable tasks for assessment in this unit may be selected from the following:
Outcome 1
Outcome 2
A teacher-provided case study with structured questions that investigates a cyber security incident and
how it could be prevented in the future.
A teacher-provided case study with structured questions that investigates a network, its vulnerabilities
and how these could be mitigated.
Where teachers allow students to choose between tasks, they must ensure that the tasks set are of
comparable scope and demand.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 3: Applied Computing Study Design
In Area of Study 1, students respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs to develop data
visualisations. They apply specific functions of database and spreadsheet software tools to manipulate,
cleanse and analyse data. Students then use a data visualisation software tool to develop data visualisations
that present their findings. In Area of Study 2, students propose a research question, prepare a project plan,
collect, analyse and prepare data, and design infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations. Area of Study
2 forms the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT) that is completed in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.
Software tools
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit.
Area of Study 1 Database software, spreadsheet software and data visualisation software
An appropriate tool for running Structured Query Language (SQL) queries
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to use, but are not required to
study, in this unit.
Area of Study 2 An appropriate tool for documenting and modifying project plans
Appropriate tools for ideation and generating designs
A prescribed list of software tools and functions, and outcome-specific requirements, will be published
annually by the VCAA in the VCAA Bulletin. Schools are to select software tools that fulfil these
requirements.
Area of Study 1
Data analytics
In this area of study, students identify, select and extract authentic data from large repositories. They
manipulate the data to present findings as data visualisations in response to teacher-provided solution
requirements and designs. Students use database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software tools to
undertake the problem-solving activities of manipulation, validation and testing in the development stage.
The software solutions involve importing data from files into a database where data is organised using
queries. Data from these queries is then imported into a spreadsheet for further refinement to identify trends,
relationships and patterns before presenting findings as data visualisations. This will prepare students for
creating infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations in Unit 4, Area of Study 1. Students are not required
to manually calculate statistics. They are expected to use relevant spreadsheet functions to calculate values.
Validation and testing techniques are applied to ensure the reasonableness and completeness of the data
used to develop data visualisations. Students justify the use of functions, formats and conventions in the
development of their data visualisations.
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Students apply computational thinking skills when interpreting solution requirements and designs, and when
developing them into data visualisations.
Outcome 1
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.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.
Key knowledge
emerging trends in data analytics using artificial intelligence, including:
data dictionaries
query designs
layout diagrams
input-process-output (IPO) charts
techniques for identifying, selecting, extracting and validating authentic data stored in large repositories,
including:
methods for referencing data sources using the American Psychological Association (APA) referencing
system
techniques for effectively and efficiently manipulating and cleansing data, including:
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techniques to statistically analyse data to identify trends, relationships and patterns, including:
mock-ups
storyboards
formats and conventions applied to data visualisations to improve their effectiveness for intended users,
including:
Key skills
interpret solution requirements and designs
identify, select, extract and validate relevant data from large repositories using database software
use the APA referencing system to acknowledge intellectual property
manipulate and cleanse data using spreadsheet software
conduct statistical analysis to identify trends, relationships and patterns
select, justify and apply functions, formats and conventions to create effective data visualisations
develop and apply suitable testing techniques to software tools used.
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Area of Study 2
Data analytics: analysis and design
In this area of study, students independently determine and propose a research question and collect and
analyse data from both primary and secondary sources. This is the first part of the School-assessed Task,
involving analysis and design, with the second part undertaken in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.
Students prepare a project plan that includes both student-determined and teacher-provided milestones in a
Gantt chart that includes all stages of the problem-solving methodology covered in Unit 3, Area of Study 2
and in Unit 4, Area of Study 1. Details of the relevant problem-solving methodology specifications are on
pages 18–23. Throughout Unit 3, Area of Study 2 and Unit 4, Area of Study 1, students monitor and modify
their project plans as required. They do not have to use dedicated project management software.
A range of methods is used to collect data to determine solution requirements, constraints and scope.
Primary and secondary data is then collected to address the research question using appropriate methods
and considering legal requirements. The scope of the research question should be sufficiently detailed to not
require a simple yes or no answer, but rather an exploration of the data collected.
Students generate and document two to three design ideas for creating the infographics and/or dynamic data
visualisations using ideation tools. Evaluation criteria are developed by the students to determine which of
the ideas will be used as the basis of the preferred design. These ideas are then fully developed into detailed
designs using a range of design tools addressing the appearance, usability and functionality of the solution.
These evaluation criteria will be used in Unit 4, Area of Study 1 to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness
of the infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations.
Students apply computational thinking skills when determining data requirements associated with a research
question and apply design thinking skills when designing infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations.
Outcome 2
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.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.
Key knowledge
features of a research question, including:
clarity
measurability of data requirements
feasibility
originality
features of project management to develop a project plan using Gantt charts, including:
identification of tasks
sequencing of tasks
time allocation
dependencies
milestones
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critical path
monitoring and documenting the progress of projects
characteristics of functional and non-functional requirements, constraints and scope, including data to
address the research question
methods for collecting primary data, including:
surveys
interviews
observations
characteristics of data types and data structures relevant to manipulating collected data
suitability of quantitative and qualitative data for manipulation to prepare for data visualisations,
including:
accuracy
authenticity
correctness
reasonableness
relevance
timeliness
procedures and techniques for the ethical collection of primary data, including:
key legal requirements for the protection of intellectual property and the collection, communication and
security of data and information, including:
methods for referencing secondary sources using the APA referencing system to acknowledge
intellectual property, including:
use of citations
creation of reference lists
archiving
backups (full, incremental, differential)
disposal
mood boards
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brainstorming
mind maps
sketches
annotations
design principles that influence the appearance and functionality of infographics and dynamic data
visualisations, including:
alignment
balance
contrast
image use
space
text and table formatting
usability
navigation
interactivity
criteria for evaluating design ideas and the efficiency and effectiveness of infographics and dynamic
data visualisations
design tools for generating solution designs from design ideas, including:
storyboards
mock-ups
input-process-output (IPO) charts
query designs.
Key skills
propose a research question
create, monitor and modify project plans using software
analyse and document solution requirements, constraints and scope of infographics and/or dynamic
data visualisations
apply techniques for searching, collecting, referencing and managing data sets
generate design ideas using appropriate ideation techniques and tools
develop evaluation criteria for design ideas and the efficiency and effectiveness of infographics and
dynamic data visualisations
produce detailed designs using appropriate design principles and tools.
School-based assessment
Satisfactory completion
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of
outcomes specified for the unit. Teachers should use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks to
provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills in the
outcomes.
The areas of study and key knowledge and key skills listed for the outcomes should be used for course
design and the development of learning activities and assessment tasks.
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School-assessed Coursework tasks must be a part of the regular teaching and learning program and must
not unduly add to the workload associated with that program. They must be completed mainly in class and
within a limited time frame.
Where teachers provide a range of options for the same School-assessed Coursework task, they should
ensure that the options are of comparable scope and demand.
The types and range of forms of School-assessed Coursework for the outcomes are prescribed within the
study design. The VCAA publishes Support materials for this study, which include advice on the design of
assessment tasks and the assessment of student work for a level of achievement.
Teachers will provide to the VCAA a numerical score representing an assessment of the student’s level of
achievement. The score must be based on the teacher’s assessment of the performance of each student on
the tasks set out in the following table.
School-assessed Task
The student’s level of achievement in Unit 3, Outcome 2 and in Unit 4, Outcome 1 will be assessed through
a School-assessed Task. Details of the School-assessed Task for Units 3 and 4 are provided on page 51 of
this study design.
External assessment
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 3: Applied Computing Study Design
The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination (see page 52),
which will contribute 50 per cent to the study score.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 4: Applied Computing Study Design
In Area of Study 1, students apply the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation to develop
their preferred designs prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 into infographics and/or dynamic data
visualisations. They evaluate the infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations and assess the project
plan. Area of Study 1 forms the second part of the School-assessed Task (SAT). In Area of Study 2,
students analyse a case study that investigates the impact of a data breach on an organisation. They
examine the cyber security threats to data and information, evaluate security strategies and recommend
improved strategies for protecting data and information.
Software tools
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit.
Area of Study 1 Database software, spreadsheet software and data visualisation software
An appropriate tool for running Structured Query Language (SQL) queries
The following table indicates the software tool that students are required to use, but are not required to
study, in this unit.
Area of Study 1 An appropriate tool for documenting and modifying project plans
A prescribed list of software tools and functions, and outcome-specific requirements, will be published
annually by the VCAA in the VCAA Bulletin. Schools are to select software tools that fulfil these
requirements.
Area of Study 1
Data analytics: development and evaluation
In this area of study, students develop the design they prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 into infographics
and/or dynamic data visualisations that address a research question by applying the problem-solving
methodology stages of development and evaluation. Details of the problem-solving methodology
specifications are on pages 18–23.
Effective designs and clarity of messages are key features of infographics and dynamic data visualisations,
which are designed to present findings intended for a target audience. Students import data from files into a
database and then into a spreadsheet for refinement. They analyse the data using descriptive statistics in
spreadsheets and use data visualisation software to transform the preferred designs into infographics and/or
dynamic data visualisations.
Students monitor and record the progress of their projects using the project plan developed in Unit 3, Area of
Study 2. Details could include actual versus expected durations, achievement of milestones and annotations
to explain progress.
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Students evaluate the quality of their infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations using the evaluation
criteria developed in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 and assess the effectiveness of their project plan in the
completion of their project.
Students apply computational thinking skills when developing their ideas into infographics and/or dynamic
data visualisations.
Outcome 1
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.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.
Key knowledge
effective and efficient methods to manipulate data using software tools, including:
use of templates
software functions
use of artificial intelligence tools to represent data and information
techniques for analysing data to refine findings for data visualisations, including:
age appropriateness
commonality of language
culture and gender inclusiveness
formats and conventions applied to infographics and dynamic data visualisations to improve their
effectiveness for intended users, including:
techniques for improving data quality by validating and verifying data, including:
existence checking
type checking
range checking
checking end-to-end data integrity from collection to visualisation
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proofreading
criteria
time frame
responsibility
adjustments to tasks
adjustments to time frames
annotations to project plans
monitoring and documenting progress using logs/journals
reviewing the number of changes made to the project plan during the project
the reason changes were necessary
the impact of changes on the completion of the project.
Key skills
monitor, modify and annotate project plans as necessary
conduct statistical analysis to identify trends, relationships and patterns
implement procedures for securing data
apply formats and conventions to develop infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations using
software
select and apply data validation, verification and testing techniques
evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of infographics and/or dynamic data visualisations
assess the effectiveness of the project plan.
Area of Study 2
Cyber security: data security
Major data breaches involving large Australian companies and businesses have increased over the last few
years. These have impacted millions of Australians. In this area of study, students investigate emerging
trends in cyber security and focus on data and information security and its importance to organisations.
Students investigate security strategies used by an organisation to manage the collection, communication
and security of data and information in its networked environment. They examine the threats to this data and
information, and evaluate the methods an organisation uses to protect its data and information. Students
consider the consequences for an organisation that fails to protect its data and information. They
recommend strategies to reduce the threats to data and information, taking into account the key legal
requirements and any ethical issues faced by the organisation, including those posed by the use of artificial
intelligence.
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Students apply systems thinking skills when investigating data and information security strategies within an
organisation, and when recommending strategies to reduce threats.
Outcome 2
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.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.
Key knowledge
emerging trends in cyber security, including:
types of threats to the integrity and security of data and information used by organisations, including:
accidental
deliberate
events-based
accuracy
authenticity
correctness
reasonableness
relevance
timeliness
loss of reputation
poor decision-making
financial loss
legal issues
impacted operations
criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of data and information security strategies, including:
confidentiality
integrity
availability
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key legislation that affects how organisations control the collection, communication and security of their
data and information, including:
key legislation that instructs an organisation to notify impacted individuals and organisations in the event
of an eligible data breach likely to result in serious harm, including:
Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Act 2017 (Sections 26WE, 26WF, 26WH, 26WK,
26WL, 26WR)
ethical issues arising from the implementation of data and information security practices, including:
use of ciphers
symmetric and asymmetric keys
use of hashing functions
evacuation
backing up
restoration
communication
testing
security controls for preventing and tracking unauthorised access to data and information and
minimising data loss.
Key skills
analyse a data breach and describe its impact on an organisation
identify and evaluate the threats to the security of data and information
examine and describe an organisation’s current data and information security strategies
propose and apply criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of current data and information security
strategies
identify and discuss possible legal and ethical consequences of ineffective data and information security
strategies
evaluate the disaster recovery plan for an organisation
recommend and justify improvements to current data and information security strategies.
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School-based assessment
Satisfactory completion
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of
outcomes specified for the unit. Teachers should use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks to
provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills in the
outcomes.
The areas of study and key knowledge and key skills listed for the outcomes should be used for course
design and the development of learning activities and assessment tasks.
School-assessed Coursework tasks must be a part of the regular teaching and learning program and must
not unduly add to the workload associated with that program. They must be completed mainly in class and
within a limited time frame.
Where teachers provide a range of options for the same School-assessed Coursework task, they should
ensure that the options are of comparable scope and demand.
The types and range of forms of School-assessed Coursework for the outcomes are prescribed within the
study design. The VCAA publishes Support materials for this study, which include advice on the design of
assessment tasks and the assessment of student work for a level of achievement.
Teachers will provide to the VCAA a numerical score representing an assessment of the student’s level of
achievement. The score must be based on the teacher’s assessment of the performance of each student on
the tasks set out in the following table.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 4: Applied Computing Study Design
School-assessed Task
The student’s level of achievement in Unit 3, Outcome 2 and in Unit 4, Outcome 1 will be assessed through
a School-assessed Task.
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External assessment
The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination.
End-of-year examination
Description
The examination will be set by a panel appointed by the VCAA. All the key knowledge and key skills that
underpin the outcomes in Units 3 and 4 are examinable.
Conditions
The examination will be completed under the following conditions:
Duration: 2 hours
Date: end-of-year, on a date to be published annually by the VCAA
VCAA examination rules will apply. Details of these rules are published annually in the VCE
Administrative Handbook.
The examination will be marked by assessors appointed by the VCAA.
Further advice
The VCAA publishes specifications for all VCE examinations on the VCAA website. Examination
specifications include details about the sections of the examination, their weighting, the question format(s)
and any other essential information. The specifications are published in the first year of implementation of
the revised Unit 3 and 4 sequence, together with any sample material.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 3: Applied Computing Study Design
In Area of Study 1, students respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs to develop a
set of working software modules through the use of an OOP language. Students examine a set of
requirements and a range of software design tools in order to apply specific features of an OOP language
to create working software modules. In Area of Study 2, students analyse an identified problem, need or
opportunity, prepare a project plan, develop a software requirements specification and design a software
solution. Area of Study 2 forms the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT) that is completed in Unit 4,
Area of Study 1.
Software tools
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit.
Area of Study 2 Unified Modelling Language (UML) tools to create use case diagrams
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to use, but are not required to
study, in this unit.
Area of Study 2 An appropriate tool for documenting and modifying project plans
Appropriate tools for ideation and generating designs
A prescribed list of software tools and functions, and outcome-specific requirements, will be published
annually by the VCAA in the VCAA Bulletin. Schools are to select software tools that fulfil these
requirements.
Area of Study 1
Software development: programming
In this area of study, students interpret the requirements and designs for developing working software
modules. Students use a common OOP language and undertake the problem-solving activities of
manipulation (programming), validation, testing and documentation in the development stage.
The working software modules should focus on a range of features within the OOP language. Students are
expected to fully develop the working software modules in accordance with the given requirements and
designs. This includes the development of a graphical user interface for at least two of the four modules. The
working software modules will prepare students for creating a complete software solution in Unit 4, Area of
Study 1. Validation is applied within relevant modules to ensure input data can be accepted and processed.
Debugging and testing techniques are applied to all software modules to ensure they operate as intended
and internal documentation is written to explain the functionality of each module. Students justify the use of
the selected features of the OOP language and algorithms in the development of their working software
modules.
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Students apply computational thinking skills when interpreting given solution requirements and designs, and
when developing them into the working software modules.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and
designs and use appropriate features of an object-oriented programming language to develop working
software modules.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.
Key knowledge
emerging trends in programming using artificial intelligence, including:
data dictionaries
mock-ups
object descriptions
input-process-output (IPO) charts
pseudocode
one-dimensional arrays
two-dimensional arrays
records (varying data types, field index)
characteristics of data sources (plain text (TXT), delimited (CSV) and XML files), including:
structure
reasons for use
abstraction
encapsulation
generalisation
inheritance
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purposes and features of naming conventions for solution elements (variables, interface controls, code
structures), including:
Hungarian notation
camel casing
snake casing
existence checking
type checking
range checking
selection sort
quick sort
binary search
linear search
syntax
logic
runtime (overflow, index out of range, type mismatch, divide by zero)
debugging and testing techniques for checking modules function correctly, including:
use of breakpoints
use of debugging statements
construction of relevant test data
test cases comparing expected and actual output in testing tables.
Key skills
interpret solution requirements and designs
use a range of data types, data structures and data sources
use and justify appropriate features of an OOP language to develop working software modules
develop and apply suitable naming conventions and validation techniques within modules
document the functioning of modules using internal documentation
develop and apply suitable debugging and testing techniques using appropriate test data.
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Area of Study 2
Software development: analysis and design
In this area of study, students prepare for the development of a software solution that meets a student-
identified problem, need or opportunity. This is the first part of the School-assessed Task, involving analysis
and design, with the second part undertaken in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.
Students are expected to independently identify a problem, need or opportunity for developing a software
solution from within their community. They prepare a project plan that includes both student-determined and
teacher-provided milestones in a Gantt chart that includes all stages of the problem-solving methodology
covered in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 and in Unit 4, Area of Study 1. Details of the relevant problem-solving
methodology specifications are on pages 18–23. Throughout Unit 3, Area of Study 2 and Unit 4, Area of
Study 1, students monitor and modify their project plans as required. They do not have to use dedicated
project management software.
A range of methods are used to collect data for analysis. Analysis tools and techniques are used to depict
the relationships between users, data and systems and to document the solution requirements, constraints
and scope as part of a software requirements specification.
Students generate and document two to three design ideas for creating their solution using ideation tools.
Evaluation criteria are developed by the students to determine which of the ideas will be used as the basis of
the preferred design. These ideas are then fully developed into detailed designs using a range of design
tools, addressing the appearance, structure and functionality of the solution. The same evaluation criteria are
then used in Unit 4, Area of Study 1 to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the software solution.
Students apply computational thinking skills when analysing a problem, need or opportunity and apply
design thinking skills when designing the solution.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to document a problem, need or opportunity, formulate
a project plan, document an analysis, and generate design ideas and a preferred design for creating a
software solution.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.
Key knowledge
reasons why individuals and organisations undertake software development projects, including:
problem/need/opportunity outline
proposed users
programming languages to be used
feasibility
originality
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identification of tasks
sequencing of tasks
time allocation
dependencies
milestones
critical path
monitoring and documenting the progress of projects
interviews
observations
surveys
reports
economic
legal
social
technical considerations
version/solution boundaries
analytical tools for depicting the relationships between users, data and systems, including:
context diagrams (Level 0) with the components of a system, and entities and data flows
data flow diagrams (Level 1) with the components of processes, entities, data stores and data flows
use case diagrams with the components of a system boundary, actors, associations, relationships
(includes and extends) and use cases
defining requirements
constraints
scope
user characteristics
technical environments
analytical tools depicting existing processes and systems
key legal requirements relating to the intellectual property and ownership and privacy of data used,
including:
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mood boards
brainstorming
mind maps
sketches
annotations
criteria for evaluating design ideas and the efficiency and effectiveness of solutions
design tools for generating solution designs from design ideas, including:
data dictionaries
mock-ups
object descriptions
input-process-output (IPO) charts
pseudocode
characteristics of user experience (UX) and how these affect software design, including:
affordance
interoperability
security (authentication and data protection)
usability
design principles that influence the appearance and functionality of the user interface/s of the software
solution, including:
alignment
balance
contrast
space
text formatting
usability
navigation.
Key skills
document a problem, need or opportunity using a brief
create, monitor and modify project plans using software
select and use a range of methods to collect data
apply analysis tools to determine solution requirements, constraints and scope
document an analysis as a software requirements specification
generate design ideas using appropriate ideation techniques and tools
develop evaluation criteria for design ideas and the efficiency and effectiveness of the software solution
produce detailed designs using appropriate design principles and tools.
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School-based assessment
Satisfactory completion
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of
outcomes specified for the unit. Teachers should use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks to
provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills in the
outcomes.
The areas of study and key knowledge and key skills listed for the outcomes should be used for course
design and the development of learning activities and assessment tasks.
School-assessed Coursework tasks must be a part of the regular teaching and learning program and must
not unduly add to the workload associated with that program. They must be completed mainly in class and
within a limited time frame.
Where teachers provide a range of options for the same School-assessed Coursework task, they should
ensure that the options are of comparable scope and demand.
The types and range of forms of School-assessed Coursework for the outcomes are prescribed within the
study design. The VCAA publishes Support materials for this study, which include advice on the design of
assessment tasks and the assessment of student work for a level of achievement.
Teachers will provide to the VCAA a numerical score representing an assessment of the student’s level of
achievement. The score must be based on the teacher’s assessment of the performance of each student on
the tasks set out in the following table.
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School-assessed Task
The student’s level of achievement in Unit 3, Outcome 2 and in Unit 4, Outcome 1 will be assessed through
a School-assessed Task. Details of the School-assessed Task for Units 3 and 4 are provided on page 67 of
this study design.
External assessment
The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination (see page 68),
which will contribute 50 per cent to the study score.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 4: Applied Computing Study Design
In Area of Study 1, students apply the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation to develop
their preferred design generated in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 into a working software solution. They test and
evaluate the solution and assess the project plan. Unit 4, Area of Study 1 forms the second part of the
School-assessed Task (SAT). In Area of Study 2, students examine the current software development
practices of an organisation and the risks associated with insecure software development environments and
practices. Students evaluate the current security practices and make recommendations to ensure software
development environments and practices are secure.
Software tools
The following table indicates the software tool that students are required to both study and use in this unit.
The following table indicates the software tools that students are required to use, but are not required to
study, in this unit.
Area of Study 1 An appropriate tool for documenting and modifying project plans
Programming tools and/or integrated development environments to facilitate programming
and testing of solutions
A prescribed list of software tools and functions, and outcome-specific requirements, will be published
annually by the VCAA in the VCAA Bulletin. Schools are to select software tools that fulfil these
requirements.
Area of Study 1
Software development: development and evaluation
In this area of study, students develop the solution they designed in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 into a software
solution that meets their identified problem, need or opportunity by applying the problem-solving stages of
development and evaluation. Details of the problem-solving methodology specifications are on pages 18–23.
Appropriate features of an OOP language are used to develop an efficient and effective software solution.
Validation, debugging and testing techniques are used to ensure the software solution meets requirements.
Students prepare a beta testing strategy that focuses on the core features of their software solution. The
tests must be undertaken by at least two potential users, with the results recorded. Potential users could be
other students acting as real users of the solution. Students recommend necessary adjustments to their
solution based on the results of their beta tests.
Students continue to monitor and record the progress of their projects using the project plan developed in
Unit 3, Area of Study 2. Details could include actual versus expected durations, achievement of milestones
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and annotations to explain progress. Students evaluate the quality of their software solution using the
evaluation criteria developed in Unit 3, Area of Study 2 and assess the effectiveness of their project plan in
developing their project.
Students apply computational thinking skills when developing their design ideas into a software solution.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop and evaluate a software solution that meets
requirements and assess the effectiveness of the project plan.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.
Key knowledge
characteristics of efficient and effective solutions, including:
user-centred design
clear and concise code
detailed internal documentation
characteristics of data types, data structures and data sources for input, storage and output
features of a programming language, including:
existence checking
type checking
range checking
debugging and alpha testing techniques for checking that solutions meet requirements and function
correctly, including the use of:
breakpoints
commenting out code
relevant test data
test cases comparing expected and actual output in testing tables
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evaluation criteria
time frame
responsibility
scope creep
personnel changes
technical issues
adjustments to tasks
adjustments to time frames
annotations to project plans
monitoring and documenting progress using logs/journals
reviewing the number of changes made to the project plan during the project
the reason changes were necessary
the impact of changes on the completion of the project.
Key skills
monitor, modify and annotate project plans as necessary
develop a software solution and write internal documentation
use and apply appropriate data types, data structures and data sources
develop and apply suitable naming conventions and validation techniques
select and apply debugging and alpha testing techniques
prepare and conduct beta testing using appropriate techniques, capture results and recommend
modifications to the software solution to address identified issues
evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the software solution
assess the effectiveness of the project plan.
Area of Study 2
Cyber security: secure software development practices
The secure development of software is crucial within the modern technology and development landscape.
Insecure software development environments are problematic for organisations that develop software,
regardless of whether solution development occurs internally or is conducted by a secondary organisation. In
this area of study, students focus on the security risks to organisations as a result of insecure software
development environments and practices. Students analyse and evaluate the security of current software
development practices, examine the vulnerabilities and risks using threat-modelling principles and consider
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the consequences of identified issues. Students should consider how these risks may be minimised or
mitigated before recommending strategies to improve current practices, taking into account the key legal
requirements and ethical issues faced by organisations. Frameworks such as the Essential Eight and the
Information Security Manual are also taken into account for students to follow current industry practice when
considering strategies for improvements.
Students apply systems thinking skills when analysing and evaluating software development security
strategies within an organisation, and when recommending strategies to improve current practices.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to analyse
an organisation’s software development practices, identify and evaluate current security controls and threats
to software development practices, and make recommendations to improve practices.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.
Key knowledge
goals and objectives of medium and large organisations
advantages and disadvantages of developing software in-house or externally
types of vulnerabilities and risks within insecure development environments, including:
security controls used to protect software development practices and data stored within applications,
including:
criteria for evaluating the security of software development practices within an organisation
key legislation and industry frameworks that affect how organisations develop software and control the
security and communication of data, including the:
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Information Security Manual (ISM) (Guidelines for Software Development: Development, testing
and production environments; Secure software design and development; Application security
testing)
Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth) (APP 1, 6, 8, 9, 11)
Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (IPP 1, 2, 4, 5, 9)
mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate threats, vulnerabilities and risks within organisations and
development environments
strategies for improving the security of software development practices, including:
Key skills
analyse and describe an organisation’s software development practices
propose and apply criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of the current software development practices
identify and describe vulnerabilities and risks based on current practices
identify and discuss the possible legal and ethical consequences to an organisation for ineffective
software development practices, and how these could be resolved
recommend and justify improvements to organisations and their development environments to enhance
secure software development practices.
School-based assessment
Satisfactory completion
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of
outcomes specified for the unit. Teachers should use a variety of learning activities and assessment tasks to
provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills in the
outcomes.
The areas of study and key knowledge and key skills listed for the outcomes should be used for course
design and the development of learning activities and assessment tasks.
School-assessed Coursework tasks must be a part of the regular teaching and learning program and must
not unduly add to the workload associated with that program. They must be completed mainly in class and
within a limited time frame.
Where teachers provide a range of options for the same School-assessed Coursework task, they should
ensure that the options are of comparable scope and demand.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 4: Applied Computing Study Design
The types and range of forms of School-assessed Coursework for the outcomes are prescribed within the
study design. The VCAA publishes Support materials for this study, which include advice on the design of
assessment tasks and the assessment of student work for a level of achievement.
Teachers will provide to the VCAA a numerical score representing an assessment of the student’s level of
achievement. The score must be based on the teacher’s assessment of the performance of each student on
the tasks set out in the following table.
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VCE Applied Computing Study Design 2025 Unit 4: Applied Computing Study Design
School-assessed Task
The student’s level of achievement in Unit 3, Outcome 2 and in Unit 4, Outcome 1 will be assessed through
a School-assessed Task.
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External assessment
The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination.
End-of-year examination
Description
The examination will be set by a panel appointed by the VCAA. All the key knowledge and key skills that
underpin the outcomes in Units 3 and 4 are examinable.
Conditions
The examination will be completed under the following conditions:
Duration: 2 hours
Date: end-of-year, on a date to be published annually by the VCAA
VCAA examination rules will apply. Details of these rules are published annually in the VCE
Administrative Handbook.
The examination will be marked by assessors appointed by the VCAA.
Further advice
The VCAA publishes specifications for all VCE examinations on the VCAA website. Examination
specifications include details about the sections of the examination, their weighting, the question format(s)
and any other essential information. The specifications are published in the first year of implementation of
the revised Unit 3 and 4 sequence together with any sample material.
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