In a world where artificial intelligence is no longer optional but essential to business success, the need for professionals who can bridge the gap between emerging technologies and strategic decision-making has never been greater. Swinburne University’s new and launching in 2026 Bachelor of AI in Business (BA-AIBUS) is an ambitious response to this need. A modern, future-ready evolution of the university’s long-standing tradition of integrated technology-business education.

A legacy reimagined: from BIT to BA-AIBUS

The Bachelor of AI in Business builds on the legacy of the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT), a program established in 1988 to 2019. It was then rebranded to Bachelor of Business Information Technology (Professional) (BBIT). This high calibre course was known for its elite graduates who went through an extensive interview process in order to enrol on the course. The course itself had a reputation for its accelerated nature. Students completed the 4-year degree in 3 years with two summer semesters. Two 20-week placements also had to be completed to receive a full scholarship. For over 30 years, BIT equipped students with a powerful blend of computing expertise and business strategy. Shaping a unique hybrid skill set that set Swinburne graduates apart in the workforce.

Recognising how artificial intelligence is reshaping business operations, from automation and predictive analytics to customer experience and ethical governance, Swinburne has reimagined this legacy for the modern era. The Bachelor of AI in Business brings AI to the centre of the curriculum while retaining the foundational principles that made BIT successful: technology deeply integrated with business strategy and real-world impact. This course will stay true to its legacy and continue to integrate interviews, sponsorships, and work placement elements into the degree.

Swinburne Awards Evening October 2023 – Sophie Blake, Natascia Caminiti, Taylor Radatti, Brad Foot & Nicki Wragg.
(Image courtesy of Yashasvi Athugala, copyright owned by Swinburne University of Technology)

Why the shift to AI?

Organisations across industries are accelerating their use of AI to remain competitive and efficient. But they face a challenge: finding graduates who can do more than just code or manage. They need people who understand how to design, deploy and govern intelligent systems that deliver measurable business value.

Swinburne is designing the Bachelor of AI in Business to address this gap. It develops hybrid professionals fluent in both AI technologies (machine learning, cloud computing, natural language processing, data analytics) and strategic business disciplines such as digital transformation, ethical leadership, and governance. It’s a rebranding with purpose, one that keeps pace with how business, data, and automation intersect today.

First of its kind in Australia

Traditional business degrees often underplay the role of technology, while technical degrees rarely equip students with the strategic and commercial mindset needed to thrive in a business environment. The Bachelor of AI in Business will strike the balance.

Australia’s first degree of its kind, the program offers a curriculum where business intelligence and technical acumen go hand in hand. The program equips students to architect intelligent systems that align with organisational goals and drive business transformation.

What sets it apart?

A curriculum designed as a holistic system of learning that mirrors real-world practice. Students will undertake technical subjects such as:

The program combines these with applied business and data analytics units, including:

  • INF10029 Tools and Techniques for Business Artificial Intelligence
  • INF20029 Digital Business Analysis and Design
  • INF30036 Predictive Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

In their final year, students dive into ethics, governance, and industry immersion, through:

COS30019 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence further supports this by giving students hands-on experience in AI model development. With eight elective units, students also have the flexibility to tailor their journey toward data science, entrepreneurship, or industry specialisation.

Making AI real: the role of industry partnerships

As part of the program’s commitment to authentic learning, students work on real business challenges, gain firsthand exposure to industry tools and thinking, and participate in meaningful placements. Since 1999, when Fenwick first invested in the program and became an active sponsor, our team has been supporting Swinburne in shaping and developing the course. We continue to offer an extensive graduate program and placement, supporting students by providing real-world experience and mentorship.

Fenwick has been a valued partner of Swinburne for over 25 years, generously supporting our programs and students. We’re excited to continue this collaboration as we launch the new Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence in Business, and we look forward to their continued insight in shaping a course that meets the needs of industry and the future of work.

– Nicki Wragg, Executive Dean, Swinburne University of Technology

A proven track record, now focused on the future

Swinburne’s integrated approach to business and technology has a long and successful history. Since its launch in 1988, the BIT program has produced over 1,100 graduates. It has also fostered enduring partnerships, like with Fenwick, that have shaped the program and helped mentor generations of business technologists.

While there have been updates and structural changes over the decades, the underlying mission has remained the same: to produce elite, work-ready graduates who understand how to drive business innovation through technology.

With the Bachelor of AI in Business, that mission evolves to meet today’s most pressing technological force: AI.

Launch

In an industry where AI is no longer a future concept but a foundation of how systems operate, Fenwick is learning, evolving, applying, and sharing AI knowledge in real-world contexts, especially within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Set to launch in 2026, the Bachelor of AI in Business (BA-AIBUS) represents the next step in preparing graduates for this reality. Fenwick is proud to support this future-focused program, offering industry expertise, strategic insight, and practical guidance to help shape a curriculum grounded in the skills and capabilities businesses need, today and tomorrow.

Swinburne is currently finalising the new Bachelor of AI in Business with plans to officially launch the course at the Swinburne Open Day on July 27th, 2025. Watch this space for more information.