Why study software engineering at UoN?

Software engineers create the large software systems that allow computers and the internet to be used efficiently and productively. They are experts in computer technologies and are responsible for building, complex software systems for commerce, engineering, government and research. Find out more

What you will study

The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) will give you strong skill-set in the latest software development techniques. Find out more

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. Find out more

Become a graduate in demand

There is strong demand for our Bachelor of Engineering (Software) graduates both locally and throughout Australia. Many of our students are offered positions even before they graduate. Find out more

Why study software engineering at UoN?

Software engineers create the large software systems that allow computers and the internet to be used efficiently and productively. They are experts in computer technologies and are responsible for building, complex software systems for commerce, engineering, government and research. Many interesting and exciting problems of the future will be solved with software systems.

You will be taught by academics who are recognised internationally for outstanding research and at a University ranked in the world’s top 120 for engineering and technology (QS rankings 2010).

Your practical skills will be developed by undertaking laboratory exercises in modern facilities. You will also have the opportunity to complete a full-year software engineering project, which includes a research component and is team-based.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) will give you a strong understanding of the most modern techniques of software development, such as object-oriented analysis and design, software process improvement, web engineering, design patterns and software architecture.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) will give you strong skill-set in the latest software development techniques.

Comprising of four-years of full-time study (320 units), you will build a range of specialist software engineering skills including:

• Design and implementation
• Fundamentals of computing
• Object-oriented technologies
• Programming languages
• Software development methodology
• Software system analysis

Minor studies include:

• Computer architecture
• Computer network
• Data security
• Distributed processing
• Engineering management
• Real-time systems
• System software
• User interface design
• Web engineering

Throughout the degree, theoretical studies are complemented by practical laboratory and field exercises.

You will have the opportunity to undertake an industry-related project in their final year of study and must also complete 12 weeks of industrial experience throughout the degree.

Based on our knowledge of what a professional software engineer requires to be effective, we have incorporated four strands of study that you will undertake when studying software engineering.

Software engineering

The main emphasis of study, involving the theory and practice of developing complex computer systems, with particular emphases on contemporary software system development methodologies, object oriented technologies, software architecture, software design patterns and including interface and database design. It culminates in a large, full-year team based software project that is presented in conjunction with local industry.

General engineering

Provides you with professional engineering problem-solving skills. Engineers need to appreciate challenges and solutions in areas outside their own discipline. It focuses on electrical and computer engineering, since most systems that software engineers develop require hardware and software components.

Computer science

Provides you with an understanding of the capabilities of software technology used to build effective software solutions. You will study a comprehensive range of topics including introduction to computer science, discrete structures, analysis of algorithms, theory of computation, operating systems and computer networks.

Management and ethics

Helps you understand the cultural, social, legal and ethical concerns generated by information technologies. It includes management issues such as project management, cost estimation, team building, and project tracking.

The high rate at which our graduates find employment is confirmation that they are highly regarded by industry.

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. You can develop and carry out research on a topic of interest, potentially leading to further academic study such as a PhD.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) uses the WAM as a measure for determining Honours.

There are three levels of Honours.

Honours Class 1 - you will require a minimum WAM of 77 and a minimum mark of 75 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Honours Class II, Division 1 - you will require a minimum WAM of 72 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Honours Class II, Division 2 - you will require a minimum WAM of 67 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Performance is based on a three year WAM where 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses are weighted.

To calculate your WAM download this PDF

To find out more about Honours, contact the Enquiry Centre, 02 4921 5000.

Become a graduate in demand

There is strong demand for our Bachelor of Engineering (Software) graduates both locally and throughout Australia. Many of our students are offered positions even before they graduate.

The emphasis of this degree is the design and production of high-quality software systems. Employment prospects for graduates are excellent, with strong demand locally and throughout Australia and internationally. They are able to work as software engineers in all areas of industry, government, commerce, engineering and research and find employment in areas including:

• Banking and finance
• Customer support
• Defence and security
• Industrial systems
• Internet and web engineering
• Marketing and consulting
• Software product development
• Telecommunications

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) is accredited by the Institute of Engineers Australia (trading as Engineers Australia), the Australian Computer Society, and affiliated international organisations. This ensures recognition of the qualification throughout Australia and many overseas countries.

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