Conjoint: BA/BE(Hons) specialisation in Software Engineering

Software Engineering is behind many of the technologies we now take for granted. It is seen in virtually all sectors of today’s economy, from handheld smart devices to cloud services and large telecommunications networks. Offered by our Department of Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering, the specialisation covers software architecture, system performance, testing and quality assurance, requirements engineering, human-computer interaction, and documentation. Because it is largely project-oriented, software engineers also familiarise themselves with the ethical, social, legal, economical and safety issues relevant to users today.

As a result, software engineers often see their core skills as complementary to their personal interests, and demand for professionals in this field will continue to increase alongside the need to create and improve products for today’s technologically-savvy environments and users.

A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering focuses on giving you the skills to engineer large, complex and fault-tolerant systems that function reliably, are effectively developed, and can be maintained efficiently.
Beyond imparting fundamental knowledge, the specialisation also prepares you for the technological environment ahead, so you can pursue courses and applications in areas such as human-computer interaction, serious games, smart energy consumption, learning aids, autonomous robots, and intelligent software agents.

This specialisation is co-taught by the Department of Computer Science, so in addition to computing applications, technology, and systems knowledge, you’ll also gain the necessary engineering perspectives and project management methodologies that are now essential to the field. This gives Software Engineering an edge over many adjacent fields, as the understanding of the entire lifecycle of software development and maintenance ensures that your professional knowledge extends beyond technical capabilities.

Core topics include:
- Algorithm design and analysis
- Computer organisation and architecture
- Data communications
- Fundamental mathematics
- Human-computer interaction
- Operating systems
- Programming languages
- Project management and professional ethics
- Robotics and machine learning
- Software design, construction and development
All our BE(Hons) specialisations are accredited by Engineering NZ, so your qualification will be recognised in many countries.

The importance of software engineering to the modern economy means that there is a bright future ahead for graduates. This is evident in the increasing reliance on intuitive and dependable cloud-based software. This high-demand specialisation boasts benefits such as a future-proof skill set and, consequently, ample salaries. Software engineers are employed in a wide range of sectors, including ICT, commerce, industry, government, health, education and entertainment. Software engineers also find opportunities in dedicated consultancy firms, so their work often extends beyond programming: they are involved in designing solutions, financial discussions and even directing teams. Management positions are not out of reach for software engineers, due to their understanding of project management principles.