Master of Engineering Studies 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 strong research focus is vital to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and postgraduate study in Software Engineering is no exception. We boast expertise such as the Human Aspects in Software Engineering Lab (HASEL) and the Parallel Computing research group, giving you opportunities to tackle projects alongside world-class researchers using purpose-built facilities, with real-world applications.

Postgraduate study in Software Engineering is as broad as the field itself, so your focus may range from fundamental research that advances our understanding of the discipline, or applied knowledge, which can mean utilising the right principles in a number of domains. Some major topics may include:
- Adaptive and multi-device user interfaces
- Coping with semi-structured data
- Domain-specific languages
- Information transformation
- Performance engineering
- Signal processing
- Software architecture
- Software measurement
- System evolution
- Technology transfer

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.

Complete 180 points comprising:

At least 45 points from Group 1 Elective Courses, and
0 to 135 points from Group 2 Elective Courses

Group 1 Elective Courses

Complete at least 45 points from the following:

COMPSYS 704 - Advanced Embedded Systems (15 points)

COMPSYS 705 - Formal Methods for Safety Critical Software (15 points)

COMPSYS 726 - Robotics and Intelligent Systems (15 points)

COMPSYS 727 - Model-based Embedded Systems Design (15 points)

SOFTENG 701 - Advanced Software Engineering Development Methods (15 points)

SOFTENG 751 - High Performance Computing (15 points)

SOFTENG 754 - Advanced Software Requirements Engineering (15 points)

SOFTENG 755 - Special Topic (15 points)

SOFTENG 761 - Advanced Agile and Lean Software Development (15 points)

SOFTENG 788 - Research Project (30 points)

SOFTENG 788A - Research Project (15 points)

SOFTENG 788B - Research Project (15 points)

SOFTENG 789 - Project Z (30 points)

Group 2 Elective Courses

Complete 0 to 135 points from the following:

COMPSCI 704 - Fundamentals in Human-Computer Interaction (15 points)

COMPSCI 705 - Advanced Topics in Human Computer Interaction (15 points)

COMPSCI 711 - Parallel and Distributed Computing (15 points)

COMPSCI 715 - Advanced Computer Graphics (15 points)

COMPSCI 725 - Usable Security and Privacy Engineering (15 points)

COMPSCI 732 - Software Tools and Techniques (15 points)

COMPSCI 734 - Web, Mobile and Enterprise Computing (15 points)

ENVENG 702 - Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa (15 points)

SOFTENG 710 - Studies in Software Engineering 1 (15 points)

SOFTENG 711 - Studies in Software Engineering 2 (15 points)

SOFTENG 715 - Special Topic (15 points)

SOFTENG 752 - Formal Specification and Design (15 points)

SOFTENG 753 - Machine Learning Techniques and Applications (15 points)

SOFTENG 762 - Robotics Process Automation (15 points)

Up to 45 points may be substituted from appropriate 600 and 700 level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Head of Department.

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