Software Engineering

Program
Duration
Location
Application
OP Score
Entry Requirements
International Availability
Accreditation
Fees

Bachelor of Engineering (Software)
4 Years full-time
St Lucia
QTAC code 717001
Qld OP 6 / Rank 90; ATAR 89.00 (2011 entry)
Qld Yr 12 or equivalent; English; Mathematics B; Chemistry or Physics
UQ International
Engineers Australia
What it costs

Software engineers take a systematic approach to developing, operating, maintaining and retiring software - the controlling element of computer-based systems. They deal with the challenges associated with large-scale, high quality software. This includes dealing with size and complexity, ensuring cooperation between developers, clients and users, and managing the evolution of software over time to maintain its value.

Software engineers use principles of computer science, engineering, design, management, psychology, sociology and other disciplines to design and manage large software systems.

They generally have advanced problem-solving skills and a drive to continually update personal skills and knowledge. Software Engineers must be able to communicate and work with a wide range of people including clients and colleagues, while still being able to approach work independently and logically.

UQ’s Software Engineering students gain a solid foundation in software, systems and hardware, and have the flexibility to focus on an area of their interest including communications, computer hardware, formal methods, hardware-software interfaces, information interfaces or software technology, analysis design construction and testing of softwares systems.

What are the applications?

Software Engineers can work on a range of computer and software programs including operating systems, communications software, utility programs, compilers and database handlers. They also evaluate new programming tools and techniques, and analyse current software products. Senior software engineers also supervise staff and manage projects.

What does the future hold?

Career opportunities for software engineers are strong, despite the economic downturn, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. As society becomes even more dependent on computers, one of the biggest challenges is the creation of new software necessary to make computers useful.

Employment opportunities

Software engineers work in large multinational companies, State and federal government departments and agencies, and in many small, specialised consulting companies. Some of UQ’s graduates have started their own companies.

The individual and multidisciplinary team project work included in this program also provides students with project management skills highly valued by employers.

Defence, transport, games and security are just a few of the industries currently recruiting software engineers. Australian graduates are highly regarded internationally and many work overseas to expand their expertise.

Visit our Careers in Software Engineering page for further information.

UQ Bonus Rank Scheme

The UQ Bonus Rank Scheme offers students who complete Year 12 in Australia a chance to improve their rank to gain entry to their preferred program. For more information please click here.

Full program details and entry requirements

Credit for Previous Studies

Non-Award Enrolment

If you have the skills and background to enrol in individual courses, but you are not qualified to enter an award program, you may be eligible to enrol as a domestic non-award student on a fee-paying basis, for training purposes. This option is not available to international students.

The University's Enhanced Studies program allows students in selected high schools to enrol in first year level university courses, while completing their Year 12 studies.

Full list of BE courses

Software Engineering Major – Course List

ITEE Software Engineering Website