This three-year program was developed in recognition of the need to produce graduates with specific training in Software Engineering. Graduates will gain the necessary skills for work in this area, including the organisational and project management skills vital for a successful career. They will also have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of computing and gain valuable experience in designing, constructing and testing large software systems through extensive project work.

The role of software engineers is increasingly vital in all aspects of transforming ideas into professional software solutions. Graduates from this program will be able to analyse problems and apply software engineering techniques to design computer-based solutions for a wide range of applications. They will be competent programmers in one or more programming languages and have a firm understanding of the relationship between software and hardware. Graduates will be trained for employment in the wide range of fields requiring software engineering skills, including data analysis, information management, data processing, real-time process control, embedded systems, computer graphics and visualisation.

Students who perform well can undertake an additional year of study to obtain a Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours. The honours degree can provide access to postgraduate study and a wider range of professional opportunities in the computing industry.

Students wishing to enter the Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) apply through SATAC for a place in the Bachelor of Computer Science. A transfer to the Software Engineering program can be undertaken at any time during the student’s enrolment provided the correct courses have been either completed or are to be completed. Students apply for transfer via the Faculty Office.

Graduates are highly regarded by employers and have been successful in a wide variety of areas. Employment opportunities are provided in the areas of administration, business data processing, computer programming, computer science, engineering design, financial software, games programming, graphics programming, information technology management, internet commerce, network management and support, quality improvement, scientific data analysis, systems analysis, software engineering, systems support, real-time process control and user interface programming.

Career Pathways
Within the Bachelor of Computer Graphics, Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) students will be able to tailor their program to guide them to a particular career. Some of the options available are:

Computer Graphics: As the computer entertainment industry grows the demand for computer scientists with skills in the areas of computer vision, graphics, networking and broadband telecommunications computer graphics and networking increases. With the correct choice of computer science courses and electives, students will be well on their way to a rewarding career in this area.

Database and Information Systems Management: An increasingly important field in the area of information technology, with large volumes of collected data needing to be correctly stored and interpreted. It is recommended that students thinking about this type of career also look at undertaking electives from the discipline of statistics.

Network Management: A specialisation of the systems support and internet commerce areas. Graduates in this area are focused on the technical aspects of design and implementation of data communications networks. Choosing courses specifically focused on network issues will assist students to follow this career path.

Software Engineering: An essential discipline for anyone aiming to write reliable software for complex systems. Computer science degrees offer several software engineering courses, which include group projects tackling real world problems and cover the creation of software from its conception to delivery.

• Basic skills and knowledge (Computer Science/Information Technology, problem solving skills, analytical skills, communication skills and flexibility) necessary for a successful career in Computer Science/Information Technology.
• Able to apply knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals, including programming, computer systems, data structures and computer networks.
• Able to design complex systems involving both hardware, software and networks, using software engineering techniques.
• Appreciation of current technologies.  
• Able to communicate effectively, not only with other computer scientists, but with the community at large on information technology issues.
• Contribute effectively as members of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be leaders or managers as well as effective team members.
• Able, by self directed study, to remain up to date with developments in their careers/professions.
• Innovative and creative, adaptable and able to guide developments in their careers/professions.
• Educated in a broad sense, are well informed and can take their place as leaders in the community.
• Appreciation of professional conduct and ethical issues pertinent to the information technology industry.

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). It is designed to provide a professional qualification in computing and information technology. It also provides the necessary academic requirements for membership of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the American-based Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

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