Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Software) New

Thrive in the golden age of software

From South Australia to Silicon Valley, software engineers are using a combination of problem solving and creativity to develop new technologies that change the world. They are involved in the whole life cycle of computer software. They strategise, design, build, test, code and collaborate.

Studying software engineering will prepare you to drive software solutions to enhance our future for generations to come. 

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Software) combines the underlying principles of software engineering with strong technical and leadership skills. You will:

  • tackle real-world, open-ended and complex programming problems
  • take new and refreshed courses that emphasise divergent thinking, collaborative learning and teamwork
  • work with industry mentors
  • pursue work experience and internship opportunities with some of the world’s best-known companies
  • complete an eight-week practical experience.
Majors are available in:

  • Defence systems
  • Smart technologies.
A Minor is available in:

  • Entrepreneurship.
Where could it take you?

Our software engineering graduates are highly sought after by top companies around the globe. As an accredited engineer, you could develop software for mobile robots and driverless cars. You might create and test video gaming experiences. Perhaps you’ll design apps or entirely new smart technologies. In the software engineering landscape, you can code your own adventure.


This program is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and Engineers Australia.


  • Ranked #50 in the world for computer science and engineering^
  • Five-star rating for teaching quality and student support#
  • Showcase your work and network with future employers at Ingenuity

^ARWU, 2022
#Good Universities Guide, 2022

Entry Requirements

Please note: For programs including placements and/or study-related activities in settings where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, it is an inherent requirement that all students be fully vaccinated prior to undertaking the placement and/or study-related activity.
From 30 June 2023, in accordance with Australian government requirements, the University will be returning to face-to-face teaching for all students where it is safe and practical to do so. For students with circumstances where it would not be practical or safe to travel to Australia, exemptions may apply. Students are encouraged to regularly check Study in 2023 and International Student Covid-19 FAQ for information and updates.

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 334891
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 80
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 29
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Prerequisites SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods , Specialist Mathematics and Physics.

IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4/ HL grade 3)

MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. Unsure if you will meet prerequisites or ATAR? Check out our Engineering Pathway.
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done. For more information, please see: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/

Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.

Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.

Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components.

Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer N/A
Median ATAR to receive an offer N/A
Highest ATAR to receive an offer N/A
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer N/A
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer N/A
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer N/A
Minimum eligibility score 80
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $7,740

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Industry Placement

All Engineering students are required to complete 8 weeks of internship placement as a part of their studies. For more information on internships please click here.

Professional Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and Engineers Australia.

Potential careers

3D Animator, AI Scientist, App Developer, Artificial Intelligence Analyst, Assistive Technology Developer, Cloud Architect , Computational Engineer, Computational Scientist, Computer Forensics Specialist, Computer Game Designer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Programmer, Computer Scientist, Computer Systems Engineer, Cyber Defender, Cyber Intelligence Expert, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist, Data Engineer, Database Coordinator, Defence Engineer, Software Developer, ...

Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software) consists of:
  • 22 Core Courses
  • 2 Research Courses
You can also select from the following majors - or choose not to have a major:
  • Defence Systems
  • Smart Technologies
When selecting a major you will also have Core Major Courses - these are listed within the example study plan below.

Alternatively you could also choose to complete a minor within Entrepreneurship. To complete your minor you will need to select 4 of the 5 courses listed below:

Areas of Specialisation

When studying Software Engineering you can select a major or a minor. These will assist you in specialising in your field of interest or choice. We offer the following options:

No Major - Choose to persue a no major pathway and tailor your electives to suit you, your goals and your learning interest areas. You will have the option to select 8 electives of your choice from our large range of 44 courses, you can see all of your options by viewing our full study plan. 

Smart Technologies - Smart Technologies Engineering has a focus on additional knowledge and skills within the field of Information Technology. Smart Technologies could open doors for you in fields like smart devices from coffee makers and home automation through to security cameras and app development. Covering content like Artificial Intelligence and Micro-Controller Programming, you will be well equipped for your new career.

Defence Systems -  Drill down in to how the role of Software Engineers can assist with our Defence Systems through courses which will introduce you to Comparative Politics and teach you how Secure Programming operates within the Defence sector.

Example Study Plan

Core Subjects - All must be completed

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Internship
  • All Engineering students are required to complete a minimum 8 weeks of internship during the duration of their studies. For more information on Engineering Internships please click here.
Electives & Major Options

Defence Systems Major

Smart Technologies Major

No Major

Assessment

Assessments vary from course to course. There is also the inclusion of a research project, as well as 8 weeks of internship across the duration of your degree.

Testimonial

My interests in biology and chemistry lead me to choose pharmaceutical engineering, which is promising in terms of medical applications, pharmaceutical process improvement, affordable drug/ medication.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 9 Mar 2023