Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Software)

Thrive in the golden age of software

From South Australia to Silicon Valley, software engineers combine problem-solving and creativity to develop new world-changing technologies. These visionary individuals actively participate in multiple phases of software development, seamlessly transitioning from strategic planning and conceptualisation to intricate design, efficient coding, rigorous testing, and collaborative teamwork.

Studying software engineering prepares you to drive solutions that enhance our future for generations to come, shaping a remarkable digital landscape. This program offers you an opportunity to acquire a versatile skill set, empowering you to navigate the intricacies of the digital world and actively contribute to the enhancement of our society.


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.

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

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I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 354571
2024 CSP ATAR 80
2024 CSP IB 29.5
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 80
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 29.5
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
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 Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2025. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2025 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2024 or 2023), 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 2023). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Skills for 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

2024 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 77.65
Median ATAR to receive an offer 87.6
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 98.5
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 82.75
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 92.2
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95
Minimum eligibility score 80
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2024
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    6 25.0%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study N/A N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/A N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    16 66.7%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/A N/A
    International students <5 N/A
    All students 24 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,750

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.

The University of Adelaide's Software Engineering program holds strong industry connections via a number of official partnerships. This gives our students, unique access to key employers and placement providers. Some of these partners within our program are:

  • DSTG - Defence Science and Technology Group - The Australian Government's lead agency responsible for applying science and technology to safeguard Australia an our national interests.
  • Maptek - A leading provider of innovative software, hardware and services for the mining industry.
  • BAE Systems - Providing some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions.
  • Swordfish Computing - Innovative Adelaide based digital science and technology business.

Professional Accreditation

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

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

3D Animator;  AI Scientist;  App Developer;  Artificial Intelligence Analyst;  Assistive Technology Developer;  Cloud Architect ;  Computational Engineer;  Computational Scientist;  Computer Forensics Specialist;  Computer Game Designer ...

Degree Structure

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software), students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 96 units, comprising:

  • Core courses up to the value of 72 units and Elective courses to the value of 24 units with the option of a major in one of the following:
    • Defence Systems
    • Smart Technologies
  • An Entrepreneurship minor can be presented within the program.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

  • Unless exempted, International students are required to take ENG 1011 Introduction to Engineering EAL in lieu of ENG 1001 Introduction to Engineering as advised by the Faculty.
  • Students who have not undertaken SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) will be required to enrol in Mathematics IM, followed by Mathematics IA with Mathematics IB taken in Summer Semester to complete the Mathematics requirements at Level I. The satisfactory completion of Mathematics IM is in addition to the normal requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
  • A total of 8 weeks of approved engineering work placement is required. Students will need to enrol into the ENG 3100 Engineering Internship UG (0 units) course to complete this requirement. 

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 pursue 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

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software), students must complete courses to the value of 96 units.
Core courses
All students must complete the following courses:
Specified electives
Courses the value of 3 units from the following:
and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
No major All of the following courses must be completed:
and courses to the value of 9 units from the following:
and courses to the value of 9 units from the following:


Majors
Defence Systems To satisfy the requirements for the Defence Systems major, students must complete the following courses:
Smart Technologies To satisfy the requirements for the Smart Technologies major, students must complete the following courses:
and a Computer Science Level III elective to the value of 3 units, to be chosen from Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software) electives.

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

Working onsite you get to see what you have planned and designed in the office and how it works in the field.

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, 12 Sep 2024