UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO · NEW ZEALAND
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BEng(Hons)) in Software Engineering
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Create real-world software applications.Real-World Application
- Develop global career opportunities.Global Careers
- Gain practical work experience through internships.Job-Ready Graduates
- Opportunity to specialize in AI and Human-Computer Interaction.Cutting-Edge Specializations
- Blend technical coding with creative problem-solving.Creative Problem-Solving
- Learn ethical development principles for multicultural environments.Ethical & Cultural Awareness
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BEng(Hons)) in Software Engineering is a four-year degree program designed to equip students with the skills to design and build large, interactive software applications. You will learn programming skills directly applicable to real-world software development, preparing you for global career opportunities in the tech industry. The program emphasizes a blend of technical coding with creative problem-solving, encouraging critical thinking and ethical development practices. Students gain practical work experience through internships in their second, third, and final years, ensuring they graduate job-ready. The curriculum also allows for specialization in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction.
Curriculum
The four-year Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BEng(Hons)) in Software Engineering program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of software development principles and practices. It includes theoretical knowledge, practical application, and essential professional skills.
- First year
- Physical Law and its ApplicationPHSI 131
- Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1MATH 130
- Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2MATH 140
- Computer ProgrammingCOMP 121
- Foundations of Computer ScienceCOMP 122
- Socially Responsible ComputingDHUM 101
- ElectiveVarious 100-level
- Second year
- Algorithms and Data StructuresCOMP 221
- User-centered Software DesignCOMP 222
- Software DevelopmentCOMP 223
- Computer SystemsCOMP 224
- Database SystemsCOMP 226
- Information AssuranceDATA 202
- ElectiveVarious 200-level
- Practical Work Experience (I)SENG 299
- Third year
- Software Quality AssuranceSENG 311
- Software Architectures and Design PatternsSENG 312
- Software Engineering ProjectSENG 370
- Human Computer Interaction and User ExperienceCOMP 326
- Organisations and SustainabilityMANT 337
- Project ManagementPMAN 401
- ElectiveVarious 300-level
- Practical Work Experience (II)SENG 399
- Fourth year
- Advanced Software Engineering ProjectSENG 470
- Software Engineering Research ProjectSENG 580
- ElectivesVarious 400-level
- Practical Work Experience (III)SENG 499
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for a high-demand global job market, with opportunities in diverse sectors. Software engineers are sought after for their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
- Software engineer/developer
- Web or mobile app developer
- DevOps engineer
- Quality assurance engineer
- Business/systems analyst
- Game developer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for the BEng(Hons) in Software Engineering?
- You will need an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0, with no band below 5.5, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT score. For tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards, the TOEFL iBT requirement is an overall score of 4 and a writing score of 4.
- How long is the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering program?
- This is a four-year degree program.
- What are the estimated tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees are listed for the 2026 academic year and are subject to annual increases. Specific paper fees can be found in the downloadable '2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees' document on the University of Otago website.
- What kind of career opportunities are available after graduating?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as software engineer, web or mobile app developer, DevOps engineer, and business/systems analyst. You could work in tech companies, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more, or start your own ventures.
- When can I apply for the program and what are the key deadlines?
- Applications typically open in August/September for the following academic year, with offers sent on a rolling basis. You will need to accept your offer by a deadline provided, which is usually several weeks after receiving it.
- Does this program include practical work experience?
- Yes, the program includes practical work experience through internships in your second, third, and final years to ensure you graduate job-ready.
Entry requirements
NCEA Level 3 Calculus or equivalentAchievement standards in NCEA Level 3 Calculus or equivalent are normally expected. Students without this background are advised to enrol in MATH 120.
IELTS (Academic)Overall score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5
TOEFL iBTOverall score of 80 and a writing score of 20 (for tests taken before 21 Jan 2026); Overall score of 4 and a writing score of 4 (for tests taken from 21 Jan 2026 onwards)
For undergraduate study, English proficiency can also be met through specific secondary qualifications like NCEA Level 3, Cambridge International, or International Baccalaureate studied in New Zealand. Check the university website for full details on accepted qualifications.
Fees
Tuition (international)Refer to the downloadable 2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees document on the University of Otago website for specific paper fees.
Tuition (home)Refer to the downloadable 2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees document on the University of Otago website for specific paper fees.
LivingInformation on living costs is not detailed on the program page.
Tuition fees increase annually. The fees are for the 2026 academic year. Additional compulsory fees such as Student Services Fee and Pūtea Tautoko | Student Relief Fund Fee may apply.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements. For Software Engineering, calculus at NCEA Level 3 or equivalent is recommended. For English proficiency, an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent is required.
2. Prepare Required DocumentsGather necessary documents, which may include academic transcripts, certificates, proof of English proficiency, and identification.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the University of Otago's application portal. Pay close attention to application deadlines.
4. Receive OfferIf your application is successful, you will receive an offer of place. This may be conditional or unconditional.
5. Accept Offer and EnrolAccept the offer and follow the instructions for enrolment, including fee payments and course registration.
Scholarships
University of Otago Māori entrance scholarshipVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for the BEng(Hons) in Software Engineering?
+
You will need an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0, with no band below 5.5, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT score. For tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards, the TOEFL iBT requirement is an overall score of 4 and a writing score of 4.
How long is the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering program?
+
This is a four-year degree program.
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees are listed for the 2026 academic year and are subject to annual increases. Specific paper fees can be found in the downloadable '2026 Domestic and International Tuition Fees' document on the University of Otago website.
What kind of career opportunities are available after graduating?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as software engineer, web or mobile app developer, DevOps engineer, and business/systems analyst. You could work in tech companies, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more, or start your own ventures.
When can I apply for the program and what are the key deadlines?
+
Applications typically open in August/September for the following academic year, with offers sent on a rolling basis. You will need to accept your offer by a deadline provided, which is usually several weeks after receiving it.
Does this program include practical work experience?
+
Yes, the program includes practical work experience through internships in your second, third, and final years to ensure you graduate job-ready.