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Study Software Engineering at Otago

    Future-proofing software.

    Computer information and control systems have become increasingly embedded into the very fabric of human society. They control our clocks, washing machines, motor vehicles, traffic lights, the electric power to our homes, and the essential processes of our production economy.

    These computer systems are complex and can no longer be thought of as standalone entities. They are typically components of much larger, complex systems involving hardware, software, people, and all the unpredictable events in the natural world. So it is essential that those building these complex systems be equipped with advanced techniques not taught in ordinary computer programming courses.

    Why study Software Engineering?

    Software engineering requires modelling and understanding complex interactive systems, as well as identifying how the performance of computer information systems can be improved. It also includes managing the construction of the information system components, and ensuring procedures are in place for continual testing and maintenance.

    You'll be able to join a highly sought-after profession. New Zealand's (and the world's) future depends on having technical experts who can oversee the construction of the complex information systems that will underpin the new knowledge-based society.

    You'll gain the expertise to enter a fast-growing industry with highly-paid job opportunities, where innovation is rewarded.

    You'll discover the satisfaction of devising and modelling systems, and then testing them under a range of operating conditions.

    Career opportunities

    Software Engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in most countries of the world. Countries like Japan and the United States are relaxing their immigration laws in order to address critical shortages in this area.

    Software engineers are not only in demand at software  companies, but are also sought after in a range of other organisations involved in the development of significant information systems. This includes governments, telecommunications companies, the chemical industry,  biomedical industries, financial institutions, agribusinesses, pharmaceuticals, healthcare sector corporations, engineering and manufacturing firms.

    While the work of software engineers can often involve developing interactive, user-friendly applications to be used by companies and individuals, it can also involve the development of a considerable amount of “behind the scenes” software. This can include systems to improve the management of e-commerce, or to improve the security and privacy of Internet transactions.

    There is enormous scope to establish new start-up organisations throughout the information technology and telecommunications industries. This might mean anything from designing an interactive application for use on the Web, to developing your own line of software to meet the needs of a particular sector, such as tourism or finance.

    What will I learn?

    You'll learn about databases, mathematical applications, software development, and strategies for using computers to solve real-life problems. You'll cover issues like systems design, where you'll assess software on issues like usability and visual appeal. You'll also learn how to manage and coordinate a software project, taking into account modelling, costing, risk, organisation and resourcing.

    What will I study?

    The required papers at 100-level are: COMP 101, COMP 160, and one of MATH 151, 160, 170, FINQ 102.

    From second year, you'll study a wide range of information science and computer science papers, which lay the foundation for advanced papers in Software Engineering. There you'll look at the development process of large scale, reliable, and maintainable software.

    NB: Check the latest paper details in the Guide to Enrolment published with enrolment material each year.

    How will I study?

    As well as attending lectures, you'll spend a lot of time in Otago's well equipped computer labs, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

    Recommended background

    Students from a range of backgrounds are welcome to study for Otago's Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. There is some flexibility in entry requirements, but Year 13 mathematics is recommended. Experience or familiarity with computing also helps, but it is not essential.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

    YearPapersPoints
    100-level COMP 101 Foundations of Information Systems 18
    COMP 161 Computer Programming 18
    COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science 18
    One of:
    FINC 102 Business Mathematics
    MATH 120 Mathematics for Scientists
    MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1
    MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2     		18
    200-level INFO 203 Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience 18
    COSC 201 Algorithms and Data Structures 18
    COSC 202 Software Development 18
    COSC 203 Web, Databases, and Networks 18
    300-level COSC 344 Database Theory and Applications 18
    COSC 345 Software Engineering 18
    COSC 349 Cloud Computing Architecture 18
    INFO 310 Software Project Management 18
    Plus 144 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above.

    Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.

    Notes: (i) Students are exempt from COMP 161 if they have gained entry to COMP 162 by passing COMP 151 with a grade of at least B or via an Advanced Placement Test. (ii) Students who have passed at least one of MATH 120, 130, 140, or FINC 102 as part of another subject's requirements do not need to pass another one of these papers to fulfil the Software Engineering requirements.     		144
    Total 360

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    COMP 101 Foundations of Information Systems

    COMP 161 Computer Programming

    COMP 162 Foundations of Computer Science

    Note: Students are exempt from COMP 161 if they have gained entry to COMP 162 by passing COMP 151 with a grade of at least B or via an Advanced Placement Test.

    18

    18

    18

    200-level

    Two of:

    COSC 201 Algorithms and Data Structures

    COSC 202 Software Development

    COSC 203 Web, Databases, and Networks

    INFO 203 Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience

    36

    300-level

    INFO 310 Software Project Management

    		18
    Total 108

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    SENG papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    SENG490 2025 Dissertation 40 points Full Year
    SENG580 2025 Research Project 40 points Full Year

    More information

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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