Study the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) in Software Engineering
Build a future-proof software skillset
The BE(Hons) in Software Engineering is internationally recognised through the Washington Accord, meaning your skills are in demand by employers world-wide. You'll specialise in software engineering from your first year and your degree will take you beyond coding, preparing you to lead projects through the full development lifecycle, from scoping and design to testing and maintenance. You'll also build strong problem-solving and communication skills for working with stakeholders and development teams.
Software Engineering webinar
On 11 August 2025 we hosted a live webinar about the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering.
Watch the recording to find out more about Software Engineering at Otago, the BE(Hons) qualification, graduate careers and AI.
Watch the webinar: Study Software Engineering at Otago (54 min)
Ready to apply?
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours BE(Hons)
Admission to the Programme
- To be considered for admission to the second year of the programme, a candidate must normally have passed, or be eligible for credit for, papers worth at least 126 points as prescribed in the first-year of the BE(Hons) schedule.
- To be admitted into the first year of the programme an applicant must normally have passed 14 credits of study, or its equivalent, in Calculus at NZQA level 3.
- To be admitted into the second year of the programme an applicant must have a B average in the compulsory papers as prescribed in the first-year of the BE(Hons) schedule.
- Applications for enrolment in second year classes in BE(Hons) must be received not later than 15 December, in the year preceding desired entry.
Structure of the Programme
- Every programme shall consist of papers worth not less than 498 points as prescribed in the Schedule and shall normally be pursued over four years of full-time study.
- Variations from the normal sequence of papers in the programme may be approved by the programme director for candidates who have been granted exemptions from papers or who have been granted credit for papers on the basis of previous tertiary qualifications.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).Standard of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with First Class Honours, with Second Class Honours (Division I), Second Class Honours (Division II), or with Third Class Honours.
The class of Honours is determined by the Grade Point Average as follows:
7.0 to 9.0 – First Class Honours
5.5 to 6.9 – Second Class Honours First Division
4.0 to 5.4 – Second Class Honours Second Division
3.9 and below – Third Class HonoursVariations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Explore more in Software Engineering
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Study Software Engineering at Otago
Career opportunities
A degree in Software Engineering opens doors across many industries where digital systems play a critical role. You could work in roles such as:
- A software developer working in a technology company
- A business analyst working in a government agency
- A DevOps or testing engineer working in a large enterprise
- A user experience designer working in a digital design studio
- A project manager working in a software development firm
University jargon
Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.
- What’s a degree and how does it work?
- What’s a double degree?
- What’s a combined degree?
- Explore all terminology
Specialise with confidence
From day one, you will work on hands-on projects that help you build practical skills and a portfolio you can show employers. Alongside core software engineering knowledge, you can explore areas such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, cyber security, and networking as your interests grow.
Integrated work experience means you graduate with evidence of what you can do, not just what you have studied. In a field where skilled software engineers are in demand worldwide, that combination of experience, adaptability, and technical depth will give you a strong start.
Further study
We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at honours, master's and PhD level.
More information
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