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Study Software Engineering at Otago

    Why study Software Engineering?

    Imagine yourself an architect of the digital future, creating the next groundbreaking application or game-changing technology. That's what a Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering offers – the power to transform ideas into reality through code.

    You’ll graduate from this four-year honours degree as a qualified software engineer with technical and general business skills that will impress future employers.

    • Learn to create real-world software applications used by people
      We’ll teach you how to design and build large, interactive applications for web, mobile, and gaming that individuals and organisations use daily. Learn programming skills that translate directly to real-world software development.
    • Develop global career opportunities in the tech industry
      Develop a global perspective that prepares you for work in multinational tech companies and diverse cultural contexts, with software development skills that are in demand worldwide.
    • Practical work experience so you graduate job-ready
      In your 2nd, 3rd and final year you’ll gain practical work experience in different companies, meaning you’ll graduate with the skills and experience needed for a career within the tech industry.
    • Specialise in leading-edge fields
      You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, human computer interaction (e.g., VR and AR), and data science—fields that are reshaping every industry and creating high-demand careers. This is achieved through selecting appropriate electives.
    • Blend technical coding with creative problem-solving
      Develop critical-thinking abilities that challenge conventional assumptions, considering different viewpoints in software design while creating flexible, adaptable, and creative technology solutions.
    • Apply ethical development principles in a multicultural world
      Develop cultural understanding and ethical coding practices that prepare you for working in diverse tech environments globally. Learn professional standards (like the ACM Code of Ethics) while gaining awareness of how your programming impacts different communities and cultures.

    Career opportunities

    Software engineers are amongst the highest-paid professionals globally and are recruited from across the world to address critical shortages. Graduates enter tech roles such as:

    • Software engineer/developer
    • Web or mobile app developer
    • DevOps engineer
    • Quality assurance engineer
    • Business/systems analyst
    • Game developer

    These roles aren’t just found in software development companies. You could find yourself working in:

    • Tech companies
    • Government
    • Finance
    • Healthcare
    • Manufacturing
    • Telecommunications

    The field offers exceptional entrepreneurial potential – whether developing web applications or specialised software for industries like tourism or finance.

    How you will learn

    From day one, you'll dive into hands-on projects, building practical applications that address real-world challenges. You'll learn to design robust software systems, master cutting-edge development techniques, and collaborate with innovative thinkers.

    As you progress, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in areas like artificial intelligence and human-computer interfaces – whatever ignites your interest and curiosity.

    Technical know-how is also enhanced with essential professional skills. Through team projects, you'll strengthen communication abilities and critical thinking, learning to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences and approach challenges systematically.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    Applicants to the first year of the BE(Hons) in Software Engineering are normally expected to have completed achievement standards in NCEA Level 3 calculus or equivalent. Those without this background are strongly advised to enrol in MATH 120.

    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.

    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.

    Future-proof your career

    Our industry connections ensure you'll work with the latest tech and tools actually used in the field. Plus, practical work experience integrated into the degree means you'll graduate job-ready with a portfolio that impresses employers. With software engineers in high demand worldwide, you'll enjoy exceptional career opportunities and competitive salaries from graduation.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level PHSI 131 Physical Law and its Application 18
    MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 18
    MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2 18
    COMP 121 Computer Programming 18
    COMP 122 Foundations of Computer Science 18
    DHUM 101 Computing and Society 18
    One elective from COMP, COMO, MATH, STAT and DATA 100-level papers 18
    200-level COMP 221 Algorithms and Data Structures 18
    COMP 222 User-centered Software Design 18
    COMP 223 Software Development 18
    COMP 224 Computer Systems 18
    DATA  202 Database Systems 18
    COMP 226 Information Assurance 18
    One elective chosen from COMP, COMO, MATH, SENG, DATA and DHUM 200-level papers 18
    SENG 299 Practical Work Experience (I) 0
    300-level SENG 311 Software Quality Assurance 18
    SENG 312 Software Architectures and Design Patterns 18
    SENG 370 Software Engineering Project 18
    COMP 326 Human Computer Interaction and User Experience 18
    MANT 337 Organisations and Sustainability 18
    PMAN 401 Project Management 18
    One elective chosen from SENG,  COMP, DATA and DHUM 300-level papers 18
    SENG 399 Practical Work Experience (II) 0
    400-level SENG 470 Advanced Software Engineering Project 20
    SENG 580 Software Engineering Research Project 40
    Three electives chosen from COMP or SENG 400-level papers 60
    SENG 499 Practical Work Experience (III) 0
    Total 498

    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.

    This qualification will no longer be offered from 2026.

    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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