Software Engineering (SEN)

While there has been a lot of talk about outsourcing to overseas countries, this phenomenon has actually resulted in increased employment opportunities for our graduates. As companies produce cheaper products by having all the basic coding performed in other countries, they sell more of their product, and hence need more Software Engineers to design and implement new products.

Employment opportunities are available in companies that develop significant software systems, including the computing, software, telecommunications, electronics, finance and defence industries as well as in business. 

Click here to check out some career journeys of Co-op alumni and industry partners

BREAKING NEWS: NEW Program Structure from 2021

From 2021, the Co-op Program in Software Engineering will reduce in length from 5 to 4 years, by integrating IT placements into the curriculum, and enabling scholars to receive Units of Credit for all three Industry Training placements. The learnings from IT Placements, which add to developing industry relevant skills, will be further enhanced by building in stronger academic focus and assessment. The combination of theory and placements will enable students to obtain a well rounded career directed educational experience, securing the real-world practical skills needed for the rapidly evolving workplace.

Software Engineering is the engineering profession concerned with the development of reliable and useful software systems. Software systems are often very complex, due to the flexibility that can be provided by software. The systems can also be very large and their design and implementation may involve large teams of people.

At UNSW, an emphasis is placed right from the start on working in teams and developing software that is guaranteed to work. These skills are developed through a unique series of workshops that build up over three years. Software Engineering students also learn about functionality and security. They learn all aspects of the software lifecycle, and acquire invaluable professional skills, including report writing, presentation, team management and project management.

Engineering as a discipline is all about designing and building new products that meet some set of requirements. When applied to the field of software, this means that the focus is on creating new technologies rather than using current applications. Our graduates design new computer systems that will be used by many people around the world.

Major Studies:
Software engineering, software development, software process and system design

Minor Studies:
Artificial intelligence, computer architecture, graphics, human computer interaction, information systems, computer interfacing, networks and project management

For more information contact:

A/Prof Wen Hu
Co-op Coordinator
School of Computer Science and Engineering
Phone: (02) 9385 7679
Email: wen.hu@unsw.edu.au
Web: www.computing.unsw.edu.au