Defence Cyber and Space

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Software)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    4 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Thrive in the golden age of software

From South Australia to Silicon Valley, software engineers are using a combination of problem solving and creativity to develop new technologies that change the world. They are involved in the whole life cycle of computer software. They strategise, design, build, test, code and collaborate.

Studying software engineering will prepare you to drive software solutions to enhance our future for generations to come. 

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Software) combines the underlying principles of software engineering with strong technical and leadership skills. You will:

  • tackle real-world, open-ended and complex programming problems
  • take new and refreshed courses that emphasise divergent thinking, collaborative learning and teamwork
  • work with industry mentors
  • pursue work experience and internship opportunities with some of the world’s best-known companies
  • complete an eight-week practical experience.

Majors are available in:

  • Defence systems
  • Smart technologies.

A Minor is available in:

  • Entrepreneurship.

Where could it take you?

Our software engineering graduates are highly sought after by top companies around the globe. As an accredited engineer, you could develop software for mobile robots and driverless cars. You might create and test video gaming experiences. Perhaps you’ll design apps or entirely new smart technologies. In the software engineering landscape, you can code your own adventure.


This program is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)  and Engineers Australia .


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code354571, 334891
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR80
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB29
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    PrerequisitesSACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods , Specialist Mathematics and Physics.

    IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4/ HL grade 3)

    MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. Unsure if you will meet prerequisites or ATAR? Check out our Engineering Pathway.
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done. For more information, please see: https://www.APSB.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/

    Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.

    Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.

    Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components.

    Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offerN/A
    Median ATAR to receive an offerN/A
    Highest ATAR to receive an offerN/A
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offerN/A
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offerN/A
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offerN/A
    Minimum eligibility score80
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only


    International applicants

    CRICOS082124J
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Australian Year 12SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods , Specialist Mathematics and Physics.

    IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL) and Physics (SL grade 4/ HL grade 3)

    MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. Unsure if you will meet prerequisites or ATAR? Check out our Engineering Pathway.
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)80
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma29
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma75%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation75%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma82%
    China – Gaokao70%
    Germany – Abitur3.10
    GCE A Levels10
    Hong Kong – HKDSE19
    India – ISC & CBSE75%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations85%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate77%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi3.00
    Malaysia – UEC15
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma330
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels10
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma72%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.6
    USA – SAT1170
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)9
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program77%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program380
    ANU College Foundation Studies74%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY72%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)75%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.30
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.60
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.90
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)59%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score77%
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,740

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $48,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Industry Placement

All Engineering students are required to complete 8 weeks of internship placement as a part of their studies. For more information on internships please click here.

Professional Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS)  and Engineers Australia .

Potential careers

3D Animator, AI Scientist, App Developer, Artificial Intelligence Analyst, Assistive Technology Developer, Cloud Architect , Computational Engineer, Computational Scientist, Computer Forensics Specialist, Computer Game Designer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Programmer, Computer Scientist, Computer Systems Engineer, Cyber Defender, Cyber Intelligence Expert, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist, Data Engineer, Database Coordinator, Defence Engineer, Software Developer, ...


Degree Structure

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software), students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 96 units, comprising:
  • Core courses up to the value of 72 units and Elective courses to the value of 24 units with the option of a major in one of the following:
    • Defence Systems
    • Smart Technologies
  • An Entrepreneurship minor can be presented within the program.
  • A total of 8 weeks of approved engineering work placement is required. Students will need to enrol into the ENG 3100 Engineering Internship UG (0 units) course to complete this requirement. 
  • Unless exempted, International students are required to take ENG 1011 Introduction to Engineering EAL in lieu of ENG 1001 Introduction to Engineering as advised by the Faculty.
  • Students who have not undertaken SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) will be required to enrol in Mathematics IM, followed by Mathematics IA with Mathematics IB taken in Summer Semester to complete the Mathematics requirements at Level I. The satisfactory completion of Mathematics IM is in addition to the normal requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Areas of Specialisation

When studying Software Engineering you can select a major or a minor. These will assist you in specialising in your field of interest or choice. We offer the following options:

No Major - Choose to persue a no major pathway and tailor your electives to suit you, your goals and your learning interest areas. You will have the option to select 8 electives of your choice from our large range of 44 courses, you can see all of your options by viewing our full study plan. 

Smart Technologies - Smart Technologies Engineering has a focus on additional knowledge and skills within the field of Information Technology. Smart Technologies could open doors for you in fields like smart devices from coffee makers and home automation through to security cameras and app development. Covering content like Artificial Intelligence and Micro-Controller Programming, you will be well equipped for your new career.

Defence Systems -  Drill down in to how the role of Software Engineers can assist with our Defence Systems through courses which will introduce you to Comparative Politics and teach you how Secure Programming operates within the Defence sector.

Example Study Plan

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software), students must complete courses to the value of 96 units.
Core courses
All students must complete the following courses:
  • COMP SCI 1102  Object Oriented Programming
  • COMP SCI 1106  Introduction to Software Engineering
  • COMP SCI 2000  Computer Systems
  • COMP SCI 2103  Algorithm Design and Data Structures
  • COMP SCI 2201  Algorithm and Data Structure Analysis
  • COMP SCI 2205  Software Engineering Workshop I
  • COMP SCI 2206  Software Engineering Workshop II
  • COMP SCI 2207  Web and Database Computing
  • COMP SCI 3001  Computer Networks and Applications
  • COMP SCI 3004  Operating Systems
  • COMP SCI 3318  Software Engineering in Industry
  • COMP SCI 4023  Software Process Improvement
  • COMP SCI 4405  Research Methods in Software Engineering and Computer Science
  • COMP SCI 4411  Event Driven Computing
  • ELEC ENG 1100  Analog Electronics
  • ELEC ENG 1102  Digital Electronics
  • ENG 1001  Introduction to Engineering
  • ENG 1002  Programming (Matlab and C)
  • ENG 3004  Systems Engineering and Industry Practice
  • MATHS 1011  Mathematics IA
  • MATHS 1012  Mathematics IB
  • MATHS 2107  Statistics and Numerical Methods II
Specified electives
Courses the value of 3 units from the following:
  • COMP SCI 3012  Distributed Systems
  • COMP SCI 3308  Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • COMP SCI 3317  Using Machine Learning Tools
and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
  • COMP SCI 2005  Systems Programming
  • COMP SCI 2203  Problem Solving and Software Development
  • ELEC ENG 2100  Digital Systems
  • ENTREP 1011  Entrepreneurial Foundations and Mindset
  • POLIS 1104  Introduction to Comparative Politics
No majorAll of the following courses must be completed:
  • COMP SCI 4414A  Software Engineering Research Project A
  • COMP SCI 4414B  Software Engineering Research Project B
and courses to the value of 9 units from the following:
  • COMP SCI 3005  Computer Architecture
  • COMP SCI 3007  Artificial Intelligence
  • COMP SCI 3014  Computer Graphics
  • COMP SCI 3305  Parallel and Distributed Computing
  • COMP SCI 3307  Secure Programming
  • COMP SCI 3308  Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • COMP SCI 3309  Cybersecurity A Practical Application
  • COMP SCI 3314  Introduction to Statistical Machine Learning
  • COMP SCI 3315  Computer Vision
  • COMP SCI 3316  Evolutionary Computation
  • COMP SCI 3317  Using Machine Learning Tools
  • ENG 3305  Human Factors for Decision Making
  • ELEC ENG 3108  Telecommunications Principles
  • MECH ENG 3032  Micro-Controller Programming
  • ENTREP 1006  Opportunity Assessment
  • ENTREP 2051  Prototyping: Possibilities to Product
  • ENTREP 3000  Innovation and Creativity
  • ENTREP 3011  Startup Methodologies
  • ENTREP 3015  Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • ENTREP 3017  Driving Decisions: Legal
  • ENTREP 3900  eChallenge
  • ENTREP 3901  Tech eChallenge
  • ELEC ENG 4107  Autonomous Systems
and courses to the value of 9 units from the following:
  • COMP SCI 4000  Software Architecture
  • COMP SCI 4010  Special Topics in Computer Science A
  • COMP SCI 4012  Special Topics in Computer Science B
  • COMP SCI 4094  Distributed Databases and Data Mining
  • COMP SCI 4407  Advanced Algorithms
  • COMP SCI 4408  Modelling and Analysis of Complex Systems
  • COMP SCI 4409  Search Based Software Engineering
  • COMP SCI 4412  Secure Software Engineering
  • COMP SCI 4416  Applied Machine Learning UG
  • COMP SCI 4417  Applied Natural Language Processing UG
  • ENG 4020  Complex Systems Engineering


Majors
Defence SystemsTo satisfy the requirements for the Defence Systems major, students must complete the following courses:
  • COMP SCI 3307  Secure Programming
  • COMP SCI 4092  Mobile and Wireless Systems
  • COMP SCI 4414A  Software Engineering Research Project A
  • COMP SCI 4414B  Software Engineering Research Project B
  • ENG 3305  Human Factors for Decision Making
  • ENG 4010  Defence Leadership
  • ENG 4020  Complex Systems Engineering
  • POLIS 1104  Introduction to Comparative Politics
Smart TechnologiesTo satisfy the requirements for the Smart Technologies major, students must complete the following courses:
  • COMP SCI 3007  Artificial Intelligence
  • COMP SCI 4092  Mobile and Wireless Systems
  • COMP SCI 4414A  Software Engineering Research Project A
  • COMP SCI 4414B  Software Engineering Research Project B
  • COMP SCI 4812  Secure Software Engineering
  • ELEC ENG 2100  Digital Systems
  • MECH ENG 3032  Micro-Controller Programming
and a Computer Science Level III elective to the value of 3 units, to be chosen from Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software) electives.

Assessment

Assessments vary from course to course. There is also the inclusion of a research project, as well as 8 weeks of internship across the duration of your degree.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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