Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip in IT
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past, or
- Completed one of the following professional courses:
Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
CompTIA A+ Certification
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Study at SA’s number one university for graduate skills in I.T.1.
- Enjoy excellent career prospects with the already high demand for software programming skills predicted to increase2.
- Learn specialist Software Engineering skills required to design and build large, complex systems.
- Benefit from contemporary curriculum informed by UniSA research in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and data analytics.
- Learn specialist expertise beyond programming to develop vital skills across the full life cycle of software development.
- Learn from dedicated, highly experienced teaching staff including leading researchers and practitioners employed in industry.
- Benefit from our well-established partnerships with industry offering significant opportunities for placements and industry projects.
- Experience purpose-built teaching spaces designed to facilitate collaboration and work-integrated learning.
- Learn using the latest industry software and technology.
- Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
- Apply to study the software engineering degree apprenticeship program for the opportunity to earn while you learn.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Snapshot
Fast paced and innovative, the software engineering industry has reshaped the world as we know it, creating disruptive technologies that impact society on every level. From connectivity, to e-commerce, artificial intelligence and automation, highly trained software engineers are sought after to solve the business challenges of today, and tomorrow.
Software engineers are engaged in the full life cycle of software development, from the initial planning stage, through to costing, designing, developing, testing and maintaining large and complex systems. They understand how software systems are designed and built, and require effective communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, as well as advanced technical knowledge.
Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) offers a highly supportive learning environment, recognising the importance of developing the full range of skills to ensure you graduate with the knowledge and experience sought after by industry.
You will enjoy a modern, practical approach to your IT education, with significant opportunities to apply the skills learned in the classroom in real-world settings, including through a year-long project where you will develop a solution to an IT challenge faced by industry.
You will graduate highly skilled in programming, with employment opportunities available in defence primes, and IT companies and organisations that build large, complex software systems and solutions.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
New in 2024: UniSA and the Ai Group, along with industry partners and the South Australian Government, have partnered to create a degree apprenticeship to meet the fast growing demand for Software Engineers in local industry. You will study UniSA’s Software Engineering (Honours) degree over five years while having a paid position working for one of our industry partners. This unique combination of paid work and study that is co-delivered by UniSA and your host employer, allows for immersive on-the-job training ensuring that you graduate with the knowledge and skills required of a software engineer. You will earn while you learn and graduate as an experienced software engineer. Applications for this program are via direct application to the Ai Group and not through SATAC. Further information about the degree apprenticeship is available here.
What you'll learn
During your first year of study you will gain a solid foundation in networking, database development, programming fundamentals and systems requirements and design, before focusing on your software engineering specialty that will you see you studying:
- Operating Systems and Tool Chains
- Design Patterns with C++
- Agile Development and Governance
- Cloud and Concurrent Programming
- Secure Software Development
- Advanced Data Structures
- Systems Architecture
You will build expertise in Python, Java, C++, ASP.Net and Agile methodologies – highly sought-after skills in the Australian job market¹.
As part of your honours year, you will put your skills into practice with a year-long IT project. You may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client, drawing on the technical expertise gained throughout your studies and applying professional skills in a real-world setting to produce and deliver a quality software artefact for your client.
You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.
An honours degree is a higher-level qualification giving you a competitive edge in the job market and preparing you for further study, including Master of Research or a PhD, should you wish to pursue a career in research.
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning. Assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- Interactive studio exercises
- Industry relevant projects
- Hands-on practical activities
- Collaborative group projects
- Reports and project documentation
- Essays and assignments
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
Our researchers are leading the way in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Industry 4.0, augmented and virtual reality, and Internet-of-Things (IoT), with their work not only informing the curriculum, but brought into the classroom through our experts, ensuring contemporary knowledge and skills are at the forefront of your education.
Throughout your program you will complete a unique series of collaborative, work-integrated courses, reinforcing the concepts learnt in the classroom in a supportive practice environment. Soft, non-technical skills are integrated into your learning to develop the qualities highly valued and sought after by industry. Topics include design thinking, system requirements, system design, agile development, and project management.
In your final year you may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client – from brief through to project delivery – on a year-long IT Project undertaken as part of your honours year. You will draw on the software engineering principles, practices and research methods learned throughout your studies. You will also apply professional skills such as workplace communication and stakeholder relationship management to deliver work to an industry standard and to the satisfaction of a client.
The final year project is one of numerous chances you will have to engage with industry, with placements and internships also available.
Most of our IT programs share a common first year, so choosing this degree offers a level of flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first year, you can switch to an alternative IT program and receive credit for the courses completed.
Real-world connections
With more than 200 industry contacts, you will have a number of opportunities to gain real-world experience through projects and placements with organisations such as Adelaide Football Club, Services Australia, SAAB, DST, Forensic Science SA, Top Chop Games and Maptek.
UniSA is also home to several research centres and concentrations with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students. These include:
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments
- Industrial AI Research Centre
- Industry 4.0 Testlab
- Future Industries Institute
All have world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.
At UniSA you will benefit from our culture of innovation. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you will have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise, including:
- Workshops
- One-on-one mentoring
- Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
- Access to a global pool of expert advisers
- Small funding stipends
- Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons
We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
New in 2024: UniSA and the Ai Group, along with industry partners and the South Australian Government, are partnering to create a degree apprenticeship to meet the fast growing demand for Software Engineers in local industry. You will study UniSA’s Software Engineering (Honours) degree over five years while having a paid position working for one of our industry partners. This unique combination of paid work and study that is co-delivered by UniSA and your host employer, allows for immersive on-the-job training ensuring that you graduate with the knowledge and skills required of a software engineer. You will earn while you learn and graduate as an experienced software engineer. Applications for this program are via direct application to the Ai Group and not through SATAC. Further information about the degree apprenticeship is available here.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Study at UniSA
Hear from Swetha a UniSA software engineering graduate.
Your career
The number of technology workers in Australia is expected to pass 1 million in 2024. By 2026, it is predicted there will be nearly 300,000 more technology workers in the Australian workforce – an average annual growth rate of 5.4%.
Skills in software and applications programming are expected to be in particularly high demand, with an additional 65,000 workers needed between 2020 and 2026¹.
There are strong employment prospects for software engineers. Graduates of this degree may wish to consider the following career options:
- Software Engineer: employing software engineering principles and techniques to produce large quality software solutions; leading software development; researching, analysing, designing, developing and testing business appropriate solutions; collaborating with other teams to develop solutions meeting business needs for functionality, performance, scalability and reliability.
- UX Designer: contributing to the entire software development process to ensure a seamless user experience; designing user interfaces and interactions of software applications, websites and mobile devices to ensure an enjoyable user experience.
- Full Stack Developer: working across the full stack of front-end and back-end technology (tools, languages and frameworks) to design, develop, test and debug software solutions on a variety of devices to meet client requirements.
- Software and Applications Programmer: working in a diverse range of programming roles designing, coding, testing and debugging software applications; interpreting customer requirements; working with a team to research, design, and implement a software solution; working with others to extend existing software functionality; producing standalone software solutions for a client.
- Agile Developer: leads or works in an agile team developing quality software artefacts in a diverse range of contexts.
- Web Developer: designing, developing, testing and debugging dynamic websites in order to meet client requirements.
Career progression may see you take on roles such as:
- Software Architect
- IT Project Lead
- Senior Software Engineer / Analyst / Developer
- SCRUM Master
- Project Manager
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Information Technology)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
- SAIBT Diploma of Information Technology
- Eynesbury Diploma of Computing & IT
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Information Technology
- Eynesbury Diploma of Computing & IT
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
UniSA is ranked number one in South Australia for campus facilities in IT¹. During your studies you will have access to purpose-built learning spaces such as:
- Game Development Lab
- Software Development Lab
- Network and Cyber Security Labs
- IT Project Space
- IT Development Studio
- Mac Lab
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Your program director
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
Throughout my time at university, I’ve been lucky enough to have access to real-world work experience and many opportunities for my career. I was selected as one of ten students to represent UniSA on a fully-sponsored three-week software engineering internship in Vietnam. I also got the opportunity during my honours year to be placed in an ICT project with real clients. Overall, UniSA has provided me with all the relevant knowledge and hands-on experience I need before entering the workforce and it's given me a solid foundation for a career in software engineering.
Swetha Krishnagopal
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
Graduate Software Engineer | Boeing Defence Australia
My advice to anyone considering studying software engineering at UniSA would be to keep up with the work week-by-week and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your lecturers and tutors – they have all been very helpful. It was through one of my lecturers that I was offered a job as a software engineer. This opportunity was invaluable to my career development by offering me experiences that will set me apart from other graduates.
Thomas Lake
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
