Software Engineering is about building effective software systems that address complex problems in a broad range of domains including transport, communications, finance, medicine, science, entertainment and the arts.
The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) is a four-year program accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society. Graduates will obtain skills and capabilities for professional software engineering practice, innovation and research. We adopt a systems approach to software engineering that not only covers the technical aspects of professional practice, innovation and research, but also the complex socio-technical context in which these activities occur. This includes approaches to dealing with uncertainty and risk, design, modern management practices, ethics and communication.
BSEng students develop these skills and capabilities through a balance of theoretical study, practice in team projects with industry partners, and work experience. Students also have the opportunity to develop their innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities by working on their own start-ups with industry entrepreneurs as part of their degree.
At the core of all technological innovations is maths.
If you’d like to master quantitative problem-solving, mathematical modelling and critical thinking, this is the degree for you.
It is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students at Australia’s highest-ranked university.
Make your mark with maths at ANU: find out more about mathematical studies, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates work as accredited, professional software engineers and are highly sought after by both large international organisations and local firms.
They are employed in a variety of roles, including but not limited to:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Software Consultant
- Software Architect
- Programmer
- System Analyst
- Project Manager
- Product Manager
- Application Developer
- Database Analyst
- Network Architect
Our graduates work in many organisations including:
- IBM
- Microsoft
- Yahoo
- Intel
- Price Waterhouse Coopers
- Accenture Australia
- Bloomberg
- National Australia Bank
- Citigroup
- Deloitte
- Unisys
- Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)
Graduates work as accredited, professional software engineers and are highly sought after by both large international organisations and local firms.
They are employed in a variety of roles, including but not limited to:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Software Consultant
- Software Architect
- Programmer
- System Analyst
- Project Manager
- Product Manager
- Application Developer
- Database Analyst
- Network Architect
Our graduates work in many organisations including:
- IBM
- Microsoft
- Yahoo
- Intel
- Price Waterhouse Coopers
- Accenture Australia
- Bloomberg
- National Australia Bank
- Citigroup
- Deloitte
- Unisys
- Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Define and analyse complex problems, and design, implement and evaluate solutions that demonstrate an understanding of the systems context in which software is developed and operated including economic, social, historical, sustainability and ethical aspects.
2. Recognise connections and recurring themes, including abstraction and complexity, across the discipline
3. Adapt to new environments and technologies, and to innovate
4. Demonstrate an operational understanding of systems engineering and the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures
5. Apply an advanced understanding of software engineering practices in requirements engineering, system level architecture, data management, security, design, construction, evaluation, and project management.
6. Communicate complex concepts effectively with diverse audiences using a range of modalities
7. Lead and work effectively within multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and distributed teams in order to achieve a common goal
8. Demonstrate commitment to professional conduct and development that recognises the social, legal and ethical implications of their work, to work independently, and self- and peer-assess performance.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, background reading and literature review, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results.
10. Apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in software engineering.
Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
- Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
- Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics
- Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
- Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
- Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
- Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
Admission Requirements
Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:
• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.
Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.
More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.
The National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.
The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.
- ATAR:
- 95
- QLD Band:
- 4
- International Baccalaureate:
- 37
Domestic applicant entry requirements
Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on an ATAR equivalent that is not available to students.
International applicant entry requirements
International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.
Pathways
Bachelor of Information Technology might be a pathway for students who meet the Maths pre-requisites but do not have the required score for direct entry into Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours).
Eligible students should enrol into a Bachelor of IT and if they can maintain a High Distinction average in their first year courses, they may be approved to transfer to Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) in their second year.
International agreements/pathways: College of Engineering and Computer Science has a range of articulation agreements with institutions around the world. Students completing the appropriate qualification in these institutions may be approved for entry and credit exemptions towards Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours).
Maths Bridging course: ANU College offers a Maths Bridging course for students who do not meet pre-requisite for Maths for entry into Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours). Successful completion of the Maths Bridging course meets the Maths pre-requisite for entry into this program (other entry requirements still apply).
Prerequisites
ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major), NSW: Mathematics or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
ACT: Specialist Mathematics (Double Major), NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
Adjustment Factors
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $42,960.00
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 156 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
12 units contribute towards the requirement of the other double degree component
The 156 units must include:
96 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
COMP1600 Foundations of Computing
COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies
COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution
COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency
COMP2120 Software Engineering
COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security
COMP3120 Managing Software Development
COMP3500 Software Engineering Project
COMP3530 Systems Engineering for Software Engineers
COMP3600 Algorithms
COMP4130 Managing Software Quality and Process
COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods
COMP4800 Industrial Experience
ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering
ENGN3230 Engineering Innovation
MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models
6 units from completion of course from the following list:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
6 units from completion of course from the following list:
COMP1110 Structured Programming
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)
Either:
12 units from completion of COMP4500 Software Engineering Practice
12 units from completion of further 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
24 units from completion of COMP4540 Software Engineering Research Project
Either:
6 units from completion of further courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods
Either:
6 units from completion of further 3000- and 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
HONS4700 Final Honours Grade will be used to record the Class of Honours and the Mark. The Honours Mark will be a weighted average percentage mark (APM) calculated by first calculating the average mark for 1000,2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses. We denote these averages: A1, A2, A3, and A4 respectively. The averages are computed based on all units counted towards satisfaction of degree requirements, excluding non-COMP electives. Finally these averages are combined using the formula APM = (0.1 X A1) + (0.2 X A2) + (0.3 X A3) + (0.4 X A4).
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
36 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs
MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I
MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications
MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra
36 units from completion of 3000- or 4000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH in order to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.
Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
Majors
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) Specialisations
Study Options
| Year 1 | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | |
| COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Computing Elective 6 units | ||
| Year 2 | COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies 6 units | COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution 6 units | ||
| COMP2120 Software Engineering 6 units | COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency 6 units | |||
| Year 3 | COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security 6 units | COMP3120 Managing Software Development 6 units | ||
| ENGN3230 Engineering Innovation 6 units | COMP3530 Systems Engineering for Software Engineers 6 units | |||
| Year 4 | COMP3500 Software Engineering Project 6 units | COMP4130 Managing Software Quality and Process 6 units | ||
| COMP3500 Software Engineering Project 6 units | COMP3600 Algorithms 6 units | |||
| Year 5 | COMP4500 Software Engineering Practice 6 units | COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods 6 units | COMP 4000 level elective 6 units | |
| COMP4500 Software Engineering Practice 6 units | COMP 4000 level elective 6 units | COMP/VC 4000 level elective 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) page
The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (BSEng) is a four year single degree accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society. The degree allows you to focus your study on Software Engineering and the software lifecycle, whilst also having the opportunity to explore other interests in computing, engineering, science or any discipline offered at ANU. You will learn how to develop software, work for real-world clients, manage teams, design innovative solutions and implement them.
The BSEng can be studied as a double degree with a number of other degrees.
Single degree
- This degree requires 192 units (each course is typically 6 units though some may be 12 units or higher)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- Majors and minors are not compulsory in the BSEng
- You have 48 units of university electives (eight courses). These courses can be used to study a computing specialisation, or a major or minor from another area of the university including Engineering.
- You can study a maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
Double degree
- This degree requires 144 units of the compulsory Software Engineering requirements (each course is typically 6 units though some may be 12 units or higher)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- Majors and minors are not compulsory in the BSEng
- There are no university electives in the double degree and therefore it is not possible to complete a computing specialisation expect in certain circumstances in the double degree with the BSc.
- Typically you can do a maximum of 72u 1000 level courses in your double degree
- You can find your double degree with the BSEng from Program and Courses
About this degree
- The degree is made of up compulsory requirements, additional computing electives, and 48 units (eight courses) of electives
- In the single degree you have 48 units of university electives (eight courses). These courses can be used to study a computing specialisation, or a major or minor from another area of the university including Engineering.
- In the double degree, you have no university electives - your other degree requirements use up all of these
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is
called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your
program and get your degree. There are maximum time limits for completion of the degree on a part-time basis. If you are an international student you
must always be full-time.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
- When you enrol for the first time you will typically study '1000-level' courses. These courses have '1' as the first number in their course code, such as COMP1100.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester though note that you can change your Semester 2 courses all the way until July.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year, and international students cannot study less than 24u a semester.
- You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your BSEng half of the double degree.
- In choosing your first year programming courses you will have a choice of doing COMP1100 or COMP1130 in Semester 1, and COMP1110 and COMP1140 in Semester 2. The standard courses are COMP1100/1110 but if you have a strong maths background, and/or significant programming experience, you might like to choose COMP1130/1140. Note that you choose 1130 you will be able to drop back to 1100 in the first 2 weeks.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Majors, minors and specialisations are not compulsory in the BSEng and are only possible in the single degree. You can study an advanced Computing specialisation (third and fourth year courses), the Information Systems major, or any other major/minor from across the university using your university electives in a single BSEng. Computing specialisations, majors and minors:
Intelligent Systems Specialisation
Theory Specialisation
Systems Architecture Specialisation
Electives
If you are in the single degree then in your first year you have two electives to choose.
- To find 1000-level (first year) elective courses, use the catalogue search.
- If you enjoy and are good at mathematics and do not plan to do a major from another area of study, then you are encouraged to consider doing the following:
- Semester 1: MATH1013 Maths and Applications 1, or MATH1115 Maths and Applications 1 (Hons)
- Semester 2: MATH1014 Maths and Applications 2, or MATH1116 Maths and Applications 2 (Hons)
- You have one computing elective to choose in your first year. Your computing elective could be COMP1710 (S1), COMP1720 (S2), MATH1013 (S1 or S2), STAT1003 (S1), STAT1008 (S2)
- Suggested electives in your first year if you are interested in Engineering are:
- Suggested electives if you are interested in Information Systems:
- Semester 1 or 2: INFS1001
- If you have an interest in another area (eg management, mathematics, psychology, languages) then you should explore first year courses in these areas and in particular, look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses that you should study.
- Students whose first language is not English and who feel they would benefit from not only some additional English assistance but who would like to learn more about the Australian academic style (eg essay structure, oral presentations, critical thinking, plagiarism and poor academic practice), might like to seek enrolment in ESEN1101 Essential University English
- If you have an interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, creating your own business and/or using computing to tackle complex challenges and opportunities of local, national and global significance, then you should consider the Minor or Major in Innovation and Professional Practice - https://cecs.anu.edu.au/master-innovation-and-professional-practice
Study Options
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) single degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | University elective 6 units |
| COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Computing elective 6 units | University elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) double degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Course from other degree 6 units |
| COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Computing elective 6 units | Course from other degree 6 units |
Academic Advice
For assistance, please email: studentadmin.cecs@anu.edu.au
Back to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences page
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with an academic advisor. You can make an appointment by using our online booking system here. Alternatively, you can call Science Central on 6125 2809. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.
Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and is the quantitative language of the world. It underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology. The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.
Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences single degree program you will study a total of 144 units (24 courses) and as a full time student you will need to take 24 units (4 courses) per semester. Of these courses you will need to complete a minimum of 12 core and advanced MATH courses (72 units) together with another 4 courses from the Science course list. You also can choose 8 elective courses (48 units) from any ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
Summary:
This degree requires 144 units (24 courses)A maximum of 60 units (10 courses) of 1000-level courses
36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
An average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses must be
maintained each semester to remain in the program 48 units (8 course) from the Science course list or another ANU College
Double degree
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences can also be taken as a part of many double degrees.
In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences double degree program you will study a total of 96 units (16 courses) and as a full time student you will take 4 courses per semester (24 units). However, in each semester you will be likely to take 2 courses from your Mathematical Sciences degree and 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
Summary:
36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
An average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per
semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your
degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled
full-time in 24 units (4 course) each semester.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester, 8 courses (48 units) for the year.
- You may take 1000-level courses later
in your program. But remember you can’t
count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or
six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Mathematical Sciences half of
the double degree.
Electives
Remember you can
choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical
Sciences program.
Study Options
Single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
Double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science . Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Mathematical Sciences Institute webpage here, or
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809.