Key facts
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Create the smart software and systems of the future by studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours). Graduate as an industry-ready software engineer, ready to solve tomorrow’s business problems through creative computing solutions.
Want to be at the forefront of robotics, computing and smart technologies?
Rapid advancement in sensing hardware, computers and smart devices has created a growing demand for software engineers who can develop complex software systems for the modern world. The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) arms you with the skills needed to build disruptive technologies that create change, making you a sought-after expert in this evolving field.
You’ll develop specialised skills in robotics, cyber-physical systems and the internet-of-things (IoT), all while getting hands-on with the latest software engineering tools that allow you to push beyond the limitations of traditional technologies. From Mars rovers, to smart homes and cities, robotic surgery and precision agriculture, software engineers combine software systems and embedded hardware to create solutions for the future that fill a vital role in the development of smart and innovative technologies.
Your ideas and creativity will flourish in our state-of-the-art facilities, including Deakin’s $1.2 million Robotics and Internet of Things (RIoT) Studio featuring a range of devices, robotics and drones. Utilise these facilities to apply your knowledge alongside hardware designers and app developers, all working together to drive the development of computing solutions that interact with people, environments and other technologies.
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A2I2) provides innovative products, technologies and solutions for industry across all sectors. As a software engineering student, you will have the opportunity to interact and work with professional software engineers and data scientists on campus as part of your degree.
Through practical experience in the RIoT studio, a strong focus on project-based learning at A2I2 and exciting internship opportunities, you’ll benefit from constant exposure to real-world software engineering situations. So whether your dream role involves developing drones, creating smart devices or pioneering AI innovations, you’ll have the industry skills needed to thrive.
Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.
Read MoreCourse structure
To complete the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours), students must attain 32 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 or 2 credit point. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The 32 credit points include 23 core units (these are compulsory) and 4 elective units (you can choose which ones to study).
The course comprises a total of 32 credit points, which must include the following:
- 23 core units (28 credit points which includes a compulsory internship unit)
- 4 elective units
- completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- completion of SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- A maximum of 10 credit points at Level 1
- A minimum of 22 credit points combined over levels 2, 3 and 4
- A minimum of 6 credit points at level 4
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
22
Core units (equalling 28 credit points)
4
Elective units
32
Total
Core
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Year 2 - Trimester 1
Year 2 - Trimester 2
Year 3 - Trimester 1
Plus two elective units
Year 3 - Trimester 2
Year 4 - Trimester 1
Plus one elective unit
Year 4 - Trimester 2
Plus one elective unit
^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3. Students are encouraged to complete this unit in Trimester 3 of the third year of study.
~ Note: Students are expected to undertake SIT374 and SIT378 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT374 and SIT378 consecutively.
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
Electives
Recommended elective units:
Key information
2020 course information
1400610341 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Student Equipment Purchases
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Access to high cost specialist equipment, such as robots, is provided. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
In order to satisfy course accreditation requirements, as specified and administered by Engineers Australia, all Cloud Campus enrolled students are required to participate in Campus learning activities equivalent to a minimum duration of one full academic week for every trimester of effective full time study in order to ensure that graduates possess and have demonstrated the minimum necessary knowledge and skill base, engineering application abilities, and professional skills, values and attitudes at successful completion of the course to be sufficiently prepared to enter professional engineering practice.
Cloud Campus enrolled students are required to attend campus mode conducted activities during the corresponding Intensive Week in a trimester. Attendance at campus mode activities is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programmes, failure to attend will result in not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. Thus, a fail grade shall be awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.
International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s Cloud Campus. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions during the trimester intensive week, it is suggested that you apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a tourist visa by the Australian Government.
International students studying through the Cloud Campus may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory onsite components of the course.
Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
The course includes a compulsory work placement that requires you to undertake at least 60 working days (450 hours) hours of suitable practical experience.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL and a study score of at least 20 in one of maths: mathematical methods (any) or maths: specialist mathematics. Applicants will be selected in accordance with the published Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for that year.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience: Prerequisites of English and mathematics as for year 12 school leavers (or equivalent). Entry will be based on their performance in:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent for example relevant work or life experience
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
How to apply
Applications through VTAC have now closed.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
School of Information Technology
deakin.edu.au/information-technology
School of Engineering
deakin.edu.au/engineering
Prospective student enquiries
Are you looking to apply for this course or would like further information?
Call 1800 693 888 or email us at myfuture@deakin.edu.au
Enquire online
Current student course and enrolment enquiries
Call 03 9244 6699 or email us at sebe-enquire@deakin.edu.au
Submit an online enquiry
Frequently asked questions
What are the key study start dates?
Browse all start and finish dates for Deakin’s main study periods. You’ll also find dates relating to applications and prospective student events, plus a list of all public holidays and study breaks.
How much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course.
Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host a range of events including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with your study options and career planning. Check out our upcoming events or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 for more information.
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Scholarships are available for domestic and international students at all study levels. Find a scholarship that works for you.
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
In some courses, you can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
Graduates will be equipped to find employment in diverse areas of software engineering. You’ll be able to develop and implement
state-of-the-art smart devices, systems and application frameworks for industries including health, agriculture, manufacturing and transport.
This can lead to employment in roles such as:
- business analyst
- data engineer
- DevOps engineer
- embedded systems developer
- IoT system engineer
- machine learning engineer
- mobile applications developer
- project manager
- software engineer
- software developer
- systems architect
- web applications developer.
Professional recognition
This course has been designed in accordance to Engineers Australia’s and the Australian Computer Society’s professional accreditation requirements. Deakin has been awarded accreditation for the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) with the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Deakin has been awarded provisional accreditation for the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) with Engineers Australia.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the software engineering discipline, with detailed knowledge of the application of software engineering principles and approaches. Use knowledge, skills, tools and methodologies for professional software engineering practice. Design software components, systems and computing processes to meet application requirements, within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, legal and ethical constraints. |
| Communication | Communicate in a professional context to inform, motivate and effect change, and to drive sustainable innovation, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, analyse, evaluate, select, process and disseminate both technical and non-technical information. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate information and evidence, applying critical and analytical thinking and reasoning, technical skills, personal judgement and values, in decision processes. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs and skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative computing solutions. |
| Self-management | Apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of software engineering with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. Apply understanding of reflective practice and self-critique skills within broad parameters to plan for their own future continuing professional development. |
| Teamwork | Contribute effectively as a skilled and knowledgeable individual to the processes and output of a work unit or team. Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams, employing effective communication, self- and team-management skills to achieve shared goals. |
| Global citizenship | Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability for own learning to in the development, design, construction and management of localised computing solutions. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019
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