What will I study?
Software engineering is the systematic approach to the development, operation, maintenance and retirement of software; the controlling element of computer-based systems. As society becomes even more dependent on computers, one of the biggest challenges is the creation of new software necessary to make computers useful. Software Engineering deals with the challenges associated with large-scale, high quality software: including size and complexity, cooperation between developers, clients and users, and evolution of software over time to maintain its value. Software engineers use principles of computer science, engineering, design, management, psychology, sociology and other disciplines to design and manage large software systems. Students complete team projects in second and third year and an individual project in fourth year. Employers strongly support this UQ approach to learning.
You can view the attributes our graduates can expect to acquire here.
Where will I work?
Software engineers work in large multinational companies, State and federal government departments and agencies, and in many small, specialised consulting companies. Some of our students have started their own companies. Defence, transport, games and security are just a few of the the areas where software engineers are currently being recruited. Career opportunities for software engineers are excellent and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Australian graduates are well-accepted internationally and many work overseas to expand their expertise. In May 2007, the Brisbane Times on-line newspaper reported that Google Australia was hiring as many quality software engineers as it could find.
What can I combine with my major?
You can do a double major in Software Engineering or in Software Systems and Aerospace Engineering. Because of its broad applicability, software engineering can be usefully combined with many other disciplines. Dual degrees with commerce, science, business, management or arts are common.
