Software Engineering
Software engineering is the scientific, disciplined and quantifiable approach to developing, operating and maintaining complex software systems. These software systems include operating systems, networks, real-time and embedded systems, distributed and parallel systems, as well as engineering, scientific and business application software.
Career Opportunities
- Product Development Engineer
- Programmer
- Software Consultant
- Software Developer
- Systems Analyst
Potential Employers
- Communication Industries
- Computer Systems Design Industry
- Consultancies
- Electronic Equipment Manufacturers
- Government Agencies
- Software Publishers
The Software Engineering programme at Waikato emphasises the software engineering process, formal methods for software engineering, and human-computer interaction. This means that, wherever possible, we develop and use processes that are demonstrably reliable, we use systematic techniques to test software systems, we work on formally proving that safety critical systems operate correctly under all possible operating conditions, and we place strong emphasis on the vitally important interface between critical, complex systems and the people who use them or are affected by them.
Once you graduate you will be well suited for all areas of employment that require development of high quality software that is possibly safety- or mission-critical.
School subjects
You must gain University Entrance, including a minimum of 16 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Calculus and at least 14 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in two or more approved subjects. Some first-year papers, such as MATH101 and MATH102, have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.
Planning Your Degree
All of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) specified programmes have full IPENZ accreditation, making them both nationally and internationally recognised qualifications.
Below is a list of a standard papers taken in each year under this subject. Please note, this is indicative only and may differ depending on each student's individual situation.
Our Qualifications
Find out more about the available Science & Engineering qualifications



