Software Engineering
Software Engineers design the software that we increasingly rely on. Industrial robots, mobile phones, washing machines, energy networks - all of these are driven by 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.
Graduates 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
NCEA Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus. Some first-year papers have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.
Planning Your Degree
All of the Bachelor of Engineering (BE) 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.
Core Papers
Papers are worth 15 points.
- COMP103 – Introduction to Computer Science 1
- COMP104 – Introduction to Computer Science 2
- ENGG180 – Foundations of Engineering
- ENMP102 – Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
- MATH101 – Introduction to Calculus
- MATH102 – Introduction to Algebra
Plus choose a further 30 points from the following:
- CHEM101 – Chemical Concepts
- ENEL111 – Introduction to Electronics
- PHYS103 – Physics for Scientists and Engineers
- STAT121 – Introduction to Statistical Methods
Core Papers
Papers are worth 20 points unless specified.
- COMP200 – Computer Systems (10 points)
- COMP202 – Computer Communications (10 points)
- COMP219 – Database Practice and Experience
- COMP235 – Logic and Computation
- COMP241 – Software Engineering Development (10 points)
- COMP242 – Software Engineering Process (10 points)
- ENGG279 – Preparation for the Professional Work Place (0 points)
- ENGG282 – Engineering Design (10 points)
- ENGG283 – Linear Algebra for Engineers (10 points)
- ENGG284 – Differential Equations for Engineers (10 points)
- ENGG371 – Engineering Placement 1 (0 points)
- ENMP282 – Science and Engineering Management A (10 points)
Core Papers
Papers are worth 20 points unless specified.
- COMP314 – Software Engineering Project
- COMP317 – Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- COMP325 – Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
- COMP340 – Reasoning about Programs
- ENGG372 – Engineering Placement 2 (0 points)
- ENGG379 – Reflection on Professional Workplace Experience (0 points)
- ENGG381 – Engineering Statistics
Plus choose a further 20 points from the following:
- COMP301 – Operating Systems
- COMP311 – Computer Systems Architecture
- COMP312 – Communications and Systems Software
- COMP313 – Programming Languages
Core Papers
Papers are worth 20 points unless specified.
- ENGG482 – Engineering Design and Management Project (60 points) (BE) OR
ENGG492 – Honours Research and Management Project (60 points) (BE(Hons))
Choose one of:
- COMP438 – Topics in Human-Computer Interaction
- COMP439 – Usability Engineering
Choose one of:
Choose 30 points from 400 level Computer Science papers. Recommended:
