Course details

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) in Software Engineering
NZQF Level 8

About the course

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering is a four-year degree that prepares you for a career across the full software development lifecycle. You will specialise in software engineering from year one, beginning with the basics of programming and computer science, and progressing to software architecture, quality assurance and project management.

You'll apply your learning through projects and 800 hours of professional development. Graduates move into roles across technology, government, finance and healthcare, building systems that support people and organisations every day.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours

First year – general entry requirements

If you have done no prior tertiary study, your first year of study will be the Bachelor of Engineering First Year programme. This is subject to the same general entry requirements as general bachelors' degrees at Otago.

Applicants to the first year of the BE(Hons) in Software Engineering are normally expected to have completed achievement standards in NCEA Level 3 calculus or equivalent. Those without this background are strongly advised to enrol in MATH 120.

Second year – limited entry

Entrance to the second year of the BE(Hons) is restricted to students who achieve at least a B average in the compulsory papers specified in the first-year BE(Hons) schedule.


General entry requirements

A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.

Domestic students

You need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.

International students

Check recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.

English language requirements

All students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.

The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.

For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider

The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation. 

Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves. 

The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents. 

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