Bachelor of Software Engineering
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 90.05
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Duration
Full-time 4 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus
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Fees
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Next intake
February, July
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Entry score
IELTS 6.5
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Duration
Full-time 4 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus
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Fees
AU$31,680 (2018 annual)
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Next intake
February, July
Program brochure
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Overview
With great communication skills, you’ll become the managerial interface between a business and its software system. You’ll learn to design, code, test and manage large and complex software systems.
Working on complex software development environments, operating systems, communications, web software, databases and varied applications, you will undertake studies in all facets of the software engineering process.
Software engineering focuses on the software development life cycle, but goes beyond programming to assess and meet customer needs, and design and test software.
Developing software solutions often involves assembling extensive amounts of code into working applications, as well as updating and fixing problems in existing software.
A degree in software engineering is for you if you:
- want to develop large-scale software
- enjoy working as part of a team
- want to create highly efficient products and systems
- enjoy maths and systems design combined with computer science
Why study software engineering at RMIT?
- RMIT is among the world’s top 100 universities for computer science and information systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017).
- You’ll develop close ties with industry and you might even find yourself working part-time before you’ve finished your degree… stepping straight into a bright future in IT.
- The RMIT programming club provides a fun and social way for you to familiarise yourself with team-based project work, pursue your passion for programming and enter international competitions. It brings together students from a variety of backgrounds, and allows you to learn from senior student mentors.
Details
This degree goes beyond programming to assess and meet user needs - design software and develop systems to meet specific performance objectives. There is also an industry placement in third year that will provide you with valuable practical experience in a work setting. This industry experience forms the basis of your studies in your final year.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.
The year-long internship during your third year takes you out into a real-world working environment where you’ll finesse the work-ready skills you’ll need to be an effective software engineer.
You will receive assistance with finding a placement and may be eligible for financial support.
The internship year will provide you with an opportunity to build on and apply your learning within a work environment before returning for the final year.
During this program you'll develop a strong background in the basic knowledge of your major discipline.
Year 1
You’ll study foundation courses in biology, chemistry, physics and maths, and be introduced to scientific skills and communication.
You will also start studying courses from your chosen major.
Year 2
During second year, you will have the opportunity to take part in two research projects. You will be mentored by a staff member and may have the chance to carry out work that contributes to the project.
You will also continue to study courses from your chosen major.
Year 3
You will study more advanced courses from your chosen major.
The Science Project course gives you the opportunity to work on a small research project under the supervision of an academic staff member. You may have the opportunity to collaborate with an external organisation on this project.
You'll also be prepared for the workforce through work-integrated learning opportunities which are part of the Professional Scientist course.
Year 4
You will plan and complete a specific research project in your chosen major, in consultation with your supervisor.
In addition to the research project, you will undertake advanced coursework and learn the skills to develop a research proposal and carry out experimental design and data analysis.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Software Engineering | City Campus |
Four years full time
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Four years full time
|
BP096P8 | 061069G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP096
Career
As everyday life becomes more dependent on computers and computer systems, the need for highly skilled software engineers grows. There are almost limitless opportunities for qualified graduates.
You could gain employment as a software developer, tester, software architect or designer. There are also team leader, project manager and executive-level positions in software development projects.
RMIT graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- Telstra
- IBM
- ANZ
This program is accredited at the professional level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), which accredits information and communication technology-related programs that are offered by Australian universities both onshore and offshore.
ACS has reciprocal membership agreements worldwide. ACS Certified Professional status gives you global recognition.
Admissions
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
RMIT is committed to admissions transparency. View the 2018 ATAR distribution information for our degrees and information about how admissions work at RMIT.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
Entry requirements
Current Year 12 prerequisites units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 25 in one of Mathematical Methods (any) or Specialist Mathematics; and a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English (EAL).
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, with a study score of at least 25.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
SEAS Form: This is a gender under-represented program and awards SEAS bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a VTAC SEAS application and select category 1.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Software Engineering you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or other postgraduateprograms.
Fees
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2018
| Student contribution band by course (subject) | Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2018 |
|---|---|
| Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,444 per standard year $805 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,185 per standard year $1,148 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,754 per standard year $1,344 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2018 is $298.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2018 is AU$31,680.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2018 commencement is AU$141,120.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.