Study software engineering abroad

Software engineering is all about finding practical solutions to real problems. Computer software is a key part of our everyday lives, from online shopping and mobile apps to manufacturing processes and healthcare, so as a software engineer your skills can make a real difference.

By studying software engineering you’ll learn how to create high-quality software applications for a range of technologies. You’ll also develop the ability to critically evaluate computer systems, and be able to provide solutions to any problems.

Software engineering is a fast-growing discipline that’s in demand all over the world. By studying abroad you’ll develop a global understanding of the field and gain access to the latest technologies and innovations. It’s also a great way to broaden your personal horizons by experiencing a new culture and making friends from around the world.

If you want to study for a bachelor’s in software engineering, you usually have two options; a BSc or BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) qualification. Although similar in content, BSc programs tend to be more theoretical, whereas BEng courses are more practical in nature. Both will take three or four years to complete, depending on where you choose to study.

Some universities offer an MEng (Master of Engineering) program, which you can study as an undergraduate. This type of program includes an extra year that converts a bachelor’s to a master’s qualification. If you already hold a bachelor’s, you can study an MSc in software engineering over one or two years.

It’s also possible to study for a doctoral degree in software engineering or a related field. A PhD program can take around five years to complete and will be based on your own original research on a specific area of the subject.

How you’ll be taught and assessed will differ for each module you study. Lectures, seminars and workshops are common, and practical modules will also include a lot of time spent in computer labs. You can expect to be assessed through written and practical assignments, portfolios, project work, essays and exams.

The modules and subjects you’ll study will depend on the university you attend, as well as which electives you choose. Common core areas you can expect to study on a software engineering program include:

• Introduction to software engineering
• Principles of programming
• Data and databases
• Computer architecture
• Networking
• Software development
• Operating systems
• User experience design
• Computational mathematics

As a software engineering graduate, you’ll have developed a range of skills that will make you an attractive candidate for a range of positions. IT industries continue to grow, and many employers are on the lookout for creative, analytical, and passionate software engineers.

Some of the roles that are popular for software engineering graduates include:

• IT consultants
• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Project manager
• Data scientist
• Database administrator
• Web developer
• Software tester

If you know what career you want to pursue after you graduate, think about choosing elective modules that are related to that job. If you’re not sure what career is right for you, speak to the university’s career services for guidance.