Study software development abroad
An in-depth guide to studying software development as an international student.
Explore software development programs abroad
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PhD programs in
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Software development degrees abroad
Software development degrees prepare students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to forge a successful career in IT. It’s a subject that blends elements of computer science, engineering, and mathematics.
You’ll study the concepts and principles behind software development and put them into practice as you design, build, test, and maintain software programs. You’ll produce high-quality software that meets the needs of users, improves efficiency, and solves problems.
Software development is one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors. Studying overseas will put you at the forefront of new developments and technological advances. Not only will you gain a global understanding of the field and connect with international experts, but you’ll also make new friends, travel the world, and create lifelong memories.
Software development program structure
You can study software development at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A BSc is studied over a minimum of three years, although most universities will encourage you to complete an additional year in industry between your second and final year of study. As such, bachelor’s degrees lasting up to four years are common.
If you choose to study in the US, you’ll major or minor in software development. This means that you’ll invest time and credits in software-specific modules, alongside working on your general education. Once you’ve gained your bachelor’s, you can go on to pursue postgraduate qualifications. A master’s degree can be studied over one or two years, followed by a PhD which typically takes around five years to complete.
Teaching and assessment methods will differ depending on the modules you’re studying. As a general rule, you’ll be expected to attend lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops in computer labs. Assessment largely focuses on individual development projects, but you’ll also complete written exams, essays, and presentations.
The content of software development programs varies from university to university, depending on the specialist elective modules on offer. However, you can expect to find these core topic areas:
- Software development theory and practice
- Application programming and development
- Algorithms and programming fundamentals
- Usability
- Software security
- Operating systems
- Software quality and testing
- Managing software quality and process
Types of software development degrees
Best universities to study software development
How to study software development abroad
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Software development study abroad programs
Software development undergraduate programs
Diploma in software development
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Information Technology with Co-op, Software Development, Graphic and Web Development - Dip Institute of Technology Development of Canada, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 11,000 CAD
- Start date
- January, April, July, October
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Computer Programmer - Dip Durham College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 28 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,257 CAD
- Start date
- September
Bachelor's in software development
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Computer Science - Software Development - BSc Concord University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,186 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Computer Games (Software Development) - BSc (Hons) Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 11,845 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Computer Science - Software Development - BSc DePaul University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 40,551 USD
- Start date
- -
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Multi - Platform Software Development - BA University of Mount Union, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 31,700 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Computer Science: Software Development - BSc Freed-Hardeman University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,950 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Software development graduate programs
Master's in software development
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Software Development and Engineering - MSc Pace University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 46,980 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Certificate in software development
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Enterprise Software Development - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,840 CAD
- Start date
- September
Future software development careers
Thanks to the booming global ICT industry, software development graduates have excellent employment prospects. Your skills in creativity, design, and problem-solving will make you an in-demand candidate across a range of employers and sectors. Some of the most popular careers pursued by graduates include:
- Software developer
- Software engineer
- Software tester
- Applications analyst
- Database administrator
- Web developer
- Game developer
- IT consultant
Keeping up-to-date with sector developments and gaining hands-on industry experience will give you the edge over other candidates when you apply for graduate positions. Speak with your university’s career service about the benefits of securing some work experience or an internship.
