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    Study software engineering abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying software engineering as an international student.

    Find software engineering programs

    Explore software engineering programs abroad

    See other programs in software engineering

    Software engineering degrees 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.

    Software engineering program structure

    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
    Software engineering program structure

    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

    Best countries to study software engineering

    Best universities to study software engineering

    See all universities offering software engineering programs

    How to study software engineering abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Software engineering study abroad programs

    Software engineering undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in software engineering

    • false

      Computer Science & Software Engineering (Arts) (CSA) - BSc Maynooth University, Ireland

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,851 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Science & Software Engineering (Arts) (CSA)
    • false

      Computer Science (Software Engineering) - BSc (Hons) University of Hull, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,192 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Science (Software Engineering)
    • false

      Software Engineering - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,253 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,253 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Software Engineering
    • false

      Computer Science - Software Engineering - BSc University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,800 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Computer Science - Software Engineering
    • false

      Computer Science - Software Engineering Concentration - BSc California State University, Monterey Bay, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,647 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,647 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Computer Science - Software Engineering Concentration
    See all bachelor's degrees in software engineering

    Diploma in software engineering

    • false

      Computer Systems Technician: Software Engineering - Dip Sheridan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,498 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,167 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Computer Systems Technician: Software Engineering
    See all undergraduate diplomas in software engineering

    Certificate in software engineering

    • false

      Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist Technology - Cert Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      6,892 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist Technology
    • false

      Software Engineering - Cert California State University, Sacramento, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      16,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Software Engineering
    See all undergraduate certificates in software engineering

    Software engineering graduate programs

    Master's in software engineering

    • false

      Computer Science (Software Engineering) - MSc University of Hull, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      22,756 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,600 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Computer Science (Software Engineering)
    • false

      Computer Science/Software Engineering - MEng University of Birmingham, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      30,515 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,260 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Science/Software Engineering
    • false

      Computer Science: Software Engineering - MSc Maynooth University, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      17,851 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Science: Software Engineering
    • false

      Computing: Software Engineering - MSc University of Northampton, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,849 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Computing: Software Engineering
    • false

      Software Engineering - MSc Monmouth University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,000 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Software Engineering
    See all master's degrees in software engineering

    Diploma in software engineering

    • false

      Computer Programmer Analyst - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      20 months
      Annual tuition fee
      13,115 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,434 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Computer Programmer Analyst
    • false

      Software Engineering Technician - OCDip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      13,193 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Software Engineering Technician
    See all postgraduate diplomas in software engineering

    Future software engineering careers

    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.