Course details

Summary

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) focuses on how problems can be solved by using design and engineering processes. At every stage of your degree, you'll be involved in creating, designing and realising sophisticated engineering products.

As a Waikato engineering student you will also complete 800 hours of work experience – usually paid – with a company or organisation that suits your interests, and you’ll make valuable industry contacts which in many cases leads to part or full-time work.

Our Cooperative Education Unit actively seeks and oversees your industrial work placement, ensuring a good fit for your area of study and career goals.

Software Engineering

When you study software engineering, you'll be learning about how to use a scientific and disciplined approach to designing and developing complex software systems. You'll also learn how to operate and maintain such systems. From ATM machines to smart phones to cars - many aspects of modern society are driven by software which we expect to operate correctly and be reliable and flexible at all times.

During your studies at Waikato, you'll develop an understanding of reliable processes and formal methods for software engineering. You'll learn how to use systematic techniques to test software systems. You'll develop the skills you need to be able to prove that safety-critical systems operate correctly under all possible operating conditions.

You'll work with a range of software systems, from operating systems and networks to real-time and embedded systems. You'll learn about distributed and parallel systems. You'll also develop knowledge and skills relating to engineering, scientific and business application software.

There's a strong connection between critical, complex systems and the people who use them or are affected by them. At Waikato, the relationship between systems and human interaction is emphasised.

Build a successful career

As a Software Engineer, you can work in a wide range of roles, from building and maintaining traditional applications to developing the programs that drive newer devices. There is demand in a range of industries, from healthcare software, to entertainment and telecommunications.

Career opportunities

• Network Engineer
• Product Development Engineer
• Software Architect
• Software Consultant
• Software Developer
• Systems Engineer
• Test Engineer

BE(Hons) Majors:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Materials and Process Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering

Entry criteria

For guaranteed entry you are expected to have studied the listed subjects at Level 3 NCEA, CIE AS, A Level or equivalent with certain levels of attainment.

• Calculus - a minimum of 16 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Mathematics with Calculus.
• A minimum of 14 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in two other approved subjects for University Entrance.

English language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) - 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 79-80 with a score of 20 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - 57 with no less than 57 for each communicative skill; Waikato Pathways - Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme.