Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
Deakin course code	S464
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2022
Online	No
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	092212D Burwood (Melbourne)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
The final intake to this course version was in 2021. Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the handbook archive.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Create the smart software and systems of the future by studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours). This course arms you with the skills needed to build disruptive technologies that create change, making you a sought-after expert ready to solve tomorrow’s business problems through creative computing solutions. Explore a broad range of exciting study areas, including robotics, algorithms, programming and software architecture, and apply your skills in world-class facilities.

You will have access to Deakin’s $1.2 million Robotics and Internet of Things (RIoT) Lab, where you will acquire specialist skills in robotics, cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things. Gain practical experience and learn how to work successfully in a team with project-based learning activities and contribute to real-world projects alongside professional engineers during 450 hours of industry placement.

Want to be at the forefront of robotics, computing and smart technologies?

Rapid advancement in sensing hardware, computers and smart devices has created a growing demand for software engineers who can develop complex software systems for the modern world. From Mars rovers to smart homes and cities, robotic surgery and precision agriculture, software engineers combine software systems and embedded hardware to create solutions for the future that fill a vital role in the development of smart and innovative technologies. Deakin’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) prepares you to take advantage of this demand. You will develop specialised skills in robotics, cyber-physical systems and the Internet-of-Things (IoT), all while getting hands-on with the latest software engineering tools that allow you to push beyond the limitations of traditional technologies.

Your ideas and creativity will flourish in our state-of-the-art facilities. You will have a range of devices, robotics and drones on hand in our RIoT Lab. You will work alongside hardware designers and app developers to drive the development of computing solutions that interact with people, environments and other technologies.

The Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A²I²⁾ provides innovative products, technologies and solutions for industry across all sectors. As a software engineering student, you will have the opportunity to interact and work with professional software engineers and data scientists on campus as part of your degree.

Through practical experience in the RIoT Lab, a strong focus on project-based learning at A²I² and exciting internship opportunities, you will benefit from constant exposure to real-world software engineering situations. So, whether your dream role involves developing drones, creating smart devices or pioneering AI innovations, you will graduate with the industry skills needed to thrive.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

This course has been designed in accordance to Engineers Australia’s and the Australian Computer Society’s professional accreditation requirements. Deakin has been awarded accreditation for the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) with the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Deakin's Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) is also accredited by Engineers Australia.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be equipped to find employment in diverse areas of software engineering. You’ll be able to develop and implement state-of-the-art smart devices, systems and applications for industries including transport, health, agriculture and manufacturing.

You may pursue a career as a software engineer, software developer, programmer, embedded systems developer, robotics programmer or systems architect. Software engineers also work in specialist research roles; with experience, your career can move into project management and business development, in roles such as CIO and CTO, from start-ups to multinational corporations.

Participation requirements

International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions during the trimester intensive week, it is suggested that you apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a tourist visa by the Australian Government.

International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Course expenses

Student equipment purchases

The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Access to high cost specialist equipment, such as robots, is provided. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the software engineering discipline, with detailed knowledge of the application of software engineering principles and approaches. Use knowledge, skills, tools and methodologies for professional software engineering practice. Design software components, systems and computing processes to meet application requirements, within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, legal and ethical constraints.
Communication	Communicate in a professional context to inform, motivate and effect change, and to drive sustainable innovation, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.
Digital literacy	Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, analyse, evaluate, select, process and disseminate both technical and non-technical information.
Critical thinking	Evaluate information and evidence, applying critical and analytical thinking and reasoning, technical skills, personal judgement and values, in decision processes.
Problem solving	Apply theoretical constructs and skills and critical analysis to real-world and ill-defined problems and develop innovative computing solutions.
Self-management	Apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of software engineering with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. Apply understanding of reflective practice and self-critique skills within broad parameters to plan for their own future continuing professional development.
Teamwork	Contribute effectively as a skilled and knowledgeable individual to the processes and output of a work unit or team. Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams, employing effective communication, self- and team-management skills to achieve shared goals.
Global citizenship	Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability for own learning to in the development, design, construction and management of localised computing solutions.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) students must pass 32 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate.

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Completion of SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Twenty-four (24) core units (28 credit points), including minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 60 days Professional Engineering Practice in SEP499*
Four (4) credit points of elective units
A maximum of 10 credit points at Level 1
A minimum of 22 credit points combined over levels 2, 3 and 4
A minimum of 6 credit points at level

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

*From 2022 alternate unit SEL703

Course structure

Core

Year 1 - Trimester 1

STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit DAI001]

SIT010

Safety Induction Program (0 credit point unit)

SEJ010

Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0 credit point unit)

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

SIT102

Introduction to Programming

SIT111

Computer Systems

SEB101

Engineering Physics

SIT192

Discrete Mathematics

Year 1 - Trimester 2

SIT123 Data Capture Technologies [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit SIT225]

SIT217

Introduction to Software Engineering

SIT232

Object-Oriented Development

SIT103

Database Fundamentals

Year 2 - Trimester 1

SEJ101 Design Fundamentals (2 credit points) [No longer offered for enrolment, replaced by SET111 & SEJ104]

SIT210

Embedded Systems Development

SIT221

Data Structures and Algorithms

Year 2 - Trimester 2

SIT209 Software Engineering 2: Developing Internet-Of-Things Applications (2 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment]

SIT202

Computer Networks and Communication

SIT315

Concurrent and Distributed Programming

Year 3 - Trimester 1

SIT216

User Centred Design

SIT310

Robotics Application Development

SIT374

Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^ ~

Plus one elective unit (one credit point)

Year 3 - Trimester 2

SIT314

Software Architecture and Scalability for Internet-Of-Things

SIT329

Advanced Embedded Systems

SIT378

Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^ ~

Plus one elective unit (one credit point)

Year 4 - Trimester 1

SIT723

Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit point unit)

SIT432 Developing Secure Internet-Of-Things Applications [No longer available for enrolment, alternate unit SIT732]

Plus one elective unit (one credit point)

Year 4 - Trimester 2

SIT724

Research Project (2 credit point unit)

SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice^ # [No longer available for enrolment, alternate unit SEL703]

Plus one elective unit (one credit point)

^ Offered in Trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3. Students are encouraged to complete this unit in Trimester 3 of the third year of study.

~ Note: Students are recommended to undertake SIT374 and SIT378 in consecutive trimesters. Students should seek advice from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SIT374 and SIT378 consecutively.

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

Electives

Recommended elective units:

SIT708

Mobile Application Development

SIT718

Real World Analytics

SIT742

Modern Data Science

SIT755

Interactive Application Design for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT756

Development for Virtual and Augmented Reality

SIT703

Computer Forensics and Investigations

SIT707

Software Quality and Testing

SIT720

Machine Learning

SIT727

Cloud Automation Technologies

SIT743

Bayesian Learning and Graphical Models

SIT744

Deep Learning

Work experience

The course includes a compulsory work placement that requires you to undertake at least 30 to 60 days of suitable practical experience.

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Other learning experiences

You may apply to undertake a study tour to explore and engage in a structured program of study overseas to gain discipline expertise as well as be challenged to develop your personal qualities and global understanding.

Research and research-related study

The key assessment of research and research skills in the programme is through the two linked 2 credit point units in the final year of the course. The first of these units is for students to develop a detailed research proposal and undertake preliminary proof-of-concept or testing of their experimental methods. The second unit is designed to undertake the proposed research and critically evaluate the outcomes of the project. The project is predominantly student-led with direction from an academic supervisor that has expertise in the research field.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.