Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) at the University of Wollongong combines solid theoretical foundations with hands-on, industry-focused development experience. It’s designed to equip you with the skills to design, build, and manage complex software systems. If you love coding, solving real-world challenges, collaborating in teams, and want to specialise in software engineering, this program is a perfect fit for a career that’s both creative and technical.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll focus on the fundamentals of computer science. You’ll explore subjects such as programming, problem-solving, networks and communications, web technologies, and data management. Units like Programming Fundamentals, Introduction to Web Technology, and Object-Oriented Design and Programming will give you the confidence to write code, understand system interactions, and build your first web-enabled applications.

Year 2
The second year is all about deepening your knowledge. You’ll tackle advanced programming, system analysis, human-computer interaction, and project management, while beginning to specialise in software engineering. Units like Advanced Programming, Software Development Methods & Tools, and Human–Computer Interaction will help you design user-centred solutions, collaborate on team projects, and apply your coding skills in more complex systems.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together through a capstone team project in partnership with industry. You’ll also take advanced units such as Software Design and Software Engineering Practices & Principles. Here, you’ll experience real-world software engineering: working in multi-person teams, managing version control, producing professional artifacts, and delivering a complete application or system—preparing you to hit the ground running in industry.

Focus Areas

Software engineering, programming, and algorithm analysis
Human-computer interaction
Web and mobile application development
Data management and communications
Team-based software development
Industry-linked capstone projects
Specialisation options such as AI & Big Data, Cyber Security, Game & Mobile Development

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

Apply core computer science theory and tools to solve real-world problems
Design, implement, test, and maintain large software systems
Work effectively in professional teams
Adopt ethical and professional approaches to decision-making and software deployment in industry

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the “Professional” level, ensuring it meets the standards required for professional recognition in the field.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UOW is ranked 44th in the 2024 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings for social and economic impact, reflecting its commitment to quality education and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Here’s a detailed look at experiential learning in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) at the University of Wollongong (UOW) — showing how you’ll gain real-world skills through hands-on projects, teamwork, and industry engagement.

From day one, you’ll be diving into practical, real-world experience. You’ll use modern software tools, tackle real problems, and collaborate closely with your peers. In your final year, you’ll work on a team project to develop your own application with guidance from industry partners — meaning you’ll be applying software engineering principles in practice, not just studying theory. For example, the course overview notes that in your final year you “develop your own application as part of a team project, developing solutions to real-world problems provided by our industry partners.”

Here are some key experiential learning features of the program:

Final year capstone project: You’ll work in a team to design and build a software solution that addresses a real-world problem provided by industry.
Real-world projects across the major: Throughout the degree, you’ll interact with industry professionals and work on projects that mirror the challenges you’ll face in a career, helping you develop skills that are immediately relevant.
Team-based software engineering: The Software Engineering major focuses on multi-person development of large-scale, multi-version software — like operating systems, office software, or enterprise systems. You’ll learn industry-standard practices such as version control, system architecture, and collaborative development.
Comprehensive skill set: You’ll study subjects such as programming, problem-solving, networking and communications, web technology, data management, system analysis, human-computer interaction, and project management. This ensures you build both technical expertise and the process skills needed in the workplace.
Practical, career-ready skills: The program is designed to give you hands-on experience and applied knowledge in computer science and IT — not just theoretical learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing this degree will prepare you to step confidently into key technology roles across a variety of industries. Your skills will be in high demand, and typical roles you could pursue include Application Developer, Data Scientist, Software Engineer, and Cyber Security Analyst.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
The university’s Careers & Employability Services provide dedicated support for computer science students, including career-action planning, access to job listings, interactive online resources, and opportunities to connect directly with employers.

Employment Stats:
Recent data shows that full-time employment for University of Wollongong domestic graduates reached around 80.2% in 2022, a notable rise from 2021. The median full-time salary also increased to AUD 67,800, reflecting the strong value of this degree in the job market.

Accreditation & Long-term Value:
This degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the “Professional” level, which helps ensure your qualification is recognised both nationally and internationally.

University–Industry Partnerships:
The program is designed around solving real-world problems and includes industry-sponsored team projects. You’ll study in a hub of ICT research and innovation, with opportunities to engage in startup and industry collaboration initiatives like iAccelerate.

Graduation Outcomes:
By the time you graduate, you’ll have hands-on experience working on team projects that tackle real-world industry challenges. You’ll be well-prepared for roles such as Software Engineer, Full Stack Developer, Systems Analyst, or Machine Learning Engineer.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Computer Science, you could continue your studies with a master’s degree, such as a Master of Computer Science, Master of Information Technology, or a specialised Master of Computer Science in Cyber Security or Machine Learning. This opens the door to deeper expertise, research opportunities, or senior technical and leadership roles.