Master of Engineering Science (Management) (Software Engineering)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Master of Engineering Science (Management) in Software Engineering combines advanced software engineering knowledge with management, leadership and business skills, preparing students to solve complex technology challenges in industry. It suits engineering graduates who want to deepen their software expertise while developing the skills needed for technical leadership and management roles.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students strengthen their technical software engineering expertise through courses such as Operating Systems Architecture and Algorithms & Data Structures, while developing broader management and professional capabilities. They explore how software systems are designed, developed and managed within complex organisational environments.

Year 2: Students advance into areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Information Security, building expertise relevant to modern software systems and digital technologies. They also undertake a supervised research project, applying their technical and management knowledge to investigate and communicate solutions to a substantial engineering problem.

Focus areas: Software systems, software development, computer design, artificial intelligence, information security, operating systems, algorithms and data structures, engineering management, leadership and research.

Learning outcomes: Advanced software engineering knowledge, complex problem-solving, software systems analysis, technical research, project planning, management and leadership, professional communication, and the ability to apply engineering principles to real-world software challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Graduates may be eligible for professional membership with the Australian Computer Society (ACS). UQ also identifies the Software Engineering field as preparing graduates for accredited software engineering careers across software design, development, information systems and network management.

Reputation (employability rankings): UQ is ranked 1st in Queensland for Computer Science and Information Systems in the QS World University Rankings 2026, supporting the university's strong standing in computing and technology education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Engineering Science (Management) (Software Engineering) at the University of Queensland combines advanced software engineering study with practical, industry-focused learning. Students work on software development, systems analysis and engineering management through project-based coursework and research activities, using UQ’s computing facilities and digital resources to develop solutions to complex engineering problems. The program also provides access to UQ’s extensive library and specialist engineering and computing facilities, supporting both collaborative learning and independent project work. Key experiential opportunities include:

Software Development: Practical learning in programming, software engineering, systems development and software analysis.
Research Projects: Students can apply software engineering methods to substantial research and development projects, developing solutions to complex real-world problems.
Engineering Facilities: Access to UQ engineering and computing facilities supports practical experimentation, software development and technical project work.
Digital Resources: Students use UQ’s digital learning environment, computing resources and online academic databases for software engineering study and research.
Collaborative Projects: Project-based learning develops teamwork, communication, technical problem-solving and engineering management skills.
Industry Exposure: The program connects software engineering knowledge with professional engineering and management practice, helping students develop industry-ready capabilities.
UQ Library: Students have access to extensive electronic journals, databases, software engineering research materials and specialist academic resources.
Research Environment: UQ’s engineering and computing research environment provides opportunities to engage with current software engineering research and emerging technologies.
Professional Skills: Coursework develops project management, engineering leadership, communication and decision-making skills alongside technical software expertise.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Engineering Science (Management) – Software Engineering combines advanced software expertise with management and leadership skills, preparing graduates for technical and managerial roles across software and technology organisations. UQ identifies opportunities in software design, development and advancement, including roles with major organisations such as SAP, Oracle, IBM, eBay, LinkedIn, Google and Canon.

Typical career roles:

Software Developer: Design, develop and improve software applications and systems.
Software Engineer: Apply engineering principles to build and manage complex software solutions.
Information Security Analyst: Help organisations protect software, systems and data.
Information Systems Manager: Lead the development and management of organisational information systems.

Career support and employment advantages:

UQ Career Services: Students benefit from UQ’s career development support and opportunities to build professional networks and employment skills.
Employment outcomes: UQ reports that 90%+ of graduates are employed within 12 months, while postgraduate graduates experience an average 36% salary increase within three years.
Industry partnerships: UQ engineering work-integrated learning provides direct industry exposure; between 2021 and 2023, more than 75% of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering students were offered ongoing work by their placement organisation, with 96% of industry partners satisfied with student performance.
Professional accreditation: Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), supporting professional recognition and long-term career development.
Graduation outcomes: UQ’s engineering graduates have demonstrated strong employability, with opportunities to progress into technical, leadership and management positions across industry.
Salary potential: UQ lists $105K–$125K as the average annual salary range for Software Engineers and $90K–$110K for Software Developers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, graduates can progress to a PhD or other higher research degree in software engineering, computer science, information systems or a related engineering field, particularly if they wish to pursue advanced research or academic careers.