Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Information Sciences (Software Engineering) combines computer science and information technology through a joint major.
• Students develop practical skills to design, construct, test and maintain large software applications.
• The programme covers both technical software-development skills and the design, communication and teamwork skills needed for software projects.
• Students work with areas such as programming, software design, systems analysis, networks, security, databases, web development, mobile applications, user experience and data technologies.
• A third-year team project provides practical experience creating a new application collaboratively.
• Massey states that graduates can work in software engineering and related ICT roles in New Zealand and internationally.
• Students can change their major within the degree up until the start of their second year, giving flexibility while they explore different information-science disciplines.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BInfSc has a flexible structure consisting of core courses, Software Engineering joint-major courses and electives. The current planning guide recommends the following first-year foundation:

• 159101 Applied Programming
• 159102 Computer Science and Programming
• 161111 Applied Statistics or 297101 Statistical Data Science, with 297101 recommended for Software Engineering
• 160105 Methods of Mathematics, 160102 Algebra or 160101 Calculus
• 247112 Science and Sustainability for ICT, or 247113
• 158100 Information Technology Principles or an elective
• 158120 Web-based IT Fundamentals or an elective
• One further elective.

Software Engineering subject areas currently include:

• Software engineering design and construction
• Mobile application development
• Systems analysis and modelling
• Networks, security and privacy
• Software quality assurance and testing
• Web development
• Data wrangling and machine learning
• Algorithms and data structures
• Object-oriented programming
• Programming for computer graphics
• Embedded programming
• Programming language paradigms
• Software construction
• Internet of Things and cloud computing
• Database development
• User experience design
• Applied machine learning and big-data processing.

Examples of current Software Engineering courses include:

• 159251 Software Engineering Design and Construction – techniques, methods and tools for designing and constructing high-quality software systems.
• 159336 Mobile Application Development – designing, creating, testing and publishing mobile applications.
• 159201 Algorithms and Data Structures – algorithms, data structures, searching, sorting, optimisation and complexity.
• 159234 Object-Oriented Programming – classes, objects, abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism and generic programming, with practical Java and C++ work.
• 158326 Software Construction – advanced modelling, design, development and testing of robust software.
• 158335 Internet of Things and Cloud Computing – design and implementation of connected IoT solutions using cloud computing.
• 158337 Database Development – relational and non-relational data, database management and practical database development.
• 158359 User Experience Design – interface design, prototyping, implementation and evaluation.
• 297301 Applied Machine Learning and Big Data Processing – advanced machine learning, data mining, predictive modelling and large-dataset processing.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Within the Bachelor of Information Sciences, Massey currently offers:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Information Technology
• Information Systems
• Software Engineering as the joint major.

Software Engineering is specifically a joint major combining computer science and information technology.

An optional minor may also be included, subject to the regulations. Available BInfSc minors include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Business
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Games Programming
• Information Technology
• Information Systems.

Programme Highlights

• Joint major combining computer science and information technology.
• 360-credit Bachelor of Information Sciences.
• Software Engineering joint major worth 165 credits.
• Practical, industry-oriented curriculum.
• Third-year collaborative software application project.
• Coverage of programming, software architecture, testing, web, mobile, databases, networks, security and emerging technologies.
• Opportunities to study data-driven technologies, machine learning, IoT and cloud computing.
• Students need a Mac or Windows computer with a recent operating system; Massey specifically states that Chromebooks are not suitable.
• Students can change their major within the degree up until the beginning of their second year.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies the following career opportunities for Software Engineering graduates:

• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Systems analyst
• Requirements engineer
• Usability engineer.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme is open to international students on campus in New Zealand or studying online outside New Zealand.
• February and July are the currently published international start periods for Software Engineering.
• The Software Engineering joint major is currently 165 credits.
• The overall BInfSc requires at least 360 credits.
• The first-year programme should be planned carefully because many 200- and 300-level courses have prerequisites.
• The programme requires access to a Mac or Windows computer with a recent operating system; Chromebooks are not suitable.
• Students can change their major until the beginning of their second year, but later changes can be constrained by prerequisites and course availability.
• A third-year team project provides direct practical application-development experience.
• Students can progress to Massey's Postgraduate Diploma in Information Sciences or Master of Information Sciences after completing the bachelor's degree, subject to the applicable admission requirements. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students who study Software Engineering online from outside New Zealand do not need a New Zealand student visa merely for undertaking online study outside New Zealand. The Massey programme page expressly permits international students to study online outside New Zealand.

Students who intend to study on campus in New Zealand generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, unless another immigration category applies.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship/arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character where required.
• A genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Compliance with attendance and satisfactory academic-progress requirements while studying.