Postgraduate study in Software Engineering

A strong research focus is vital to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and postgraduate study in Software Engineering is no exception. We boast expertise such as the Human Aspects in Software Engineering Lab (HASEL) and the Parallel Computing research group, giving you opportunities to tackle projects alongside world-class researchers using purpose-built facilities, with real-world applications.

Postgraduate study in Software Engineering is as broad as the field itself, so your focus may range from fundamental research that advances our understanding of the discipline, or applied knowledge, which can mean utilising the right principles in a number of domains. Some major topics may include:

• Adaptive and multi-device user interfaces
• Coping with semi-structured data
• Domain-specific languages
• Information transformation
• Performance engineering
• Signal processing
• Software architecture
• Software measurement
• System evolution
• Technology transfer

Important requirements for international students

• All international applicants should ensure that they meet all the programme’s entry requirements. You should only proceed with your application if your GPA matches or exceeds the requirements for your country listed in the engineering programme of your choice. Please do not apply if your GPA is below the minimum entry requirements, but consider the alternative study options that may be offered as a pathway into your preferred programme.
• You are strongly advised to consider visa application times. Please be aware of the student visa processing times in your home country and submit the documentation needed well ahead of the Faculty of Engineering and Design's programme application deadlines. For processing times, contact the New Zealand High Commission/Embassy or your education agent.
• If you are applying for your second masters degree, you need to be aware that additional assessment requirements will take extra time. The Faculty of Engineering and Design must assess your previous masters degree courses to ensure that they do not overlap with the courses in the University of Auckland programme that you have expressed interest in. You must therefore allow more time for your application to be processed, and be aware that further documentations may be required. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline if this is your situation, as you may also need to take visa application times into account.

“My Programme Requirements” is a feature in Student Services Online that tells you what the academic requirements are for your programme.

It shows you what courses you are enrolled in, what courses you have passed and what courses you can take to complete your degree. For more information, see How to view your programme requirements.

Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering
This is a flexible programme that can be structured around your engineering interests. Find out more.

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering
This is a 120-point fully taught programme. You will need to complete a minimum of 90-points of courses in Software Engineering from the electives listed under the Master of Engineering Studies below (excludes research projects). The remaining 30-points can also be selected from this list, or; you may choose up to 30-points of other appropriate courses, as approved by the Programme Director. Find out more.

Master of Engineering Studies
The Master of Engineering Studies in Software Engineering is available in 120-points and 180-points taught options. You also have the option of undertaking a 30-point Research Project and will be eligible for the award of Honours and may be able to progress to the PhD.

Electives:
Select at least 45 points from the following:

Semester 1:
SOFTENG 701 Advanced Software Engineering Development Methods (15 points)
SOFTENG 751 High Performance Computing (15 points)
SOFTENG 754 Advanced Software Requirements Engineering (15 points)

Semester 2:
COMPSYS 704 Advanced Embedded Systems (15 points)
COMPSYS 705 Formal Methods for Safety Critical Software (15 points)
COMPSYS 726 Robotics and Intelligent Systems (15 points)
SOFTENG 752 Formal Specification and Design (15 points)
SOFTENG 761 Advanced Agile and Lean Software Development (15 points)

Available for Semester 1 and 2:
SOFTENG 788 A/B Research Project (30 points)

For the 120-point programme, you can select up to 75 points from the following courses. For the 180-point programme, you can select up to 135 points:

Semester 1:
COMPSCI 711 Parallel and Distributed Computing (15 points)
ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa Online (15 points)

Semester 2:
COMPSCI 715 Advanced Computer Graphics (15 points)
COMPSCI 725 Usable Security and Privacy Engineering (15 points)
COMPSCI 734 Web, Mobile and Enterprise Computing (15 points)
ENVENG 702 Engineering Decision Making in Aotearoa (15 points)

Note:
Students in the 120-point programme may select up to 30 points of other relevant courses from this university; subject to approval from the Course Director and Programme Director.

Students in the 180-point programme may select up to 45 points of other relevant courses from this university; subject to approval from the Course Director and Programme Director.

Not offered in 2025:
COMPSYS 727 Model-based Embedded Systems Design (15 points)
SOFTENG 750 Software Development Methodologies (15 points)
SOFTENG 702 Advanced Human Computer Interaction (15 points)
SOFTENG 762 Robotics Process Automation (15 points)

Master of Engineering
This degree aims to provide a research-focused learning environment in which you can develop your independent problem-solving skills through supervised research. The programme is offered in two options to suit the existing qualifications and experience of candidates. This degree may be awarded with Honours and you may be able to progress to the PhD.

120-point option:
SOFTENG 796A/B Research Thesis (120 points)

180-point option:
SOFTENG 796A/B Research Thesis (120 points)

Electives:
For the 180-point research degree you will also select 60-points elective courses; excluding research project (see above).
 

For general student enquiries, please contact the Student Hubs. 

If you would like further academic information, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.