How to become a software engineer
Design, develop and produce complex computer software systems.
Pathways to this career
Complete a undergraduate degree in a related field such as computer sciences or software engineering.
Boost hands-on experience and ensure your resume pops with internships and work experience in the field.
Practice makes perfect, so explore your skills and expand your portfolio with side projects.
Join online communities (or start one) dedicated to software engineering and development.
What does a software engineer do?
Software engineers work on the entire computing system and lifecycle including back-end systems. They play an important role in DevOps practises by collaborating with designers and project managers, research, code reviews, testing and programming.
Tasks and duties
Provide advice, guidance and expertise in DevOps by creating strategies and proposals for purchases and upgrades.
Collaborate with with designers, data scientists, and project managers to create user-focused applications.
Research, design and analyse system programs and clients' needs.
Write and maintain program code to ensure it meets system requirements and meets industry standards and best practice.
Write and develop computer programs in order to locate, retrieve, and store specific data, information, or documents.
Test code and identify bugs to be fixed to ensure programs and applications perform to specification.
Leverage expertise to provide advice and guidance to implement new software and update existing software.
Write and maintain technical and end-user documentation and operational procedures.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover online software development degrees
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateUNE-BIT-DEG
Adapt and innovate as an IT specialist
Learn about programming, software development, cybersecurity, database management and more. Specialise with a major and meet industry demand in evolving areas. Graduates from this online IT course are future-fit and ready for roles across many sectors.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology with a Major in Software Technology
UndergraduateSWI-CTS-DEG
Build practical IT capabilities and specialise in software
Focus on software, from programming to usability and security. You’ll cover web and mobile development using in-demand languages. Get work-ready with professional skills including project management. Step into well-paid and stable work in IT.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateADU-INT-DEG
A generalist IT degree that lets you shape your career
Build a solid IT foundation – and a platform for new roles as they emerge. You’ll learn programming, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Build real projects. Solve real problems. Graduate ready to design secure and scalable solutions across industries.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Business
UndergraduateSCU-ITB-DEG
A double degree in IT and business
Combine tech and business skills to unlock careers from software development to international business. You’ll learn how technology is crucial for business success. Focus your double degree with majors including cybersecurity, UX, and marketing.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Discover online software development subjects
UndergraduateLTU-CSE1PE
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 17 Nov 2025, 2 Mar 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 2 Nov 2026
Intelligent and Secure Web Development
UndergraduateTAS-KIT214
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 6 Jul 2026
UndergraduateRMI-CPT373
- Study method
- 100% online
Mobile Applications Development
UndergraduateMUR-ICT376
- Study method
- 100% online
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