Software Development Major - Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences

In the Software Development major in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences you develop the skills to design and develop new and existing software solutions using common development tools.

Demand for new technology is constantly increasing. Technological solutions could lead to advances in areas as diverse as biomedicine, communications, business and entertainment. Software developers play a role in those advances. This major prepares you for these diverse and exciting roles.

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This is part of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences.

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You design and develop secure software and use the latest technologies including modern programming languages, operating systems, networks, distributed computing systems, databases and modelling. You also carry out quality assurance tasks.

Year 1

You’ll study six core courses that cover foundational computing knowledge, as well as a course on programming, covering the processes of program design and implementation using object-oriented programming.

You study the following courses:

Core courses

Software development course

You also take the first course for your second major, minor or elective courses.

Year 2

Courses include software development practice, program design and construction, data structures, operating systems, and algorithms.

You study the following courses:

Software development courses

You also continue to take courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 3

This year you complete courses related to human computer interaction, issues in software engineering, distributed and mobile systems, and web development.

You study the following courses:

Software development courses

You also take the final courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Study planner for this programme

Download our study planner to see what your studies could look like in the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences.

Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences study planner

Workplace experience in the Software Development major

The Research and Development Project course in your final year brings together the skills you’ve developed throughout your degree. You apply what you’ve learnt throughout your studies in a project for an industry client or research centre, under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

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Build your degree

Use our online tool to build your own degree and see what your three years of study could look like.

Build your degreeBuild your degreehttps://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/engineering-computer-and-mathematical-sciences/courses/bachelor-of-computer-and-information-sciences/software-development-major

  • Computer programmer
  • Mobile/app developer
  • Software developer, engineer or tester
  • Systems analyst or architect
  • Technology consultant
  • Web developer
  • Project manager
Software-Development-Computer-Science-A4_Page_1.jpg

Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

A future in Software Development

Key features
  • High demand for software development skills
  • Exciting pace of innovation and change
  • A major research project for an industry organisation or research centre
  • Option to include subjects from across AUT in your degree
See yourself as
  • Interested in IT and innovation
  • Logical
  • A planner
  • Careful and meticulous
  • Technically innovative
Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele
Nikkolas Diehl
Nghia Pham
Ashley Groves
Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele
Great graduatesNamulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa LafaeleDirector, Fibre FaleBachelor of Computer and Information SciencesTechnology is for people, says computing alumna Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele who was named Young New Zealander of the Year 2025.Technology is for people, says computing alumna Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele who was named Young New Zealander of the Year 2025.
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Nikkolas Diehl
Great graduatesNikkolas DiehlIntermediate Software Developer, MasterspecBachelor of Computer and Information SciencesEvery day is a fun learning experience, says Nikkolas Diehl who now works at Masterspec, New Zealand's leading provider of digital construction information.Every day is a fun learning experience, says Nikkolas Diehl who now works at Masterspec, New Zealand's leading provider of digital construction information.
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Nghia Pham
Great graduatesNghia PhamBachelor of Computer and Information SciencesThe teaching team is one of the highlights of his studies, says Nghia Pham who came to AUT as an international student from Vietnam to study computing.The teaching team is one of the highlights of his studies, says Nghia Pham who came to AUT as an international student from Vietnam to study computing.
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Ashley Groves
Great graduatesAshley GrovesEnd-User Computing (EUC) Analyst, FletcherTech, Fletcher BuildingBachelor of Computer and Information SciencesWhat she loves most about her role is connecting with others and represent the business in meaningful ways, says Ashley Groves who works at Fletcher Building.What she loves most about her role is connecting with others and represent the business in meaningful ways, says Ashley Groves who works at Fletcher Building.
Read full story
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The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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