Software Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) (Honours) – RMIT

B.E. (Computer Science) – BITS

Overview

In this dual degree program Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) (Honours) by RMIT University and B.E. Computer Science Programme by BITS, Pilani, you will study theoretical and practical aspects of computer science to gain in depth knowledge of engineering methodologies and practices to the design, development, and maintenance of software and embedded systems.

This program also focuses on technology management and engineering project management.

After completion of this dual degree program you will be qualified for many mid-level positions in software development as well as for jobs in related fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, and cyber-security. You can apply for positions in the internet, communications, healthcare, IT services and gaming industries. You can also work on embedded system projects to develop code or software programs for microprocessors and micro-controllers used in a wide range of modern equipment and applications. This type of software is used in virtually every industry, including home appliances, medicine and aeronautics.

Professionals who are new to the field often start out as programmers and work their way up to positions of greater responsibility, including as a software architect or project manager. Even at the entry level, employers may specify that applicants should be knowledgeable about all stages of project work. Employers may be educational companies, publishers, credit unions, or even search engine giants. Companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft hire strong candidates at the bachelor’s level for a range of positions. In addition, the skills and knowledge in embedded systems and digital hardware are essential for employment as a software engineer in many industries beyond IT sector. These industries include, but are not limited to, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, civil, electronics, computing, manufacturing, resource, defence, and primary industries. Projects and internships will give you opportunities to solve real-world problems and often lead to job offers after graduation.

Why study this joint program in Software Engineering?

RMIT University is ranked 123rd in the world (QS World Universities Ranking 2025)

An active approach is taken to learning, with activities and experiences designed to foster your development as an independent learner so you will be able to extend your capabilities once you graduate. The teaching methods may include lectorials, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical and laboratory sessions, site visits and provision of online materials.

BITS Pilani is ranked as the #1 technical institute in the non-government category by India Today, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Notably, BITS Pilani has produced over 800 startups, including 14 unicorns and one decacorn. The Computer Science & Information Systems (CSIS) Department at BITS Pilani, established in 1971, is one of the earliest in the country. The department is renowned for its strong academic and entrepreneurial culture, with many students joining tech giant companies, pursuing higher studies at top-ranked universities, or starting their own successful ventures. The curriculum is continuously bench-marked against global standards, ensuring competitiveness and relevance.

The CSIS department at BITS Pilani showcases remarkable research strength, with faculty holding PhDs from prestigious institutions like IITs, IISc, and renowned international universities. Key research areas of focus include AI/ML, quantum computing & communication, cyber security & cryptography, high performance computing, robotics, multimedia, blockchain, computer networks, and theoretical computer science. The department hosts fully equipped research labs, focusing on advanced technology solutions for various sectors. It has secured significant research grants from various national and international agencies of repute, as well as corporate giants like Microsoft, IBM, and CISCO.

Prepare for your career

Graduate job-ready with local or international industry placements and other work-integrated learning experiences in both countries.

Hands-on learning experiences

Throughout your study your study will be largely laboratory-based, where you’ll conduct experiments and design your own solutions for various industry relevant projects.

World-class education

Learn from passionate, supportive and experienced academics and industry professionals, using innovative learning and teaching approaches.

Program learning outcomes

BITS program learning outcomes

The overall learning objective of the BITS Pilani Computer Science program is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of software engineering principles and practices. Through a robust curriculum that covers core sciences, mathematics, and advanced computing topics, students will gain proficiency in programming, data structures, algorithms, digital design, and database systems. The program also emphasises practical skills through hands-on labs and project-based learning, fostering innovation and problem-solving abilities. Graduates will be prepared for diverse career paths, including roles in leading tech companies, higher studies at top institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures, with a strong foundation in ethical and sustainable engineering practices.

The following are some of the specific learning objectives of the program:

Program Learning Outcome 1: Develop a solid understanding of fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics, mathematics essential to solve complex engineering problems.
Program Learning Outcome 2: Acquire foundational knowledge in principles of logic in computer science and discrete structures, electrical sciences, thermodynamics, and systems engineering to understand and apply engineering principles in various contexts.
Program Learning Outcome 3: Develop skills in computer programming, object-oriented programming, compiler construction, database systems, and digital design to create efficient software and hardware solutions.
Program Learning Outcome 4: Gain in-depth knowledge in microprocessors, interfacing, and digital fundamentals, crucial for designing and implementing embedded systems.
Program Learning Outcome 5: Enhance technical writing and communication skills to articulate complex technical information clearly and effectively, while developing a broad understanding of economic and management principles to manage projects and teams efficiently in a professional setting.
Program Learning Outcome 6: Foster an understanding of environmental and sustainable systems engineering to address global engineering challenges responsibly, and cultivate a sense of professional ethics and awareness of the social impact of engineering solutions.

RMIT program learning outcomes

Upon completion of the BH120BIT plan you will have made progress towards the following learning outcomes for RMIT’s Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) (Honours).

Upon completion of the BH120CY Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) (Honours), you will have achieved the following Program Learning Outcomes:

Program Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and knowledge of fundamental engineering and scientific theories, principles and concepts and apply advanced technical knowledge in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering.
Program Learning Outcome 2: Utilise mathematics and engineering fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to design engineering systems for complex engineering challenges.
Program Learning Outcome 3: Apply engineering research principles, methods and contemporary technologies and practices to plan and execute projects taking into account ethical, environmental and global impacts.
Program Learning Outcome 4: Apply systematic problem solving, design methods and information and project management to propose and implement creative and sustainable solutions with intellectual independence and cultural sensitivity.
Program Learning Outcome 5: Communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse audiences, employing a range of communication methods, practising professional and ethical conduct.
Program Learning Outcome 6: Develop and demonstrate the capacity for autonomy, agility and reflection of own learning, career and professional development and conduct.
Program Learning Outcome 7: Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member in diverse, multi level, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to First Nations people and globally inclusive perspectives and participation.

Overview of the program structure

This joint program requires that students separately and simultaneously qualify the program completion requirements for both BITS and RMIT programs. The academy students will complete their first two years of study in India. In addition to the BITS Pilani curriculum, a small number of RMIT courses will be offered in the first two years of study.

After successful completion of the first two years of study, the academy students will transfer to Melbourne campus and complete a further 2 years study and complete both qualifications. Courses completed at BITS, Pilani will be recognised for credits towards the completion of the RMIT’s Bachelor of engineering (software engineering) (Honours) degree and vice versa, the completion of prescribed RMIT courses in the final two years will be recognised for requirements of the BITS Pilani a B.E. computer science programme.

Details of Year 1 and 2 (Taught at BITS, India)

In the first two years of the program at BITS Pilani, you will build a robust foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering. You will delve into core subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced mathematics. The program also introduces you to essential engineering principles, electrical sciences, and workshop practice. You will gain proficiency in fundamental aspects of computer science, including programming, data structures and algorithms, digital design, microprocessors, database systems, and logic in computer science. This comprehensive curriculum ensures you are well-prepared for advanced studies and practical applications in software engineering.

Subject area	Code	Course title	Credit points	Course owning university
Year 1
BIO	F110	Biology laboratory	1	BITS Pilani
BIO	F111	General biology	3	BITS Pilani
CHEM	F110	Chemistry laboratory	1	BITS Pilani
CHEM	F111	General chemistry	3	BITS Pilani
MATH	F111	Mathematics I	3	BITS Pilani
PHY	F110	Physics laboratory	1	BITS Pilani
PHY	F111	Mechanics, oscillations and waves	3	BITS Pilani
OENG	1277	Introduction to engineering Design	12	RMIT university
MATH	F112	Mathematics II	3	BITS Pilani
ME	F112	Workshop practice	2	BITS Pilani
EEE	F111	Electrical sciences	3	BITS Pilani
BITS	F112	Technical report writing	2	BITS Pilani
MATH	F113	Probability and statistics	3	BITS Pilani
BITS	F111	Thermodynamics	3	BITS Pilani
CS	F111	Computer programming	4	BITS Pilani
Summer School
		Humanities elective 1	3
		Humanities elective 2	3

Subject area	Code	Course title	Credit points	Course owning university
Year 2
MIET	2562	Systems engineering principles	12	RMIT university
CIVE	1266	Introduction to environmental and sustainable systems engineering	12	RMIT university
MATH	F211	Mathematics III	3	BITS Pilani
CS	CS F362	Programming language and compiler construction	4	BITS Pilani
CS	F214	Logic in computer science	4	BITS Pilani
CS	F222	Discrete structures for comp science	3	BITS Pilani
CS	F213	Object oriented programming	4	BITS Pilani
CS	F215	Digital design	4	BITS Pilani
ECON Or MGTS	F211/F211	Principles of economics Or Principles of management	3	BITS Pilani
CS	F241	Microprocessors and interfacing	4	BITS Pilani
CS	F212	Database systems	4	BITS Pilani
IS	F341	Software engineering		BITS Pilani
OENG	1278	Digital fundamentals	12	RMIT university

Details of Year 3 and 4 (Taught at RMIT University, Australia)

You must complete a further 192 credit points of study in Melbourne, Australia to meet the full requirements of the RMIT Bachelor of Engineering (Software engineering) (Honours) degree. In Melbourne, your program structure currently is as follows for years 3 & 4:

In year 3 you will consolidate your learning from years 1 and 2 and further develop your knowledge and understanding of software engineering.

In year 4 you will be provided with a capstone experience in the following courses -OENG1167 engineering capstone project part A and OENG1168 engineering capstone project part B- in which you will conduct a research project that can be analytical, experimental, design or computational in nature (or some combination). The capstone experience will give you the opportunity to integrate, critically reflect on and consolidate what you have learnt in your program

While most courses in the program are delivered on campus at RMIT Australia, other courses will be delivered via a combination of predominantly online activities supported by some campus-based activities.

Subject area	Code	Course title	Credit points	Course owning university
EEET	2096	Embedded system design and implementation	12	RMIT university
EEET	2261	Computer architecture and organisation	12	RMIT university
EEET	2368	Network fundamentals and applications	12	RMIT university
ISYS	3459	Systems architecture and design	12	RMIT university
EEET	2250	Software engineering design	12	RMIT university
COSC	2758	Full stack development	12	RMIT university
COSC	2123	Algorithms and analysis	12	RMIT university
		Student elective	12	RMIT university

Subject area	Code	Course title	Credit points	Course owning university
OENG	1167	Engineering capstone project part A	12	RMIT university
COSC	1114	Operating systems principles	12	RMIT university
OENG	1168	Engineering capstone project part B	12	RMIT university
ISYS	1087	Software testing	12	RMIT university
COSC	1107	Computing theory	12	RMIT university
COSC	2299	Software engineering: process and tools	12	RMIT university
EEET	2145	Embedded systems: operating systems and interfacing	12	RMIT university
OENG	1198 Or	Professional engineering experience Or Student elective	12	RMIT university

Program details

Upon successful completion of the first 2 years of your study in BITS; you will have 192 credit points transferred into the Melbourne plan of BH120CY bachelor of engineering (software engineering) (honours). These 192 credit points are made up of:

144 credit points for the courses delivered by BITS.
48 credit points for the four courses delivered by RMIT.

Upon successful completion of the final 2 years of your study in RMIT you will receive 4 semesters of credit into the BITS award.

More information can be found on the RMIT University Credit Policy page.

The Bachelor of Engineering (software engineering) (honours) does not yet have accreditation by engineers Australia. Accreditation will be sought for this program as soon as it is feasible to do so within the accreditation timelines set by engineers Australia. Once fully accredited, graduates of the program will be eligible for graduate membership of engineers Australia.

The Bachelor of Engineering (software engineering) (honours) program has an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). Membership is diverse and drawn from external industry and professional institutions. These committees help inform program development and ensure that program content and student learning outcomes remain closely aligned with the needs of future employers. In addition, academic staff maintain connections with industry to develop and deliver work integrated learning experiences as well as offer advice on professional careers.

To be eligible for entry to the Academy program you must meet the academic, pre-requisite and English requirements of both RMIT and BITS Pilani.

BITS

Candidates should have passed the 12th examination of 10+2 system from a recognised Central or State board or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) and adequate proficiency in English.

Admission to all the programmes is subject to the conditions given below:

The candidate should have obtained a minimum of aggregate 75% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects (if he/she has taken Mathematics in BITSAT) or a minimum of aggregate 75% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects (if he/she has taken Biology in BITSAT) subjects in 12th examination, with at least 60% marks in each of the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics / Biology subjects.
The academic requirements will include your results from the BITSAT test.

RMIT

Applicants must achieve the following results in your high school studies:

Successful completion of the All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) with minimum average of 65%* or;
Successful completion of the Indian School Certificate (ISC) with minimum average of 65%* or;
Successful completion of the State Boards of Education (Higher secondary certificate, HSC) with minimum average of 70%*

*Overall average for graded academic subjects, excluding work experience & physical & health education, art, religious and general studies.

For other qualifications, please the RMIT University India country equivalency page.

To meet the pre-requisite requirement you must complete Mathematics/ HSC Mathematics with a minimum grade of 60% in your AISSC, ISC, State Board HSC studies. Other qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To meet the English requirement you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet based test – IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson test of english (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge english: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by the Academy, including validity periods, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Your application will also be assessed under the simplified student visa framework (SSVF) to ensure a smooth transition when it comes time to transfer to Australia. For more details please refer to our Apply for a visa information page.

Students are required to apply for an Australian student visa at the end of Year 2 at BITS, India. It is important to note that students must meet the student visa requirements.

Tuition fees in years one and two of the dual degrees are payable to BITS Pilani.

Annual tuition fees for students commencing 2024 are:

Year 1 (2024): INR 795,000 per student per annum^

Year 2 (2025): INR 834,500 per student per annum^

Other additional non-tuition fees can be found on the BITS admission website.

For courses undertaken in Melbourne in years 3 and 4, students pay standard international students fees for the programs.

Year 3 (2026): AUD 43,200 (2024 rate)#

Year 4 (2027): AUD 43,200 (2024 rate)#

# RMIT may adjust tuition fees at the beginning of each calendar year. RMIT may increase tuition fees by no more than 7.5% each calendar year (subject to rounding).

Information regarding other costs such as amenities fees, Overseas health insurance and costs of living can be found on the RMIT Australia program guide for Bachelor of engineering (software engineering)

Refunds policy

Please review the Academy refund policy in conjunction with the above fees.

Future Leaders Scholarship

BITS-RMIT Higher education academy students are eligible for the the RMIT future leadership scholarship for components of the program delivered at RMIT Australia.

The scholarship value is a 20% tuition fee reduction for the program duration outlined on your offer letter for courses delivered at RMIT in Melbourne.

Further information

Future Leaders Scholarships

Other information

Inherent requirements

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable learning service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

understand more about the program
determine if you may need support during your studies
make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable learning service.

The University considers the well-being and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

The Student welfare division of BITS is dedicated to the welfare of on campus students. We encourage a student’s overall development, whether academics or beyond academics, within the framework of the campus rules. Student can contact our office for any help related to your campus stay.

Further information: Student welfare division

Further studies

After completing the Computer science and software engineering program at BITS, graduates will become eligible to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in computer science and related fields, including interdisciplinary research, at prestigious institutions across the globe. This opens up opportunities for advanced studies and research in renowned universities, subject to each program’s entry requirements.

Pathways refer to related programs for which you may be eligible once you have graduated from your current program. As a successful graduate of the BH120 Bachelor of Engineering (software engineering) (honours) in Australia, you may (upon application) be eligible to proceed to a coursework Masters degree or even to a research degree including Masters by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Acceptance into these programs would be subject to each program’s entry requirements.