BEng(SE) is the first and only undergraduate software engineering programme in Hong Kong, designed to provide a professional, high-quality education to those of you wishing to pursue a career in this rapidly developing field.

Software development is something of a paradox. On one hand, IT has changed our world dramatically in a short space of time. We rely on computer-based systems in virtually every aspect of our personal and commercial lives. Your mobile telephone, for example, contains millions of lines of code.

On the other hand, the software in these systems has seldom been produced in the systematic, disciplined and quantifiable manner we usually associate with good engineering practice. Software fails too often and, as we are increasingly reliant on our systems, the effects of failures are becoming more and more disruptive. We have seen a number of high profile failures in recent years in Hong Kong as well as in the rest of the world, such as during the opening of our new airport.

The BEng(SE) programme addresses these issues. You will receive a core education in computer science along with a high degree of specialization in software engineering. In addition, you will receive workshop training and industrial training in the summer vacations. (An optional 12-14 month work-study (sandwich) programme is also available.) You are also required to complete two substantial group projects: a system integration project in the second year and a larger software engineering project in the final year.

Hong Kong, and the world in general, is in desperate need of well-trained software engineers to sustain the IT revolution. The goal of this programme is to enable you to become such an individual.

JUPAS candidates must satisfy the following in addition to the University entrance requirements:

Grade E or above in

• AL Pure Mathematics;
• 1 AL science subject from the following: Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Studies, Engineering Science, Physics; and
• 1 additional AL subject or 2 AS subjects.

The goal of the programme is to produce quality, world-class graduates in software engineering. As the economy becomes increasingly knowledge-based, we anticipate a great demand for such graduates. As the demand for large-scale, mission-critical software grows, so will the opportunities for those specifically qualified to produce and manage such systems. This demand will not be merely local; countries throughout the world are witnessing similar trends. Wherever quality systems are needed, whether in industry, commerce or government, graduates are expected to be highly sought-after. There are also excellent opportunities for postgraduate study in the field.

Our graduates will be recognized by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers as professional engineers after relevant training and experience. They will be among the first formally trained software engineering professionals in the region.