Software Engineering Courses

Even though software engineering is a very complex field, there is a great scope in terms of gaining employment and getting an innovative job. As more and more companies are rebranding themselves to stay relevant by being tech-savvy, the need for trained and competent software engineers is growing. 

A software engineering course will help you gain expertise that will help you achieve knowledge and practical skills for becoming a competent IT professional. As the need for software development increases, the job of a software engineer entails the following:

• Programming: A website or an application requires a considerable amount of programming and coding because these codes will determine the output. As an engineer, you will be leading these programs.

• Expense: As a software engineer, you also need to keep track of the hardware development and pricing by developing budget-friendly software with great functionalities.

• Dynamics: The software world is very diverse and the dynamic nature of the client environment would require innovative programming from a software engineer.

• Adaptability: The lifespan of a software depends on its scalability. By making adaptable software, you as a software engineer will enable the device to stay updated and add essential features.

Being a software engineer is an excellent career choice for someone who excels at analytical and problem-solving skills while also having a knack for computer science and technology. Software engineers have an innate ability to solve problems, are effective at collaborating with others, and are committed to seeing problems through to completion. 

The software engineering course is perfect for people looking to advance their careers in the field of software development or for securing a job. Being a software engineer, you develop programs and software to ensure a smooth user experience and user interface. 

Software engineering is not just about software development or maintaining the current software environment. If you have the following soft skills, you can easily opt for a software engineering degree:

• You enjoy challenges and love to solve them

• You are a team player and can mingle well with other professionals

• You love to troubleshoot programs because you can identify the potential it has

A software engineering course is usually pursued after completing high school or 12th standard. Since it is an engineering course, one must appear in the joint entrance examination (JEE). There is no ideal time to pursue a software engineering course. In fact, anyone who wishes to gain better technical knowledge and add more computer skills to their resume can opt for a certification or diploma in software engineering.

Like any other course, software engineering is taught on different levels like undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate-level as Ph.D. 

Being an engineering degree, the software engineering course would require you to have prior knowledge of core subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer applications. You can also opt for a diploma course as well as an online certification. 

1. Full Time (1 Year, 2 Year Software Engineering, etc.)

The full-time software engineering course, as the name mentions, is taught as a regular degree course where you are required to attend classes that are counted in terms of credit hours. These credits are essential for graduating and getting the degree certification. The ideal degree is usually the Bachelor of Technology or B.Tech degree which is a four-year course. This is opted after passing class 12 and clearing the entrance examinations. 

Those interested in learning more about the fundamentals of software design might enroll in a diploma or postgraduate diploma program. In most cases, Diploma and PG Diploma courses last between one and two years.

The training will assist computer professionals in improving their skills in software design and maintenance. There are various post-graduation courses like M.Tech, MSc, or ME in software engineering. 

Diploma courses are also offered as full-time programs and these usually are two to three years programs. The diploma courses are generally more skill-oriented and are typically considered to be lesser than an undergraduate degree, but for working professionals, the diploma course is very useful.

2. Part-Time Software Engineering Course

The part-time software engineering course is offered on a longer duration basis and rightly so. Usually, when opting for the same credits as offered by the undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, the part-time course would take double the time in comparison to a regular course. 

The part-time course is preferred by professionals who have already completed their bachelor’s degree and want to complete a specialization course or opt for a Ph.D. degree. The reason is that Master's or Postgraduate Diploma courses usually take about 2 years on a full-time basis and hence, the maximum duration for the part-time program for the same will be about four years. 

3. One-Year Software Engineering Course

While there are no such specific software engineering courses that take about one year to complete, you can aim for getting online diploma courses or even crash courses.

Crash courses are ideal for trained engineers who have prior work experience but would need to have specific skills that would be better suited for the current job. These include learning a specific programming language or brushing up on coding skills.

4. Online Software Engineering Course

An online software engineering course is a certification course and takes about six months to be completed. These courses are primarily focused on developing more skills to improve your career prospects. However, nowadays, you can also opt for online bachelor’s degree programs.

You can even get degrees related to software engineering from various foreign universities, either by directly applying to the university website or through online education portals. The online software engineering degree has about 116 to 126 credits to offer. 

• Cost-effective: The first and foremost benefit of opting for an online software engineering course is that it is budget-friendly. Usually, the tuition fee is very high as it includes various factors like classroom utilities, stationeries, the need for providing technical support, and other insurance-related costs. But, when it comes to online classes and degrees, the cost is just for the time the teacher is giving to teach. You are not required to travel nor are you required to pay accommodation fees.
• Adjustable schedule: Often, people cannot opt for undergraduate degrees right after graduating from high school. Looking for a job and earning becomes a priority. They can always opt for a bachelor's degree in software engineering via online classes. These classes are not rigid in terms of the time you will sit down with your coursework. This flexibility enables you to work and study without compromising on quality.
• More subject options: When opting for an online degree to improve career perspectives, you can do so by choosing a course that offers curated programs. If you want to specialise in application development or cyber security, you can do so by choosing EPGP or Executive Post Graduate Programmes.
• Better job opportunities: Contrary to popular belief, opting for an online degree doesn’t limit your job opportunities. Rather, having an online degree amplifies your job options and works as a testimony of your professional expertise, dedication, and hard work.

The admission process for a software engineering course has eligibility criteria and some prerequisites. While these rules and conditions might differ based on the type of degree and college or university you are opting for, they all roughly remain the same across the country. 

Skill Required for Software Engineering Course

The essential skills that are required to become a software engineer are:

• Writing technical documentation with precision so that it could be understood at all levels.

• Analyzing the requirements of the business.

• Checking the existing architecture and database of the company and providing support.

• Having the ability to work with programming languages and tools that includes JavaScript, Python, Linux/Unix, Shell, Perl, Java, Ruby, PHP, Hands-On SQL, Microsoft ASP.NET MVC, Web API, Node.js.
  

• Having experience in working with source code. This also includes the ability to work on the version repository of the code.

• Having strong knowledge of the various toolkits that are used for building software.

• Having a working knowledge of frameworks and user interfaces.

• Providing support to complex systems and software deployments.

• Supporting other team members and engineers with their work on the software architecture or coding.

• Providing proper communication, either verbally or in writing, to both sides of the product development and deployment teams.

• Knowing everything about software, data structures, and operating systems like the back of one’s hand.

• Creating design concepts and entity-relationship diagrams or ERDs from the requirements charted by clients.

• Troubleshooting and debugging the software throughout its lifecycle.

Eligibility

The postgraduate degree requires you to successfully complete the undergraduate degree with the prerequisite marks. There are entrance examinations like GATE or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering to secure a place in the master’s degree course.

The diploma courses too require you to pass state-level entrance examinations along with having a minimum of 60% marks in your higher secondary board examinations. 

Software Engineering Course Admission 2022

The admission process for the software engineering courses begins right after the higher secondary board examinations are conducted. The institutes that offer degrees and diplomas in software engineering have their own set of criteria for admission. Some institutes may ask students to appear in their entrance examinations while others accept the common entrance test or CET test results. The dates of these examinations are provided on the website portals of these entrance examinations. In case you are looking for the doctoral examinations, you need to sit for any one of the following tests:

• CSIR
• UGC NET
• ICMR
• ICAR
• DST INSPIRE

• JEE Mains: This test is conducted by National Testing Agency NTA. It is an online examination of a three-hour duration and the paper is of 360 marks.

• JEE Advanced: Previously known as IIT JEE, the JEE Advanced is the second part of the JEE Main exam. This too is a three-hour-long examination. 

• WBJEE: Conducted by the state of West Bengal, the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations (WBJEE) must be qualified by a student to take admission in the undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and Pharmacy. 

• BITSAT: Conducted by the BITS Pilani group, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is a national-level examination that is conducted for admission into the undergraduate courses for B.E., B.Pharm, or M.Sc.

The postgraduate or Master’s degree in software engineering can be opted once you have successfully completed your undergraduate degree course. To be eligible to sit in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), you need to secure about 60% in your B.Tech. 

Software Engineering Course without Entrance

Admission into the software engineering courses is offered only after you have successfully passed the national or state-level entrance examinations. You also need to secure good scores for pursuing a diploma degree. In case you opt for a certain specialization certification, you can study software engineering without an entrance examination. But, these certifications require you to already have a degree in software engineering.

The syllabus for the software engineering course depends on the type of degree you are opting for. For the Bachelor of Technology or B.Tech degree, you will need to study for eight semesters, and thus, your syllabus will include:

• Mathematics I

• Computer Literacy

• Physics

• Physics Laboratory

• Chemistry

• Chemistry Lab

• Basic Engineering I

• Workshop Practice

• Engineering Graphics

• Value Education

• Biology for Engineers

• Programming in C

• Engineering Graphics or Workshop Practice

• Mathematics II

• Material Science

• Basic Engineering II

• Digital Computer Fundamentals

• Data Structures and Algorithms Lab (C & C++)

• Mathematics III

• Computer Organisation and Architecture

• Data Structures and Algorithms

• Software Engineering Principles

• Object-Oriented Programming

• Probability and Queuing Theory

• Operating Systems Lab

• Operating Systems

• Computer Skills

• Microprocessors

• Software Architecture

• Software Design

• Comprehension I

• Discrete Mathematics

• Computer Networks

• Software Development Lab

• Software Project Management

• Networking Lab

• Software Testing

• Industrial Training I

• Theory of Computation

• Database Management Systems

• Principles of Compiler Design

• Software Testing Lab

• Software Metrics

• Software Component Lab

• Component-Based Technologies

• Elective I

• Comprehension II

• Internet Programming Lab

• Software Quality Management

• Industrial Training II

• Web Technology

Software Engineering Course Subjects

In order to become a software engineer, you need to have a good understanding of the following subjects:

• Application developer

• Cyber security analyst

• Game developer

• Information systems manager

• IT consultant

• Multimedia programmer

• Web developer

• Web designer

As a software engineer, you can aim to get a higher salary and be promoted to a higher position when you have certain specialisations. While software engineering is in itself a specialisation of computer science, universities and colleges now also offer specialisation in software engineering in the form of a postgraduate course. These specialisations are:

Modelling and Simulation: With modelling and simulation, you can understand how machines interact. Once you understand this, you can create models that will not only analyse but also predict the outcomes of certain decisions and patterns. Modelling and simulation are best suited for industries like information technology, business analysis, or bioinformatics.

Digital and Embedded Systems: In this field, a software engineer needs to think beyond traditional computing systems. You will work with software that is usually embedded in non-computer devices like automobiles, medical devices, or even aviation.

Game and Entertainment: As a game and entertainment developer, a software engineering student has to work on both the technical and the artistic aspects of a game. With the help of computer graphics, software engineering will play a vital role in developing virtual reality models and products.

Geographic Information Systems: The Geographic Information Systems or GIS will help a software engineering student to understand how to write, test, modify, and debug the systems that will aid with navigation. You will work with Maps and other navigation technologies that will help with analysing GIS data.

Network-centric Systems: With this specialisation, you can implement, maintain, and provide security to network systems. This course is best if you wish to design and analyse network architecture, multimedia networking, or even distributed systems.

Software Engineering in Cyber Security

As a branch of Information Technology, cybersecurity involves tackling data breaches, damage, cyber attacks and the challenges posed by hackers. Our society is more technologically dependent than it has ever been, and this tendency shows no signs of slowing. The importance of cybersecurity is therefore increasing with every passing hour. Companies dealing with big data and personal information invest heavily in protecting the data by hiring cyber security engineers who ensure data security. Some of the responsibilities of a cyber security engineer are:

• Evaluating, designing, implementing, maintaining, overseeing along with upgrading all security measures

• Responding to all security breaches to the network and associated systems

• Troubleshooting all network and security issues and incidents

• Conducting routine penetration testing

In order to gain expertise as a cyber security engineer, you need to have an undergraduate degree in computer engineering or related disciplines. You also need to be adept at using programming languages and tools like C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or PowerShell.

Software Engineering in Full Stack Software Development

A full-stack software developer is responsible for developing front-end and back-end technologies that cater to not only the server side but also to the client-side of the system. In the programming and computing world, a full-stack software developer is considered no less than a  jack of all trades. A full-stack software developer is responsible for handling third-party libraries, building prototypes, and also building databases. Having a specialisation in full-stack software development after completing a software engineering course can help you land leadership roles in top companies. Some of the important tasks that a full-stack software developer performs are:

Since practically all organisations use software, a job as a software engineer allows you to work in a variety of industries and professions. Whether you're interested in banking, entertainment, sports, real estate, or another field, software programmers are in high demand. Also, due to the rising reliance on mobile technology, venture capital-backed start-ups, the expanding complexity of technology, and developing industries, there is a lot of investment going into software engineering right now.

Hence, there appears to be no end to the demand for competent and qualified software engineers. It is estimated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that from 2020 to 2030, there will be an increase of 22% in the jobs in the software engineering sector. A changing economic landscape fuels this demand, which is bolstered by the need for technical solutions. With billions of physical devices connected to the internet and collecting and sharing data around the world, all sectors are rapidly becoming technology-driven industries.

Another reason behind this soaring demand is because the use of a software engineer is no longer restricted to just tech companies. With software-driven processes gaining popularity, all businesses that rely on websites and applications have a team of data scientists and software engineers to keep the application and data collection process running smoothly

As the software engineering course is a technical field, you need to have science and computer application as your class 12th subjects. Even if you have not opted for computer applications, you can always make up for this by learning programming languages along with pursuing your bachelor's degree.

If you wish to get a bachelor's degree in technology, you need to sit for and pass the joint entrance examinations or JEE to gain admission to colleges and universities teaching software engineering. For the post graduation degree, you need to complete your undergraduate degree with good marks and take the GATE test. The test is tough and you need to be very sincere to make it to the successful candidates' list. 

You can also opt for the bachelor of science or BSc degree in Computer Science. For this, most colleges only require a specific cut-off mark that you need to achieve in your 12th board examination.

1. Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Bombay

2. St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

3. Sardar Patel Institute of Technology

4. Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute - VJTI Mumbai

5. Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, TSEC Mumbai

2. Delhi

1. Indian Institute of Technology ,IIT Delhi
2. Delhi Technological University
3. National Institute of Technology, Delhi
4. Netaji Subhas University of Technology
5. Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology
   

3. Kolkata

Kolkata or Calcutta is another hub of quality education in India. The software engineering courses offered in the colleges in Kolkata are top-notch and the scope of getting a great job is also high. Some of the top software engineering colleges and universities in Kolkata are:

1. Jadavpur University

2. JIS University, Kolkata

3. Heritage Institute of Technology

4. University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata

5. Techno India, Kolkata

4. Chennai

Chennai is considered to be one of the top tech cities in the country. While the city is known for its rich heritage and filter coffee, Chennai is a hub for e-publishing companies and offers an annual 6% growth in the software industry. In fact, software engineers are highly paid here when compared to other cities. Some of the top software engineering colleges and universities in Chennai are:

1. Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Madras

2. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram

3. Shiv Nadar University, Chennai

4. Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, 

5. Rajalakshmi Engineering College

5. Bangalore

Bangalore is the IT and technology hub of the country. Startups and businesses have flourished in Bangalore. Being the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore has a plethora of opportunities for a software engineering graduate. You can get hired by Google, Infosys, or Amazon once you graduate and have the required skills. Some of the top colleges and universities for software engineering courses in Bangalore are:

1. Rajalakshmi Engineering College, RIT Bangalore

2. Visvesvaraya Technological University affiliate New Horizon College of Engineering

3. University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering Bangalore

4. RV University

5. PES University

6. Hyderabad

1. International Institute Of Information Technology - IIIT Hyderabad

2. Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Hyderabad

3. Woxsen University

4. Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management

5. Mahindra University

7. Ahmedabad

This beautiful city in the state of Gujarat is known for its textiles and cultural amalgamation. But, Ahmedabad is also developing to become another IT hub in the country. There is good competition in this city as many IT companies are set up here and proficient people are highly preferred. Some of the top colleges and universities offering a software engineering degree in Ahmedabad are:

1. Karnavati University

2. Institute of Technology, Nirma University

3. School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University

4. Vishwakarma Government Engineering College

5. Silver Oak University, Silver Oak College of Engineering & Technology

8. Pune

Developing to be the next IT hub of the country, Pune has pleasant weather and inexhaustible job opportunities that freshers and professionals cherish. Being close to Mumbai, the city not only boasts of having popular street food but also of the Marathi culture and traditions that are reflected in every nook. For a software engineer, there are many startups and flourishing tech companies to choose from. Some of the top colleges and universities for software engineering in Pune are:

1. College of Engineering, Pune

2. Indian Institute of Information Technology, Pune

3. MIT School of Engineering, MIT-ADT University

4. D.Y. Patil College of Engineering

While India does have some excellent colleges and universities that offer software engineering degrees, there is a limited amount of practical experience that students gain when compared to foreign universities. Here, we have jotted down some benefits of studying engineering abroad:

• A stronger resume: When you have a foreign university listed in your resume, you are automatically considered to be an expert in the field. This is because having a software engineering degree from a foreign university holds more power as you are trained to be more practical in terms of applying your knowledge than going by the book.

• More career options: Having a foreign degree opens more avenues as the curricula developed by foreign universities are more acceptable globally. This is primarily due to the credits and the duration of the colleges that align with each other. For example, foreign universities have a BEng or Bachelor of Engineering degree that teaches about 360 credit hours over three years. The same degree is taught as a Bachelor of Technology which takes four years to complete and the credits earned are less.
• A better understanding of the subject: Software engineering is generally taught as a practical subject rather than just based on theory. This makes students holding a foreign degree more capable of thinking out of the box. With this capability, students can climb the professional ladder quickly.
• Exposure to global culture: Studying abroad exposes students to the global culture. As software engineering is not limited to a specific geographic location in terms of catering to the needs of the software and the client, it is essential to be able to work with anyone without communication issues.

Another benefit of opting for a foreign degree is that they have pathway programs and summer school courses that work best in bridging educational gaps. These courses are also internationally recognized. Hence, if a student decided to work or pursue higher qualifications in America after studying in Spain or Germany, they can do so without any issues. Some of the best countries to study software engineering are:

• New Zealand - Known for its efficient educational system and placement rates. New Zealand also offers free tuition for one year provided you have stayed there for at least three years.

• Spain - Spain is a cultural pot where people meet and study with ease. Being a popular tourist spot, the practical application of software engineering is taught better as various challenges are posed.
• Norway - For students wanting to study and enjoy a quality living experience, Norway is the right place to be. Apart from having renowned educational institutions, Norway also offers greater employment opportunities.

The software industry developed late in the 1900s. While many foreign countries have made progress in harnessing the power of the software industry, India still lacks most of the practical skills that students from countries like the US or the UK learn as part of their education. There is a growing need for improving the educational quality that Indian colleges and universities offer to the students, given the fast-paced escalation in demand of software engineers.

Software engineering has a wide range of specialization-based jobs and the country is seeing a hike in professionals opting for either mobile software courses or java app development courses to further their career chances. The pandemic has played a vital role in this shift. With companies embracing complete digital work models, hiring in-house software engineers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers are the best option available.

Coming to the future of software engineering in India, Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella has emphasised the importance of software engineering, especially cyber security, for Indian businesses and the revenue they can generate by correctly harnessing the power of innovative technology.

The salary for a software engineer is considered to be higher than other engineering degrees. The scope of work that the company requires is the major factor that determines the initial salary for any software engineer. In general, a freshly graduated software engineer can expect to make about INR 5.4 lakhs per annum. When specialisation in designated areas is considered, the salaries vary greatly.

Being a software engineer who graduated from a foreign university, you can expect to make higher earnings internationally when compared to the Indian graduates. This is primarily because a foreign degree is more internationally accepted and the course curricula are curated to highlight practical approaches. The median salary for an entry-level software engineer is around $77,710 per annum. This is roughly equivalent to INR 60 lakhs per annum.

For more information on software developer salaries abroad, visit our software developer salary abroad page.