Bachelor of Computing, role specialisation in Software Test Engineer
Software Test Engineers ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of software systems through structured testing processes, tools, and methodologies.
Students may graduate with a Role Specialisation recorded on their academic transcript, reflecting their chosen career pathway and demonstrated competencies.
Specialisation Overview
Software Test Engineers apply structured approaches to software testing, including test planning, execution, and reporting. They use tools and techniques to verify and validate software systems and ensure they meet quality and dependability standards.
Learning Outcomes
Students undertaking this role specialisation will:
Understand and explain the key concepts and principles of software testing.
Select and apply effective testing techniques and tools for verifying medium and large-scale software systems.
Select and apply measures and models to evaluate the quality and dependability of a software system.
Identify and respond to issues associated with test management and apply appropriate tools and approaches.
Understand and apply ethical responsibilities in software testing environments.
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Industry events and networking opportunities
- Career resources and professional development
- Webinars, technical content, and learning resources
- Access to the ACS member community
Industry Alignment
This role aligns with the following ANZSCO classifications:
Software Tester
(261314)
Penetration Tester
(261317)
ICT Systems Test Engineer
(263213)
ICT Support and Test Engineers
(263299)
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Computing is an innovative three-year (144 credit point) degree comprising three integrated streams that run in parallel throughout the program. Clear integration points exist between and across all streams, ensuring theory is consistently applied in practice.
Core Units Stream (72 credit points)
This stream provides the core conceptual knowledge required for the degree and ensures all students develop the fundamental skills expected of computing graduates.
Students complete 18 core units (4cp each) across the program, covering foundational computing, programming, systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Simulated Consultancy Stream (36 credit points)
This stream embeds students in a simulated professional IT consulting company throughout the degree.
Students progress through a structured sequence of roles:
Intern
Junior Consultant
Senior Consultant
Across each stage, students work on real-world consultancy projects, which—where possible—are sourced from industry clients. Projects require students to integrate theoretical knowledge from core units and apply it to practical, real-world problems.
Consultancy project work is supported by workshops and seminars focused on developing additional professional and workplace capabilities.
Career Pathways Stream (36 credit points)
The Career Pathways stream allows students to customise their degree while building industry-relevant knowledge and capabilities.
Modules in this stream are designed to:
Evolve rapidly
Reflect current industry practices and emerging technologies
Support specialisation in specific career areas
Students may also choose to undertake one or more industry certifications as part of this stream.
Role Specialisation
Students may graduate with a Role Specialisation recorded on their academic transcript.
This is achieved by demonstrating a defined set of competencies aligned to a specific industry role—such as:
Systems Analyst
DevOps Engineer
UX Designer
Competencies are developed and evidenced through targeted content in both the Simulated Consultancy and Career Pathways streams.
This provides employers with a clear, role-specific understanding of a graduate’s skills, experience, and workplace readiness.
More Information
Requirements
To be awarded the Software Test Engineer role specialisation, students must complete:
- Completion of COM212 Software Engineering Principles (4cp), COM231 Software Testing & Quality Assurance (4cp), and COM322 Full Stack Development
- Completion of at least 100 hours of work in Simulated Consultancy projects, in which a minimum of 4 of the above 5 learning outcomes are met
- Completion of 300 hours of career pathways modules on skills and knowledge for software testing which can include up to 50 hours of relevant enabling foundational knowledge (e.g., Git for version control) and a minimum of 250 hours of specialist software test engineering skills and knowledge. The latter is expected to include at least 1 industry certification program specifically on software testing.
Assessment of Outcomes
Students must have completed the required 100 hours of simulated consultancy work on a specific software testing role within a project. To verify learning outcomes, students must have successfully claimed at least 4 of the SFIAv9 listed below in their e-portfolio. At least 2 skills must be assessed at SFIA level 3 (Apply) or higher and the remaining skills may be assessed at SFIA level 2 (Assist).
SFIAv9 Skills for Software Test Engineer | ||
Category | Skill Name | Skill Code |
Systems development | Functional testing | TEST |
| Non-functional testing | NFTS |
| Process testing | PRTS |
| User Experience Evaluation | USEV |
| Satfety Assessment | SFAS |
Governance, Risk & Compliance | Quality management | QUMG |
| Quality assurance | QUAS |
Security Services | Penetration testing | PENT |
Change Analysis | User acceptance testing | BPTS |
Prerequisites / Assumed Knowledge
None
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Computing is based on applicants meeting the academic and English language requirements outlined below. All applications are assessed in line with SPI’s admissions policies and procedures.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have completed one of the following:
Australian Year 12 (NSW HSC or equivalent national or international qualification); or
A Certificate IV (AQF Level 4) qualification or higher.
Applicants are expected to have studied Mathematics at a level equivalent to NSW HSC Mathematics (2 Unit)
English Language Proficiency
English as a First Language – Applicants must hold citizenship or long-term residency (minimum of 10 years) in an English-speaking country recognised by SPI and have completed secondary or higher education in that country.
English Not as a First Language – Applicants are required to provide a valid English proficiency certificate as proof of English language competency.
Academic Requirements
International applicants must have completed:
A secondary education qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12, or
A Certificate IV (AQF Level 4) qualification or higher.
Applicants are expected to have studied Mathematics at a level equivalent to NSW HSC Mathematics (2 Unit)
Additional Information
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at course commencement.
Admission is subject to assessment and meeting all entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.
Applicants who do not meet standard requirements may be considered under Special Consideration, subject to approval by the Academic Dean
English Language Proficiency
International applicants must meet one of the following English language requirements:
English Language Test Results
IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
PTE Academic: Overall 58, with no sub-score less than 50
TOEFL iBT: Overall 79, including minimum scores in each skill area
TOEFL PBT: Overall 550, including Writing 4.5
English test results must be valid and taken within three years prior to course commencement
For full admissions requirements please read the Student Admissions and Enrolment Policy and Bachelor of Computing Admissions Criteria. For SPI Inherent Course Requirements, please refer to the SPI Inherent Course Requirements.
How to Apply
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