When I decided I wanted to study Computer Science at Sydney University, I was torn between whether to study Software Engineering or Advanced Computing. Choosing a university degree and then a study major can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to tech.
Both Software Engineering and Advanced Computing are strong courses and are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the tech industry. However, there are some key differences between the two courses that students should consider before making a decision.
Starting my third year of university now, I have been enrolled in both and believe I can offer three easy-to-digest insights into which might be the best choice for you;
1. PEP differences
PEP (Professional Engagement Program) is required in most Sydney University engineering undergrad degrees including Software Engineering, however it’s not required in Advanced Computing.
PEP requires students to complete and log a minimum 600 hours of in-curricular and extra-curricular activities during their degree. While this requirement motivates students to get into the industry and build valuable skills, its time and commitment requirements can also be quite taxing (especially for counting as zero credit points).
I personally found this requirement to be draining, on top of the 10 classes that are required to be taken in the first year of a Software Engineering degree. But this requirement does also motivate you to venture into the industry early, potentially giving you a headstart.
Advanced Computing has no PEP requirement, saving you a lot of hours, but it also leaves you accountable for getting work experience. Students should take this commitment, but also its consequences into account when choosing their degree.
2. Workload differences
Before starting university, I couldn't clearly tell the difference between the two degrees at first glance, but I wanted to take the more “creative” and “applied” pathway rather than the “theoretical” and maths-intensive one.
Without being too familiar with the Sydney University website and CUSP (Course and Unit of Study Portal), I read that Software Engineering was a degree for “creative and analytical thinkers” and Advanced Computing was one to develop “practical and theoretical skills”.
With this in mind, I decided to enrol in Software Engineering, as I thought it would offer me a more practical and creative course with a focus on teamwork and coding. My first year in Software Engineering was heavy, taking 10 classes plus PEP requirements, 4 of which were maths classes.
The first year of Advanced Computing on the other hand, only requires 8 classes, of which 3 are maths, and again no PEP.
Overall, I think Advanced Computing has a lighter workload, but students should refer to CUSP, where they can see a breakdown of each degree and what units are recommended to be taken in each year.
3. More diverse electives
After my first year of Software Engineering, I looked at my degree plan and noticed there was more maths, and of the very few electives I could take, they had to be Software Engineering related.
Advanced Computing on the other hand, offered more electives, even better, they don’t have to be related to Computer Science at all.
For me, this was desirable, as I have passions outside of Computer Science that I wanted to follow, and in my opinion it's healthy to get a break from the intensity of Computer Science classes with a fun elective.
I’m taking an Introductory film class!
After doing 1.5 years, I transferred from Software Engineering to Advanced Computing.
I am now in my third year. I’m taking an Introductory Film class along with 3 computer science classes, which is a really refreshing balance.
It was an easy transfer
While the two degrees offer different university experiences and workloads to students, the first two years look very similar.
After being in Software Engineering for 1.5 years, I had no issue transferring to Advanced Computing, and only found myself being two classes behind. This goes both ways, and I’m sure a student going to Advanced Computing to Software Engineering would have very little struggles.
This goes to show that while it's an important decision, it is okay to not make the right choice the first time around.
My key takeaways…
The decision whether to study Software Engineering or Advanced Computing at Sydney Uni is an important one, but one that doesn't have to be final and should not cause you overwhelming stress.
University is about trying new things, taking risks, and failing every once and a while.
In my opinion, Advanced Computing can allow you to expand your skill set and horizons outside of your degree, with more class flexibility and a more forgiving workload.
However, some might find the content and concrete structure of Software Engineering more up their alley, and the PEP requirement to be motivating and beneficial for the future.
Either way, the two degrees often lead to the same job outcome and there is flexibility to move between the two. I hope my experiences and these insights help those who are confronting this decision, as it's best made knowing as much as possible.
About the author: Quinn
Quinn is a third year student enrolled at Sydney University, studying a Bachelor of Advanced Computing. After finishing uni, Quinn intends to get a job in the tech industry, hopefully in app or web development.
Quinn says; “One reason I enjoy Software Engineering is because it can relate to my passions outside of university, like creating and playing music. Music production software plays a huge part in the current music industry, and I enjoy using and creating with it”.
Quinn says; “One reason I enjoy Software Engineering is because it can relate to my passions outside of university, like creating and playing music. Music production software plays a huge part in the current music industry, and I enjoy using and creating with it”.