SWEN30006 Software Modelling and Design
University of Melbourne · Level 3 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
- 40% group work
Is SWEN30006 hard?
SWEN30006: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 60%, You must pass the exam on its own, 1 other hurdle task. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
Analysing requirements and modelling software designs with UML diagrams and design patterns, in an Agile way.
After it you can
- Model requirements and designs with UML
- Use design patterns to solve software problems
- Pick suitable tools for software design
What you need first
SWEN20003 and (COMP20003 or COMP20007 or ENGR30004)
- COMP90041 Programming and Software Development
- SWEN20003 Object Oriented Software Development
- COMP20003 Algorithms and Data Structures
- COMP20007 Design of Algorithms
- COMP90038 Algorithms and Complexity
- ENGR30004 Numerical Algorithms in Engineering
What it leads to
Careers
Helps toward: Software Engineer, Web and social media developer, Computing professional, Mobile app designer
How it’s assessed
Projects 40%, Final exam 60%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 5 students on StudentVIP (2018–2023)
- Reviewers found the content thin and outdated, mainly a set of design patterns you can easily find online.
- Many said coordination was poor, with vague project specs and inconsistent answers from staff.
- Tutorials mostly mean working silently in groups with little tutor input. Group projects depend on your teammates.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate SWEN30006
Quick answers
- When is SWEN30006 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking SWEN30006?
- Needs SWEN20003 and (COMP20003 or COMP20007 or ENGR30004).
- Does SWEN30006 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. You must pass the exam on its own. Assessment: Projects 40%, Final exam 60%.
- Is SWEN30006 hard?
- From 5 student reviews on StudentVIP: Reviewers found the content thin and outdated, mainly a set of design patterns you can easily find online.
- What do students say about SWEN30006?
- Reviewers found the content thin and outdated, mainly a set of design patterns you can easily find online. Many said coordination was poor, with vague project specs and inconsistent answers from staff. Tutorials mostly mean working silently in groups with little tutor input. Group projects depend on your teammates.
- Can I take SWEN30006 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after SWEN30006?
- 2 subjects need it first, for example COMP30022, SWEN30007.
- Can I rate SWEN30006?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
PickMySubjects is a free, unofficial planner made by a UniMelb graduate.