Undergraduate
Software Engineering Co-op
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- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
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- Peterborough
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- Paid Co-op Available
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Science, Technology & Math
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Work Experience Paid Co-op Available
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- OUAC Codes RZC - Peterborough co-op
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
One of only two Ontario university Software Engineering programs offered through a Computer Science department, this five-year co-op degree combines specialized engineering training with expertise in computer science, information systems, and real-world software development.
Specialize in Software Engineering from your first year while building expertise in software design, development, testing, quality assurance, and project management. By combining Software Engineering with Computer Science and Information Systems, you'll graduate with the technical knowledge and professional skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technology sector.
- One of only two Ontario university Software Engineering programs delivered through a Computer Science department.
- Specialized Software Engineering courses starting from first year, covering software architecture, web development, computer security, software quality, and project management.
- Third-year internship, fourth-year Software Engineering Project, and paid co-op opportunities that connect learning with industry experience.
- Active student community through the Trent Computer Science Society, with opportunities to participate in hackathons, competitions, and networking events.
- Modern computing and digital technology labs that support software design, development, testing, and collaboration.
Career experience while you learn
Every Software Engineering Co-op student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Paid Co-op Available
- In this five-year co-op stream you will graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of year three and fall and winter of year four.
- Work in areas such as software development, software engineering, quality assurance, and cybersecurity.
Research Opportunities
- Explore applied computing research through faculty-led projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computational modelling and software systems.
- Participate in technology competitions and research-oriented projects through the Computer Science Society and HackTrent. Past students have developed an AI speech-impairment analysis tool, an NLP system to detect online harassment and an ASL translation tool.
Field Schools and Hands-On Courses
- Gain hands-on experience through a full-year capstone project, analyzing, designing, building and testing software products, all while strengthening your programming, teamwork and communication skills.
Study Abroad
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Internships
- Gain workplace experience through an internship with an external organization, completing 80–120 hours on the job while developing your programming, communication, and interpersonal skills with guidance from a faculty mentor.
Career Paths
- Software Systems Developer
- Software Application Developer
- Network System Administrator
- Research Scientist
- Software Engineer
In Their Own Words
The unique combination of interdisciplinary learning and real-world application will equip Trent Software Engineering students with the robust and versatile toolkit needed to become well-rounded graduates and ideal candidates for careers in this growing field.
Dr. Omar Alam
Assistant Professor
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 80-85% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition
$9,180.00
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 11,302.22
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students