Introduction to Software Engineering
Are you curious about the lucrative field that is software engineering and how you might be a part of it?
Introduction to Software Engineering is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Python. It is structured in 6 modules with 4 stated learning outcomes, over 14h 30m. Learners rate it 4.7/5 from 4.8K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Python courses collection, where we compare it against 60 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 14h 30m |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.7★ (4.8K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
This Introduction to Software Engineering course from Coursera, offered by IBM, teaches the foundational principles of software engineering. It covers the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), explaining its various stages and components. The course also introduces learners to essential software development tools, technologies, and different software stacks used in the industry.
The curriculum takes a practical approach by introducing the basics of programming using Python. Learners differentiate between various programming language types and apply fundamental programming constructs such as loops, conditionals, and functions. Beyond coding, the course explores key software architecture and design approaches. It covers common architectural and deployment patterns, providing a solid understanding of how software systems are structured and deployed.
After completing this 14-hour 30-minute beginner-level course, learners can explain the core principles of software engineering and the Software Development Life Cycle. They gain the ability to apply basic programming constructs in Python and understand various programming language types. The course also enables them to summarize common software architecture and design patterns. Furthermore, learners will be able to outline different roles, necessary skills, and potential career paths within the field of software engineering.
This Introduction to Software Engineering course is designed for individuals with basic computer literacy. While it provides an overview of Python programming, it is not intended to make learners advanced Python developers. Those seeking a deeper dive into specific programming languages or advanced software development techniques might find more specialized courses suitable. For example, a learner primarily interested in extensive Python programming might consider the Python for Everybody Specialization. This course is ideal for beginners who want a broad understanding of the software engineering landscape and its foundational concepts.
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
- Basic computer literacy.
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
6 modulesThe 6-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 14h 30m.
Module 1 · The Software Development Lifecycle
Module 2 · Introduction to Software Development
Module 3 · Basics of Programming
Module 4 · Software Architecture, Design, and Patterns
Module 5 · Job Opportunities and Skillsets in Software Engineering
Module 6 · Final Quiz and Final Project
What learners rate it
Rated 4.7/5 by 4.8K learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
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Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Software Engineering This |
 Coursera
|
4.7★ | Check price | 14h 30m | Quickest to finish (14h 30m) |
| Python Data Structures |
Coursera
|
4.9★ | Check price | 19h 50m | Highest rated (4.9★ from 97.3K reviews) |
| Python for Everybody Specialization |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | ₹3,999 | 2 months | Most popular — 2M learners |
| AI Python for Beginners |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | Check price | 17h 30m | Beginner-friendly · 17h 30m |
Where Python leads
Roles we map to Python on CoursesGlobal. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by Coursera.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for data scientists.
Common questions
How much does Introduction to Software Engineering cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Introduction to Software Engineering come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Introduction to Software Engineering take?
Coursera lists it at 14h 30m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Introduction to Software Engineering suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does Introduction to Software Engineering cover?
It is organised into 6 modules, starting with The Software Development Lifecycle and going on to Introduction to Software Development, Basics of Programming, Software Architecture, Design, and Patterns, Job Opportunities and Skillsets in Software Engineering, among others. The full outline is on this page.