51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

Key facts

Entry requirements

112 or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

G600

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

Additional costs

Entry requirements

112 or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

G600

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

Additional costs

This course combines cutting‑edge technologies with practical skills, preparing you to shape the future of software development across diverse platforms and industries.

As a Software Engineering student at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, you will gain the technical expertise required to design and develop software integral to the devices and systems that shape our daily lives at home, work, and within our communities. This course offers a specialist pathway within Computer Science, sharing a common foundation of subjects during the first two years of study. In your final year, the focus shifts to the development of software for a range of platforms, including cutting-edge mobile devices and embedded systems.

You will also explore the structure and dynamics of organisations, gaining valuable insights into the commercial environment where systems are commissioned and implemented. The curriculum addresses crucial professional considerations, such as computer ethics, law, and security, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry.

This programme allows you to shape your learning to suit your career aspirations, with a variety of optional final-year modules available, including Functional Programming, Advanced Web Development, and Embedded Systems and IoT. The curriculum offers a balanced mix of theory and practical application, integrating modern technologies designed for multi-core platforms. Outside of formal teaching, you can join vibrant student societies like the Games Society, Robotics Club, and Google’s Developer Student Club to enhance your skills and explore your interests.

The course prepares you for a career in the dynamic software industry. Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as LHA ASRA Group, Lorien, MISCO, Oracle, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Sainsbury’s. Fully certified by the British Computer Society (BCS), the course meets rigorous academic and professional standards, offering you a recognised mark of quality assurance.

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging. Read more about block teaching.

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Saturday 08 February

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What you will study

Block 1: Database Design and Implementation

Structured data, held in relational databases, accessed via SQL, supports the information storage requirements of many companies, organisations, and on-line businesses. In this module you will learn the fundamentals of how to design the structure of data within a relational database, how to interact with data within the database, and how to protect the data within the database.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops used to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts. Practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. Some sessions may be used for consolidation, revision, and to discuss solutions to practical problems. 

  • Workshop: 42 hours 
  • Practical: 20 hours 
  • Seminar: 4 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Block 2: Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science

This module introduces students to fundamental concepts in computer science in relevant areas of mathematics (including propositional logic, set notation, etc); software modelling; the software lifecycle; requirements capture; user interface design; and the foundations of ethical thinking. These topics can then be applied and further developed as students progress throughout the course. 

The methods of delivery during this block include workshops used to introduce the main topics. To gain full advantage of this module students will hone their skills and understanding by working through progressive exercises ranging from drill to problem solving tasks. The exercises provide the basis of tutorial seminar and laboratory work. In seminars you will receive feedback on your progress and engage in discussions on issues arising from the exercises. 

  • Workshop: 42 hours 
  • Seminar: 24 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 66 hours 
  • Consolidation: 58 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Revision: 20 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 3: Computer Programming

Computer programming requires the analysis of a problem, the production of requirements, and their translation into a design that can be executed on a computer. This module introduces the skills required to develop a computer program to solve a given problem and does so from the perspective of designing trustworthy software with an emphasis on sound coding principles and unit testing. 

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops used to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts. Practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. Some sessions may be used for consolidation, revision, and to discuss solutions to practical problems.

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 4: Operating Systems and Networks

This module is designed to provide a foundation in computer architecture, operating systems, and computer networks. Covering theoretical foundations, computer hardware, systems software, computer networks and security issues. 

The methods of delivery during this block will include lectures which will be used to introduce the main theoretical elements and laboratory sessions for practical application and experimentation. 

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 66 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 40 hours
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 1: Object Oriented Design and Development

This module focuses on Object-Oriented (OO) library and application development. Library development will enable you to design, implement, and test medium scale software systems using an object-oriented approach. Meanwhile, application development will use extensive library packages provided by the Java SDK so that you are comfortable in navigating and making use of a variety of domains such as Collections, Input/Output and Graphical User Interfaces. 

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. 

  • Workshop 30 hours 
  • Practical 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study 70 hours 
  • Consolidation 68 hours 
  • Reading 30 hours 
  • Assessment 60 hours

Block 2: Data Structures and Algorithms

This module introduces a variety of data structures and algorithms for both sequential and parallel execution. Classical data structures will be introduced (including stacks, queues, lists, trees, and hash tables) and algorithms for searching and sorting. The performance characteristics of these data structures and algorithms will be explained. Specific coding issues will also be considered such as modularity, genericity, quality, assignment, mutable and immutable objects.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions.

  • Workshop 24 hours 
  • Practical 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study 76 hours 
  • Consolidation 68 hours 
  • Reading 30 hours 
  • Assessment 60 hours

Block 3: Web Application Development

This module provides a thorough grounding in the rapidly evolving area of web technologies. With equal focus on user interface design on the ‘client-side’ or ‘front-end’ and on security and persistence in ‘server-side’ or ‘back-end’ scripting. The module covers crucial design principles, information architecture and usability factors as well as standards compliance, accessibility, authentication/authorisation and security.  

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops to introduce and demonstrate key practical and theoretical concepts and practical programming skill will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. 

  • Workshop: 24 hours 
  • Practical: 42 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 68 hours 
  • Reading: 30 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours 

Block 4: Software Engineering Team Project

This module is an opportunity for you to engage in a constrained work-place simulation based on agile software development. Working in teams of 3 to 5, you will initially identify a system of sufficient size to be distributed equally among all members. Each team member might take individual ownership of the development of 2-3 classes from initial inception to completion providing CRUD functionality. 

The methods of delivery during this block will include workshops, seminars to introduce and discuss ethical issues, and practical programming skills will be gained in regular laboratory sessions. Some workshops and practical laboratory sessions may be used for consolidation and to discuss solutions to practical and ethical problems. 

  • Workshop: 42 hours 
  • Practical: 20 hours 
  • Seminar: 4 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 76 hours 
  • Consolidation: 78 hours 
  • Reading: 20 hours 
  • Assessment: 60 hours

For Block 3/4 choose two out of the three optional modules:

  • Block 3/4: Functional Programming
  • Block 3/4: Advanced Web Development
  • Block 3/4: Embedded Systems and IoT

Block 1: Software Development: Methods and Standards

This module immerses you in the methodological, regulation environment in which software systems are developed. This is achieved by exploring four types of application development: module, AI, robotic process automation and games systems. These application classes provide the basis for exploring methodological approaches, with a particular emphasis on current agile approaches, in particular Scrum and DevOps. The different needs and emphasis of different applicant classes are considered. Within this context the methodological evolution required in scaling, in embedding in security by design and in integration are also considered. The module incorporates the context of standards with particular reference to standards in security (ISO27001) and risk management (ISO27005). Practical exercises include an engagement with current agile project management tools (e.g. Jira and Clickup).

You will develop an understanding of a range of agile and traditional methodologies and consider the debates, ambiguity and uncertainty in their application.

  • Lecture: 24 hours
  • Seminar: 42 hours
  • Self-directed study: 86 hours
  • Consolidation: 68 hours
  • Reading: 40 hours
  • Assessment (*) 60

Block 2: Mobile App Development and Big Data

This module covers mobile computing, mobile communications, and mobile application development. The developments in mobile computing will be described and the significance of mobile computing discussed. Mobile application development platforms and frameworks will be described, and a suitable platform selected and used to learn mobile application development. You will learn to develop various types of mobile applications and how to publish the resulting applications in relevant app stores. There is also a focus on big data, and different types of data storage solutions in the context of mobile applications. Additionally, the module considers ethics in relation to AI, big data, and surveillance.

  • Workshop 20 hours
  • Practical 35 hours
  • Lectures: 4 hours
  • Seminar: 6 hours
  • Self-directed study: 66 hours
  • Consolidation: 68 hours
  • Reading: 40 hours
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Blocks 3/4: Functional Programming (optional module)

This module provides you with the fundamental concepts of FP and looks at how these have been provided within a modern programming language. You will gain practical experience, using a modern programming language to solve a practical problem using FP techniques. The core principles are transferrable between functional programming languages.

  • Workshop: 30 hours
  • Practical: 42 hours
  • Self-directed study: 64 hours
  • Consolidation: 64 hours
  • Reading: 40 hours
  • Assessment: 60 hours

Blocks 3/4: Advanced Web Development (optional module)

The module considers how a web application may be designed and implemented in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of unauthorised access to information. This also requires an understanding of the more common forms of browser-based attacks and the coding techniques that can be used to defend against these.

The module aims to further develop key concepts and techniques for designing, evaluating and implementing interactive web applications.

Workshop 24 hours
Practical: 42 hours
Self-directed study: 76 hours
Consolidation: 68 hours
Reading: 30 hours
Assessment: 60 hours

Blocks 3/4: Embedded Systems and IoT (optional module)

Embedded systems are becoming more integrated with everyday things like medical device, toys, consumer electronics, among others. The module covers embedded systems and embedded systems programming in an appropriate language such as C, C++, or Java.

There is also a focus on standards governing IoT and architectures for IoT systems implementation, which will also be explored.

  • Workshop 24 hours
  • Practical 42 hours
  • Self-directed study 76 hours
  • Consolidation 68 hours
  • Reading 30 hours
  • Assessment 60 hours

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Software Engineering in the spotlight

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Our facilities

Computer Science laboratories

The Computer Science laboratories at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø are equipped with 100 high-performance workstations, featuring HP PCs running both Windows and Linux operating systems. Each machine is connected to a dedicated high-performance file server, enabling you to securely store and back up their work with ease.

Many of the software packages provided are open source, allowing you to download and use the required tools for their coursework at home, ensuring seamless access to essential resources beyond the campus.

The laboratories also include flexible study spaces designed for individual and group work. Software Engineering students have scheduled classes in these facilities and are encouraged to make use of the space during unscheduled times to support their studies and collaboration.

Accreditation and Awards

This course has been fully-certified by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS accreditation is a mark of quality assurance and means our course content and provision has been assessed by academics and employers to ensure it meets the rigorous standards set by the profession.

Graduating from a BCS-accredited course will help you to stand out in the world of work, and also enable you to have your qualification recognised globally. Upon completing this course, you will meet the criteria (in part* or in full) to become professionally registered with BCS as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), Registered IT Technician (RITTech), Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

*Partial CITP accredited degrees are not recognised under the Seoul Accord agreement

BCS Logo

Accredited by BCS; The Chartered Institute for IT

Accreditation from BCS provides you with independent assurance and recognition of the quality of our computing education. Your course content and provision are assessed by academics and employers, aligned with IT industry frameworks and benchmarked against other educational institutions, to ensure they meet the rigorous standards set by the profession.

Students choose to study BCS-accredited degrees knowing they’ll gain the right set of technical, personal and professional skills for the evolving tech industry — while employers can be confident that graduates are prepped and ready to make an impact in their business.

What makes us special

Three students working together around a laptop

Block Learning

With block teaching, you’ll learn in a focused format, where you study one subject at a time instead of several at once. As a result, you will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, have a more simplified timetable, and have a better study-life balance. That means more time to engage with your 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø community and other rewarding aspects of university life.

51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø-global

51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Global

Our innovative international experience programme 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

With , you can experience international opportunities, such as networking with software companies in Berlin or engaging with tech entrepreneurs in San Francisco. Professional development is further supported by an optional placement year, with previous students securing placements at leading organisations like IBM, Arm Ltd, Gigaclear, Next, and SAP.

Where we could take you

software engineering graduate careers

Graduate Careers

Our graduates are working as business intelligence analysts, international business analysts, software application developers and software engineers for companies such as Lorien, MISCO, Oracle, Royal Bank of Scotland and Sainsbury’s.

Graduates are also well positioned to continue their academic careers by embarking on postgraduate study in either research or taught areas, which offers the opportunity to further specialise and enhance existing skills.

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Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

Previous Software Engineering students have completed placements at a number of local and national companies, including Arm Ltd, Gigaclear, IBM, Netready, Next and SAP.

Course specifications

Course title

Software Engineering

Award

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code

G600

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Three years full-time, four years with a placement

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements

A typical offer is 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM, plus:

  • Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications include:

  • Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or

  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ points or
  • T Levels Merit

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Scholarships

51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International student scholarships

Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

Interview and portfolio

Interview required: No

Portfolio required: No

Additional costs

There are no compulsory placements or trips associated with this programme, however, you will have the option of participating in 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇøGlobal trips either as part of some of the modules or as an extra-curricular activity. These trips are subsidised by the university and the cost and the subsidy varies by location.

Students have the opportunity to take a paid or unpaid placement year in industry before their final year. Placements are full-time jobs and are available in a wide variety of sectors include private, public and not-for profit.

If you wish to undertake a placement year facilitated by 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø fees are reduced to £650 (£750 for international students) for the year. This covers your access to all 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø services during your year away from the university, support from your academic supervisor and professional staff, as well as all the preparation support provided in advance.