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Mobile Software Engineering
This degree programme is designed for computing science students who wish to specialise in the development of software systems for mobile, embedded platforms such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants or portable entertainment systems, such as iPods.
Programme structure
Year 1
In your first year you will take an introductory programming course that emphasises the principles of programming and a course on computing fundamentals.
You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.
Year 2
In your second year you will study Java programming, object-oriented software engineering, data structures and algorithms, algorithmic foundations, computer systems and information management.
You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.
Years 3, 4 and 5
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will study courses that present a practical, design-oriented approach to computing, covering software engineering itself and related topics such as embedded systems, databases, human-computer interaction and real-time systems.
Practical work is an essential part of the degree programme and in third year you will take part in a mobile software engineering team project, using state-of-the-art mobile computing equipment.
Fourth-year individual projects have a mobile software engineering focus and allow you to explore some topics in more depth.
Mobile Software Engineering can be taken as an MSci, which includes an additional year. Students on the MSci programme follow the BSc Honours degree programme up to the end of their fourth year of study. This is followed in fifth year by additional advanced modules and a substantial research-oriented project.
Partner and industry links
The University enjoys excellent industrial links with the top companies in this area and we provide our students with excellent work experience opportunities. You may be able to work throughout the UK as well as in Europe and the USA, and many of the organisations which offer placements use the experience to get to know students well, which often leads to permanent job offers. Organisations which have employed our students include: IBM, Amazon, Memex, Real Time, Google, Reuters, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Nokia, Orange and Microsoft Research.
Our international links
Students who wish to study abroad usually do so during their second year and we have exchange agreements in place with a variety of internationally leading universities across Europe. You can also spend a year abroad in North America, Australasia or at strong universities in any other country.
Career prospects
Our graduates are in demand in all sectors of business and industry and find challenging opportunities to work in companies ranging from large multinationals to small start-up companies developing innovative products. The effects of software running on mobile devices are having an impact on all areas of life. An understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities of mobile device development is important not just for manufacturers, but for software service companies, advertisers, government and education. Graduates from this degree programme are placed at the forefront of developments in this field.
Accreditation
Honours graduates are eligible for membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS) and, after relevant industrial experience, can apply to become Chartered IT Professionals (CITP).
Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014
BSc, MSci
Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects) in first sitting = unconditional offer.
Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.
Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.
Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer.
A-levels: AAB. Normally have A-level Mathematics at B or above.
IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):
- overall score 6.5
- no sub-test less than 6.0
- or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
Common equivalent English language qualifications:
- ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
- PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
my academic qualifications are below the requirements?
Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

