Software Engineering
Software engineering involves the specification, design, construction and verification of large software systems. This degree programme is designed for computing science students who wish to pursue careers as professional software engineers in industry and commerce.
- Our computing science students report satisfaction levels of 98% in the National Student Survey 2011.
- You will develop skills in program development and analysis as well as come to understand the theoretical foundations of computation and computer systems.
Accreditation
Honours graduates are eligible for membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS) and, after relevant industrial experience, they can apply to become Chartered IT Professionals (CITP).
Study abroad
There are study abroad opportunities available in year two.
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.
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.
Years 3, 4 and 5
If you progress to Honours (years three and four), you will study courses which present a practical, design-oriented approach to computing. These courses cover software engineering itself and related topics such as databases, human-computer interaction and real-time systems. You will also take a particular set of courses in your final year.
Practical work is an essential part of the degree programme and in third year you will take part in a software engineering team project.
Fourth-year individual projects have a software engineering focus. These practical projects carry considerable weight in the final assessment.
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.
Partnership and industry links
The School of Computing Science enjoys excellent industrial links which lead to exciting, substantial work placements. You will undertake a summer placement of at least ten weeks’ duration, between third and fourth years, which provides valuable work experience.
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 find themselves in demand in all sectors of business and industry, often working in the IT department of a large company or in a consultancy which provides project teams to work with other companies. There are also challenging opportunities for software engineers to work in small start-up companies developing innovative products.
BSc, MSci
Highers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer.
Applicants who achieved between BBBB/ABB and AABB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed in March 2012. Higher Mathematics at B or Higher Mathematics at C together with Higher Computing Studies or Information Systems at B.
A-levels: ABB, preferably with two science subjects. Normally have A-level Mathematics at B or above.
IB: 32 points.
For a full list of alternative qualifications please see: Entry requirements.
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: