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Software Development (with a Placement a Year)
BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Sandwich · 21/09/2026 · UndergraduateUniversity of Staffordshire (Stoke Campus)
Course summary
Become a software developer and get to grips with how websites actually work behind the scenes.
Whenever a web user clicks on a button or submits personal details, back-end development plays a crucial role in data processing and performing tasks.
Now you can become an expert in this popular field by taking our BSc (Hons) Software Development degree. You’ll explore server-side programming, interface design and mobile applications. It means you’ll be able to program for websites and distributed and cloud-based systems so you can help drive businesses forward.
You’ll be doing things for real, rather than just learning the theory. It will include completing live briefs, taking part in hackathons and setting up your own simulated companies.
Many of our students also opt for a paid placement year, which gives them the chance to work in industry before they graduate. These exciting experiences can be with companies locally, nationally or internationally.
It’s just one of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. Others include opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications. And you’ll get to showcase your work to a panel of industry judges at GradEX, our final-year graduate show.
On the course, you’ll focus on the software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements to systems integration. We will also give you a grounding in application types and software architectures, including frameworks and design patterns.
And you’ll become fluent in programming with Java, C#, Android and Swift, as well as the concepts behind clean coding. You will explore a range of related disciplines too, including cyber security, networking, how artificial intelligence relates to software development, and data analytics.
Our facilities feature the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. There is a dedicated lab with simulators and physical devices and a usability lab with eye-tracking hardware and user-based capture cameras.
In our Collison Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Software Development
Placement opportunities will be made available through our Careers team and will range from companies based locally, nationally, and internationally.
Modules
Year One Core: Algorithms and Programming Concepts; Cloud and Cyber; Computer Architecture and Operating Systems Design; Data and Distributed Systems; Networks and Communications; Software Development
Year Two Core: Advanced Programming; Cloud Infrastructure and Design; Interface, Design and User Experience; Mobile Application Development; Professional Practice and Project Management; Web Development
Year Three: Placement
Year Four Core: Developing with Frameworks; Dissertation; Software Development and Artificial Intelligence
Year Four Optional: Clean Coding; Cloud Based Software Development; Developing Distributed Applications; Media for the Web; Negotiated Studies
Assessment method
This course has a rich diet of assessment methods, of which each is chosen to map to the teaching and expected learning. On this course you will undertake assessments of the following: Class tests (up to 1 hour, Examinations (up to 2 hours), Practical assignment work (individual or group-based), Portfolio of work, Report (individual or group-based, and Presentations (individual or group-based)
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- University of Staffordshire (Stoke Campus)
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Sandwich • 4 Years
Start dates
- 21/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- I107
- Institution code:
- S72
- Campus name:
- University of Staffordshire (Stoke Campus)
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Staffordshire has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- I107
- Institution code:
- S72
- Campus name:
- University of Staffordshire (Stoke Campus)
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Software Development (with a Placement a Year) at University of Staffordshire: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
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Jerusha
University of StaffordshireArt and DesignI'm a current architecture student with plans to start my own architecture and design firm. I completed a gap year prior to my studies and can help with art and design related queries. Arron
University of StaffordshireEducation and TeachingI'm currently going into my final year of Film Production with the long term goal of creating my own production company with friends and I've brought my 2 cats along to uni Jessica
University of StaffordshireJournalism and Content CreationHey there! I'm Jess, and I'm super excited to be a student ambassador! I'm currently diving into Creative Media Productions, and I'm dreaming of one day working at The Guardian. I absolutely love whipping up delicious meals, creating fun pixel art, and getting lost in video games. Lyra
University of StaffordshireGamesI wasn't sure what I wanted to do for a long time, I loved maths and computer science so followed that through into games, I'm hoping to be a part of a big studio making games before setting up my own indie studio Louise
University of StaffordshireParamedic ScienceHi, my names Louise, I am currently studying paramedic science at the University of Staffordshire. After graduating, I would like to register with the HCPC and become a paramedic. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask :) Emilia
University of StaffordshireSociology, Criminology and TerrorismI’m in my first year of my PhD in sociology, with a BSc in Criminology and an MA in Sociology and Social Justice. This is a subject I’ve had a lot of passion for, for the best part of a decade, and actually being able to study it has been amazing. Fen
University of StaffordshireComputing and Cyber SecurityHello my name is Fen! I am a current 3rd year student studying Cyber Security. I've been at university for 5 years now and have had many wonderful experiences. I love to travel and visit different countries around the world. I also enjoy doing amateur landscape photography. Feel free to reach out and ask me anything! Stacey
University of StaffordshireNursingI applied to University through clearing as I wasn’t sure what I wanted for my future but I knew I wanted to do some sort of patient care. My main interests in nursing is trauma care, neurological diseases and conditions. I have Tourette’s Syndrome so I want to embrace neurodiversity within the healthcare sector! I enjoy reading and crochet these are my main hobbies and I can create almost anything! Rory
University of StaffordshirePsychology and CounsellingHey, I'm Rory, currently studying Psychology and counselling at the University of Staffordshire. As I am going into my final year I hope to progress onto the post graduate masters degree in psychotherapeutic counselling and once complete, hope to become an academic in my subject area and open a private practice. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. Angelina Joy
University of StaffordshireEngineeringI'm an aeronautical engineering student who is passionate about aviation. My passion for aviation started at a young age and it continues to grow through my journey at University of Staffordshire. Moving to the UK has been a wonderful experience ans I know how exciting and yet overwhelming the university journey can be so i'm very ready to help wherever you get stuck :). I love connecting with new people and making new friends. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat about anything or just finding your way as a university student 😊 Binita
University of StaffordshireCyber Security (London)Hello, my name is Binita! I am a Cyber Security student at the University of Staffordshire (based at the London campus). I enjoy learning about ethical hacking and cyber security practices, in addition to getting involved in practical lab activities. If you have any questions regarding the university or your course (no matter how big or small), please reach out and I will do what I can to help you. Kurtis
University of StaffordshireEsports“A flamboyant Northerner who’s a proper nerd with ambition” I'm Kurtis (He/They) and studying BA (Hons) Esports, heading into my final year. I studied a BTEC in Esports before coming to university. I lived in a shared student house near to campus during my first year. I advocate for equality, LGBTQ+ rights and community and inclusivity.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points
We welcome a wide range of qualifications and qualification combinations. We assess each application individually, taking in to account any experience and skills you may have in your chosen field.
Don't worry if you can't see your specific qualification listed, just contact our team of experts on 01782 294400 or email us at enquiries@staffs.ac.uk for further advice
A level - BBC
Other A Level combinations are possible to achieve 112 points
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 80 UCAS points.
Scottish Higher
Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved from either five Highers or a combination of two Highers offered with two Advanced Highers. Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of (CCCCC) is required.
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £9790 | Year 1 |
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| International | £17085 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
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