Software Development (with a Foundation Year)

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

Course Modules

Foundation Year: Computer and Networking Fundamentals; Introduction to Programming and AI; Study Skills and Foundational Maths; Team Project

Year One: Cloud And Network Technologies; Computing Project; Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence; Programming Concepts

Year Two: Computing Teamwork, Professional Practice and Business Analysis; Data Structure and Algorithms; Full Stack Development; Software Testing and Assurance

Year Three: Cloud Development and Operations; Final Year Project; Scalable Programming; Software Development and UX

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)