Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Our technological world is creating a huge demand for skilled professionals who can design, build and maintain computer programmes, databases and applications, to help solve problems and drive efficiencies. With a specialist degree in software engineering, you could be one of them. Launched in 2015/16, this three-year programme will give you the knowledge, skills and practical experience you need for a successful career in software, as a developer, an engineer or an entrepreneur. Our software engineering teaching has been hailed as a ‘best practice’ example of computer science education by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

You will learn from software professionals and leading academics in the field to apply engineering principles to the design, development, implementation and maintenance of all kinds of software. Developed in consultation with industry, our curriculum covers all the key areas that employers look for. You will gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computing and application development, from programming to software engineering, databases to web development, computer graphics to robotics, and the latest trends in information security. You will also develop a thorough understanding of modern software development methodologies and the practical experience to back it up, as well as transferrable team working, time management, coding and communication skills, and a strong professional ethos. We cover the whole process of software development in a systematic way, from initial client briefs through to costing, scheduling and efficient delivery.

From the outset you will be experimenting with programming games, robots, Gadgeteer kits, Subversion, JUnit testing, Scrum-based Agile software and more, in our well-equipped laboratories. In your final year you will have the flexibility to choose between a range of optional courses. We are a highly respected, research-focused department with a friendly approach and award-winning teaching. We offer a summer work placement programme and a dedicated personal adviser to guide you through your studies. You will also be welcome to join our thriving Computing Society. We are one of only seven departments in the UK to hold the Athena SWAN bronze award for our commitment to increasing female participation in computer science.

The BCS has distinguished our teaching of Software Engineering as ‘Best Practice’.

You will be taught by staff with extensive industrial experience, three of whom are certified Scrum Masters.

You will learn to master the process of software engineering, from initial client meetings through to delivery.

In the fourth-year team project, you will run a start-up