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Software Development

Course details
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 6 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Software shapes almost every aspect of modern life — from the apps we use daily, to the complex systems that power global organisations.

The BSc (Hons) Software Development course prepares you to become a confident software professional with the technical expertise and practical experience required in today’s fast-moving digital economy.

In Years 1 and 2, you’ll study alongside students on our BSc (Hons) Computing course. If you discover a stronger interest in that area, you may have the option to switch to the Computing course in Year 3.

You’ll build strong foundations in:

  • programming

  • databases

  • system design

  • data science.

This provides a broad grounding in core principles before you begin to specialise as the focus shifts towards modern software development practices, including:

  • agile methodologies

  • DevOps principles

  • web and mobile application development

  • cloud technologies

  • data analytics

  • machine learning.

You’ll learn how to design, build, test, and deploy robust software solutions that solve real-world problems. Your learning reflects current industry practice, helping you develop modern software development skills that meet industry standards and employer expectations.

You’ll have opportunities to:

  • work on industry-inspired projects

  • use professional tools, frameworks and development environments

  • develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills through collaborative work.

By graduation, you will have developed the technical depth and professional skills required to contribute confidently within professional software development environments.

Why choose this course?

  • Work on industry-led projects and real-world case studies, with teaching shaped by employer engagement and current professional software development practice.

  • Build job-ready skills through practical projects, teamwork and portfolio development, so you graduate confident and ready for technical software roles.

  • Learn from supportive and experienced staff who bring both academic expertise and real industry insight into your learning.

  • Enhance your experience through optional industry placements and international exchange opportunities that broaden your skills and career prospects.

  • Your degree is accredited by BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT), showing employers your skills meet industry-recognised professional standards.

Careers

Graduates of this course are well prepared for a wide range of roles across the global technology sector.

Typical graduate roles include:

  • Software Developer

  • Software Engineer

  • Web or Mobile Application Developer

  • Cloud Analyst

  • Data or Database Developer

  • Systems Analyst

  • Software Tester

  • IT Consultant

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
G701
Institution code:
G42
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
CCC

to include Maths or Computing or Software Systems Development

Year 2 entry: BBB at A Level (or 120 UCAS Tariff points) to include Maths or Computing plus GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4

T Level
Pass (C and above)

Digital Support Services

Scottish HNC
Pass

Year 1 Entry: HNC Computing with B in Graded Unit 1

Year 2 Entry: 15 credit HNC Computing with A in Graded Unit 1. Must include Software Development: Developing Small Stand Alone Applications; Software Development: Programming Foundations; Systems Development: Introduction; Systems Development: Testing Software and Maths for Computing 1. Should also include a Database OR SQL unit.

Scottish HND
Pass

Year 3 Entry: HND with BB in graded units required in one of the following:

HND Computing (Software Development) including either: Database Design Fundamentals; Relational Database Management Systems; or Database Design and Programming in SQL.

Plus either Software Development: Developing Websites for Multiplatform Use or Web Development Dynamically Generated Content.

OR

HND Computer Science including: Software Development: Object Oriented Programming; Software Development: Object Oriented Analysis and Design; Software Development: Data Structures.

OR

HND Web Development including: Software Development: Object Oriented Programming; Software Development: Oriented Analysis and Design: Software Development: Data Structures.

Plus one of Database Design Fundamentals or Manage Database Systems Using SQL

Scottish Higher
BBCC

to include Maths or Application of Maths or Computing

Access to HE Diploma
Merit: 45

60 credits overall with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit in Computing

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 26

including HL Maths or Computer Science at 4

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMM

Year 1 Entry: Level 3 Extended Diploma MMM in Computing/IT

Year 2 Entry: Level 3 Extended Diploma DMM in Computing/IT subject plus GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4

Specific units may be required for entry: Information Technology Systems; Creating Systems to Manage Information; Using Social Media in Business; Programming; IT Project Management; Cyber Security and Incident Management; IT Service Delivery.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
Pass

Accepted as equivalent to one Higher at grade B as part of the overall grade profile of Highers required for entry. Any essential subjects at Higher should still be achieved in addition to the Foundation Apprenticeship.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3H3H3H3

to include Maths or Computing

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

Scottish Higher BCCC

to include Maths or Application of Maths or Computing

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall score of 6.0 with the minimum of 5.5 in each element

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790*
Scotland£1820*
EU & International£15700*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

Additional costs may apply to students on this programme. Please check the fees and funding section of the programme page on the GCU website for specific details.

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