Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions
Email:ugadmissions@southampton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Software Engineering
- Master of Engineering (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 20 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
Summary
Software engineering is about creating systems that are reliable, scalable and ready for the future. It is how ideas become the software that powers everything from everyday apps to critical infrastructure.
On this integrated master’s course, you will go beyond the fundamentals to design and develop the next generation of software systems. You will build strong skills in programming, software design and analysis, alongside quality assurance and project management.
As you progress, you will learn how to adapt your knowledge to new technologies and emerging challenges, preparing you to work in a fast moving industry. You will explore specialist areas including critical systems, web development, advanced databases and scripting languages.
At Southampton, you will be part of a community known for innovative, forward thinking approaches to software engineering.
Key features of the course
Go further with an integrated master’s. This MEng builds on the BEng, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and tackle more advanced software engineering challenges.
Build strong foundations. Develop essential skills in programming, software design, analysis and project management.
Learn to adapt and innovate. Gain the ability to apply your knowledge to new technologies and evolving industry challenges.
Explore specialist areas. Study topics such as critical systems, web development, advanced databases and scripting languages.
Learn from experts. Your teaching is delivered by academics with a strong reputation for innovation and technical excellence.
Prepare for your future. Graduates are highly sought after for their ability to create robust, practical and forward-looking software solutions.
Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor will support you throughout your degree, offering guidance on your studies, career planning and personal development.
You will also have access to our Careers Hub, including an annual careers fair and opportunities to connect with employers. If you want to develop your own ideas, Future Worlds, our startup incubator, will support you to take them further.
Further information
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, supporting your progression towards professional recognition.
We are also a member of The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, connecting your studies to a wider network of research and innovation.
Modules
Course Modules
This four-year MEng programme will enable you to pursue a career in any area of the software industry and has been designed to maximise student choice by allowing you to tailor the degree structure to suit your own interests.
During the first two years you will undertake a series of core modules, for example Programming, Computer Systems and Data Management. In your third year you can choose from a wide range of optional modules that reflect the specialist areas of software engineering and key technologies that will be critical in the future. You will also work on an individual project to take a piece of software from development to implementation and evaluation. The fourth year includes a group design project with particular emphasise on engineering design, management and industrial collaboration.
For further details of our optional modules:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/software-engineering-degree-meng#modules
Assessment method
A range of assessment methods are used on this programme to enable students to demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes. These include written examinations and assessments, in-class tests, design exercises, programming exercises, oral presentations, assessed laboratories and group work exercises.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Engineering and Technology, Institution of
- British Computer Society
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- Master of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 20 September 2027
Apply by
13 January 2027
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:
- G600
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Southampton 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
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:
- G600
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelA*AA
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ.
T LevelD
A Distinction, including a Core A grade in Digital Production, Design and Development T-level plus grade A in A-level Mathematics
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)D*D
D*D in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics.
or
DD in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level maths.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
or
DD in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level maths.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
Access to HE DiplomaNot accepted
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)D
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A in two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-levels including mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level Maths. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level Maths. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D*D
D*D in the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics.
or
DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without A-level maths.
Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
or
DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without A-level maths.
Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
Extended ProjectA
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 38
Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate WalesA
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
or
A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H1H1H2H2H2H2
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics and applied mathematics
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A in A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-levels including mathematics .
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without A-level Maths. Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without A-level Maths. Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)A
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) or A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A), and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD2D3D3
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/subjects/computer-science-software-engineering
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.
We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £10050 | |
| EU & International | TBC |
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
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.
We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.
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