Software Engineering

This broad-based course covers the design, development and deployment of large-scale software within industrial and commercial settings, building your understanding of the lifecycle of systems. Take on real-world projects, explore cutting-edge topics and challenge conventional thinking as you explore the theory of software engineering and apply it to real-life situations. The course shares a first year with other associated BSc degrees, building cross-discipline ideas and knowledge, before moving into specialist software engineering areas.

Course accreditation

This course is accredited to the British Computer Society (BCS) so you qualify for chartered IT professional status (CITP) once you graduate.

All undergraduate degrees accredited by BCS for full CITP are recognised under the Seoul Accord, which aims to establish and promote mutual recognition of academic programmes among member countries. This recognition gives graduates’ qualifications global recognition, helping them pursue international education, employment and professional mobility.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Study in our modern STEM building with computer networking suites; games, animation and graphics studios; and high-spec labs for IT security, telecommunications, robotics, and laser and optics.

• Cutting-edge technologies such as agile development; front-end and back-end applications; containerisation; cloud native orchestration; and the provision of high-performance infrastructure using GPU clusters, so you become familiar with the tools used in industry right from the start.

• Access to virtual private cloud, downloadable Microsoft developer tools and VMware Workstation.

Your student experience

Start in your first year by building a solid understanding of a broad range of topics then move into specialist areas such as app development, web technologies and software for enterprise.

Take a hands-on approach, with work-based tasks, giving you real-world experience of quality software development and deployment into management and organisational contexts.

Learn from the teaching experience of an academic team with strong research backgrounds, actively engaged in supporting local businesses and organisations.

Our academics are involved in real-world research, leading the way in areas such as enhanced robot technology; nano-robotics in cancer cell exploration; carbon emission reduction; and digital health initiatives.

Develop your critical thinking and technical skills through both individual and professionally arranged group projects.

Benefit from support from our dedicated academic success tutors.

Course modules

Year 1
Fundamentals of software engineering - Begin developing and applying your professional and software engineering skills while exploring emerging technologies. Mathematics and concepts for computational thinking - Apply maths-based coding skills to build software applications using programming languages like Python. Databases and computer networks - An introduction to networking and data organisation as well as practical skills in design, configuration and troubleshooting. Principles of programming and data structures - Develop your skills in using a high-level programming language and apply them to real-world problems.

Year 2
Decision support systems and data mining - Develop practical skills in designing and implementing data mining and decision-support solutions. Web technologies and platforms - Use client-side and server-side technologies to implement web applications, producing your own product designs. Mobile applications development - Understand the differences between mobile and web app development, and build applications that combine both approaches. Desktop applications development and software engineering – Acquire strong programming skills for desktop applications, solving industry-relevant problems.

Year 3
Software in enterprise - Prepare for the interactive, collective nature of software development in areas such as inter-operability, traceability and application interfaces. Research methodologies and emerging technologies – Plan your Honours project around current or emerging technologies, using research to back up your proposal. Agile project management – Gain valuable project-management skills for your graduate career. Undergraduate project – Work independently to develop and complete a major project on a topic of your choice.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.