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Software Engineering

Course details
  • BEng (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Sandwich
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Belfast

Course summary

The Software Engineering programme is aimed at those motivated by the value of an engineering approach to the development of software systems and who enjoy finding elegant solutions to complex software problems. The demand for these graduates from the software industry is relentless

You will be equipped with the skills necessary to work in the software industry or a commercial IT department having gained expertise in the analysis and implementation of the engineering process and the assurance of an advanced knowledge of supportive software engineering techniques.

You will study the theory and principles of programming and software development and put them into practice using a variety of contemporary programming languages and tools.

You will develop programming expertise in a variety of languages, for example, Python and Java and examine areas such as Information Infrastructures, Professional Skills, Software Quality, Physical Computing and Web Development.

Given the variety of computing applications in the Software Engineering field, there are a number of jobs that will be accessible for a Software Engineering graduate such as Software Developer, Database Engineer, Reliability Engineering, Software Testing Engineer and Security Specialist.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
U20
Campus name:
Belfast
Campus Code:
B

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBB

All subject areas considered. Desirable Subject Offer For those applicants offering desirable subjects at A level (Mathematics/Further Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry/Software Systems Development/Computing (not IT/ICT)) a one grade reduction will be applied at the time of offer. The desirable subject must be achieved at a minimum grade B. Applicants offering qualifications as an alternative to A-levels will receive the equivalent reduction when those qualifications include a significant proportion of mathematics, software development and/or physical science.

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

Pass overall BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma with DDM. All subject areas considered. Pass overall BTEC QCF Extended Diploma with DDD. All subject areas considered. The Faculty of Computing and Engineering accept combinations of A Levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate, BTEC 90-credit Diploma/National Foundation Diploma and BTEC National Diploma. For further information on the requirements for this course please contact Faculty admissions staff by telephone on +44 (0)28 9536 7890 or email admissions@ulster.ac.uk Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

Access to HE Diploma

Successful completion of an Ulster University validated Access route with an overall mark of 65% to include a Pass in NICATS Maths (level 2) or GCSE Mathematics grade C (or equivalent) for entry to year 1. Other Access courses considered individually, please contact admissions staff: T: +44 (0)28 9536 7890 E: admissions@ulster.ac.uk http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence.

Scottish Higher - BBBCC

All subject areas considered.

Scottish Advanced Higher - CCC

All subject areas considered.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points

To include 13 at Higher Level. Grade 4 in Mathematics and Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.

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

120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 subject at Ordinary Level. The overall profile must include English and Maths at minimum Grade H6 or above (HL) or O4 or above (OL) if not sitting at Higher Level.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above in Mathematics and English Language. Please note that for the purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

100% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£17490Year 1
International£17490Year 1
Northern Ireland£4855*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£4855*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1

* 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

Please note that fees for Home and GB for 2026/27 have not yet been set by Department for the Employment in NI and will be subject to an inflationary increase from 2025/26.

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