Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This software engineering program equips students with the technical skills and industry knowledge to design, develop, and deploy software applications for various platforms. It emphasizes software design principles, development methodologies, and professional skills, preparing graduates for careers as software developers, engineers, and architects. The program's flexible block mode and optional placement year provide opportunities for focused study and practical experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Develop the technical skills needed to design and build software applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms.
• Gain insight into the commercial context of software development, including organizational structures, ethics, law, and security.
• Provide a foundation for further study or a career in the software industry.

Description:

• This program is a specialist pathway within the broader Computer Science program, focusing specifically on software engineering.
• Students will learn about software design, development, testing, and deployment, as well as the principles of software engineering, including object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and software architecture.
• The program also covers relevant professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and project management.
• Graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers in the software industry, such as software developer, software engineer, and software architect.

Outline:

Program Content:

• First Year: Fundamentals of computer science, programming, databases, operating systems, networks, and object-oriented design.
• Second Year: Data structures, algorithms, web development, software engineering team project, and advanced topics in object-oriented programming.
• Third Year: Software development methods and standards, mobile app development, big data, and development project.

Course Schedule:

• The program is delivered in a block mode, with each module lasting seven weeks.
• Students typically take one module at a time, allowing for focused study and regular feedback.

Individual Modules:

• Database Design and Implementation: Covers the principles and practices of database design, including data modeling, normalization, and query optimization.
• Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science: Introduces the fundamental concepts of computer science, including algorithms, data structures, and programming paradigms.
• Computer Programming: Develops practical programming skills in a high-level programming language, such as Java or Python.
• Operating Systems and Networks: Covers the principles and practices of operating systems and networking, including system administration, security, and network protocols.
• Object Oriented Design and Development: Introduces object-oriented design principles and practices, including object modeling, inheritance, and polymorphism.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Explores advanced data structures and algorithms, including sorting, searching, and graph algorithms.
• Web Application Development: Covers the principles and practices of web application development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side programming.
• Software Engineering Team Project: Provides practical experience in software development through a team project.
• Software Development: Methods and Standards: Introduces software development methodologies and standards, including agile development, software testing, and software quality assurance.
• Mobile App Development and Big Data: Covers the principles and practices of mobile app development and big data analysis.
• Development Project: Allows students to apply their software engineering skills to a real-world project.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose one optional module from a range of topics, including functional programming, advanced web development, and embedded systems and IoT.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include written exams, coursework assignments, practical exercises, and presentations.
• The specific assessment methods for each module will be outlined in the module handbook.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, group work, and independent study.
• The program is taught by experienced academics and industry professionals who are experts in their field.
• The program also benefits from the University's Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach, which provides a variety of support, facilities, and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Careers:

• Graduates of this program are highly sought-after by employers in the software industry.
• Typical career paths include software developer, software engineer, software architect, web developer, mobile app developer, and data analyst.
• The program also prepares graduates for further study at postgraduate level in areas such as software engineering, computer science, or data science.

Other:

• The program includes an optional placement year, which provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the software industry.
• The program is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), which is a mark of quality assurance and means that the program meets the rigorous standards set by the profession.

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250 2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250