BSc(Hons) Software Engineering for Business

Program Overview

The Software Engineering for Business program at UWE Bristol equips graduates with the practical skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in software engineering. The program combines technical and business skills, fosters essential soft skills, and provides real-world experience through placement opportunities. Graduates are prepared for various roles within the industry, including computer programmer, technical architect, and web or mobile app developer.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the practical, real-world skills needed for a successful career in software engineering.
• Meet the increasing demand for qualified software engineers.
• Combine technical and business skills to ensure graduates can succeed in various roles within the industry.
• Provide a strong foundation in software development from start to finish, covering the latest technologies and best practices.
• Develop essential skills in collaboration, negotiation, communication, leadership, and project management.
• Cultivate business acumen through understanding of project management and planning, design, and delivery of new software on time and within budget.

Description:

This BSc(Hons) program, developed in collaboration with TechSkills and top graduate employers, offers a comprehensive and industry-focused curriculum. The program is accredited by TechSkills, ensuring graduates meet the highest industry standards. Key highlights of the program:

• Focus on real-world skills and industry relevance.
• Strong emphasis on business and technical skills.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity.
• In-depth exploration of software development from conception to completion.
• Development of essential soft skills for effective collaboration, communication, and leadership.
• Opportunities for networking with potential employers through events and guest lectures.

Outline:

Year One:

• Modules:
• IT Practice: Skills, Models and Methods
• Introduction to OO Systems Development
• Foundations of Computing
• Information Systems Development

Year Two:

• Modules:
• IT Practice: Collaborative Project
• Data Schemas and Applications
• Object-Oriented Systems Development
• Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms

Year Three (Placement Year, optional):

• Modules:
• Professional Experience (if undertaking placement)
• International Experience (if undertaking international placement)

Final Year:

• Modules:
• IT Practice: Consultancy Project
• Ethical and Professional Issues in Computing and Digital Media
• Software Development Project
• Development of Information Systems Projects
• Optional Modules:
• Entrepreneurial Skills
• Information, Networks and Society
• Advanced Topics in Web Development
• Advanced Databases
• Requirements Engineering
• Technical Writing and Editing
• Professional Development
• Cryptography

Assessment:

• Most modules use a combination of examinations and coursework for assessment (typically two coursework pieces and one exam).
• Other assessment methods may be used in certain modules, such as in-class tests.

Approximate Percentage of Marks Awarded by Each Assessment Method:

• Year 1: Written exam (25%), Coursework (56%), Practical exam (19%)
• Year 2: Written exam (38%), Coursework (41%), Practical exam (21%)
• Year 3: Written exam (18%), Coursework (66%), Practical exam (16%)

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Face-to-face lectures and tutorials
• Virtual Learning Environments (VLE)
• Laboratory-based practical work
• Independent project work
• Guest Lectures and Networking:
• Regular lectures by senior industry figures arranged through partnership with Tech Industry Gold.
• Past speakers include prominent industry leaders like the former Chair of IBM, Larry Hirst.
• Career Preparation:
• Employer visits to provide advice on CV writing and interview techniques.

Careers:

• Potential Roles:
• Computer Programmer
• Technical Architect
• Graphical User Interface Designer
• Sales Analyst
• Web or Mobile App Developer
• Games Developer
• Security Analyst
• Starting Salaries:
• £26,000 to £35,000 (depending on industry sector)
• Career Support:
• Award-winning careers service provides career coaching, helps find graduate jobs, placements, and global opportunities.

Other:

• The University continually enhances the program based on student and stakeholder feedback, ensuring the curriculum remains current and relevant to industry needs.
• Students have access to over 500 workstations in 24-hour computing laboratories, dedicated servers for software development and testing, and well-equipped studios for collaboration and presentation development.

Conclusion:

The Software Engineering for Business program at UWE Bristol offers a comprehensive and industry-focused education, preparing graduates for successful careers in the rapidly growing field of software development. The program combines technical and business skills, fosters essential soft skills, and provides real-world experience through placement opportunities. This program is a great option for individuals passionate about technology and seeking a rewarding career in software engineering.

Full-time; Sandwich course

| Fees | Amount (£) | |---|---| | Home Annual (Per Year) Fee | 9250 | | Home Full Annual Fee Following Placement Year | 9250 | | Home Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1156 | | Home Placement Year Fee | 1156 | | Home Reduced Annual Fee Following Placement Year | 8094 | | International Annual (Per Year) Fee | 15850 | | International Full Annual Fee Following Placement Year | 15850 | | International Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1981 | | International Placement Year Fee | 1981 | | International Reduced Annual Fee Following Placement Year | 13869 | | Offshore Annual (Per Year) Fee | 9250 | | Offshore Full Annual Fee Following Placement Year | 9250 | | Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1156 | | Offshore Placement Year Fee | 1156 | | Offshore Reduced Annual Fee Following Placement Year | 8094 |

Indicative Additional Costs

| Fees | Amount (£) | |---|---| | Additional Course Costs Indicative Maximum Cost Per year | 220 | Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year. You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the four year course and then transfer to the three year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.

Additional costs

Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.