BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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The foundation year provides a strong foundation, while the honors degree program develops knowledge and skills in programming languages, software engineering principles, database systems, and mobile and web development. The program is accredited by the British Computer Society and offers excellent career prospects in the software industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students interested in software engineering but who lack the necessary qualifications for direct entry into a degree program. The Foundation Year provides the necessary foundation to progress onto the honors degree program.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and maintain software systems.
• To develop proficiency in programming languages such as Java and C#.
• To prepare students for successful careers in the software industry.

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Description:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Programming fundamentals
• Computer systems
• Data modeling
• Software engineering principles
• Object-oriented systems
• Data structures and algorithms
• Database systems
• Mobile and web development
• User experience design
• Applied data science
• Virtualization and cloud computing
• Embedded systems

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Outline:

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Foundation Year:

• Algorithms and Computing: Introduces technical computing and the application of computers in implementing simple algorithms.
• Programming: Introduces the software development process, programming environments, and problem-solving skills in computing.
• Personal, Academic and Skills Development: Develops academic and practical skills for effective and independent learning.
• Creative Computing: Covers concepts, methods, and techniques for designing, developing, and managing digital multimedia productions.
• Applied Computing: Focuses on the computing challenges of large-scale applications and encourages research and development of solutions.

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Level 4:

• Introduction to Programming: Delivers programming and problem-solving skills with no prior programming experience.
• Computer Systems: Provides basic knowledge of computing platforms (hardware, operating systems, networks) for application development and hosting.
• Professional Practice: Develops understanding of professionalism in computing, working in the industry, and ethical frameworks.
• Software Engineering Principles: Introduces fundamental principles of best practice in software engineering and system modeling.
• Software Engineering Workshop: Provides a comprehensive introduction to applied software development on real-world problems using team-working methods and industry-standard practices.
• Introduction to Web Development: Covers techniques and technologies for developing web applications hosted on a web application server.

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Level 5:

• Group Project: Equips students with research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics.
• Database Systems: Explores the operation of database systems, including RDBMS, SQL, and database connectivity APIs.
• Object-Oriented Systems: Explores the object-oriented paradigm from analysis and design through implementation and testing.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Introduces the fundamentals of Abstract Data Types (ADTs) and complexity of operations on ADTs.
• Automata, Languages and Computation: Introduces automata theory and formal language theory, emphasizing real-life applications.

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Optional Modules:

• Sandwich Year - Software Engineering: Provides an extended period of work experience at an approved partner.
• Study Year Abroad - Software Engineering: Provides an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner.

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Level 6:

• Project: Allows students to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to their program.
• User Experience Design: Enhances technical knowledge of systems development with an appreciation of the social-technical aspects of design.
• Applied Data Science: Explores the rapid growth of business intelligence data and the complex data models needed to support it.
• Virtualisation and Cloud Computing: Provides conceptual and practical insight into virtualisation, distributed, and cloud computing.
• Embedded Systems: Broadens a Software Engineer's horizon to include system and software development for embedded systems, with consideration of the Internet of Things.

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Course Schedule:

• Approximately 15 hours per week in the classroom.
• 70% or 35 hours of weekly independent study time.
• Teaching is mostly via lectures with lab sessions, online activities, and small-group tutorials.

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Assessment:

• Combination of coursework and exams.
• Independent final year project contributes substantially to the final mark.
• Prompt and constructive feedback is provided via Canvas, face-to-face, or written comments.

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Teaching:

• Active blended learning approach combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Dedicated personal tutor for one-to-one support.
• Supervision and visits during work placements.
• Wide-ranging links with industry for successful placements.

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Careers:

• Provides the skills to work in any area of the software industry.
• Many students find employment with their placement provider.
• Most students find employment quickly after graduation.

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Other:

• Accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
• £6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities.
• Strong links with local and national companies, including Corus, Unilever, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and IBM.
• Go Citizen Scheme helps with costs towards volunteering, individual projects, or unpaid placements worldwide.

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• Home full-time per year: £9,250
• International full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,850
• Placement year international: £3,830
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.