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Software Engineering BSc(Hons)

2024-25 (also available for 2025-26)

It’s not too late to apply for September.
It’s not too late to apply for September.

Start date

16 September 2024

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years inc. placement year

Entry requirements

A Level - BBB-BBC

BTEC - DMM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

40

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. Future proof - expand your network of contacts, who knows who you might meet that could impact your future career path.
  2. Enhance your employability - the course allows you to gain vital industry experience, via a work placement in the UK or abroad.
  3. Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles, within BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Evri, Microsoft, BT and Amazon UK*

        *Source: LinkedIn

From commercial activities like shopping online, to use by government departments, in manufacturing processes, or for personal use, computer software plays a huge role in a host of industries and activities.

With a degree in Software Engineering, you could be involved in finding solutions to some of the challenges society faces today, from climate change to transportation or clean water and sanitation. As industries develop, the possibilities, and requirements of software engineering change rapidly too. Our course aims to give you an understanding of what's possible, where your skills could take you, enhance your career prospects and lead to careers with vast earning potential, allowing you to create the life you want in the future.

An advanced subject, the course will see you write software which involves computer science and mathematical concepts. Sharing a common first year with other courses (Computing Bsc (Hons), Computer Science BSc (Hons) and Software Engineering MEng), this course offers the flexibility to transfer from one course to another during your first year. This allows you to tailor your studies if you find you have an interest in a specific subject area.

Why study Software Engineering BSc(Hons) at Huddersfield?

Guiding you in developing hands-on practical skills, tutors on this course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this fast-paced and dynamic environment. The course aims to give you an understanding of the human and social contexts of software systems. You'll explore contemporary methods and techniques in software development, as well as get to grips the modern software engineering process and how they apply to projects at different scales.

There are opportunities for group working and collaborative learning and your assessment will be problem-driven to expose you to challenges faced by industry. During your studies, you’ll have access to high-standard computing facilities on campus, which includes a range of machines running a variety of operating systems and software.

You’ll also benefit from the chance to undertake an optional placement year in your second year of study and on successful completion of the course, you’ll have fulfilled the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional, and some of the academic requirements for achieving Chartered Engineer status (via the course’s accreditation with British Computer Society).

We want to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed in this exciting and fast-paced environment, and careers in this industry can include test engineer, software programmer, project manager, and software architect. Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles, within BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Evri, Microsoft, BT and Amazon UK. These roles include software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer, and business analyst*.

  • Source: LinkedIn

Course detail

Core modules:

Computing Science and Mathematics

In this module we introduce you to basic computing science and mathematical concepts related to software development. Topics covered include set theory, graphs and trees, finite state machines, grammars and languages, propositional logic and searching and sorting algorithms. You’ll put the theory into practice using a programming language and software that lets you directly implement finite state machines.

Computer Organisation and Architecture

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and systems software. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of computer hardware ranging from basic digital logic to instruction sets and microarchitecture. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with basic system software at a machine instruction-level.

Computer Network Fundamentals

This module introduces the core fundamental principles of computer networking. You will gain knowledge of the theoretical concepts of networking, such as addressing, switching and routing. Furthermore, you will be exposed to key issues, such as network security, along with typical techniques used to address these issues. In addition to the theoretical aspects of networking, you will plan, design and implement practical solutions using live or simulation tools.

Project 1

Working as part of a team, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of hardware, software and industry best practices used by businesses. In your teams you’ll be supported in planning, designing and developing a prototype product. This experience has been designed to introduce you to the product development cycle, technology limitations and possible future developments.

Software Design and Development

This module aims to introduce you to fundamental programming concepts using both structured and object-oriented programming languages. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of high-level notions of algorithms, data structures, and program testing and evaluation.

Entry requirements

BBB-BBCat A Level  

120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications  

Merit at T Level.

DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma  

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma in a subject that is relevant to the course with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
  • 120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

Entry is also possible from the Engineering Foundation Year. To progress onto this course from the Foundation Year you must pass all modules and achieve an average mark of 40% or above.

In addition you must have GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above and Maths at grade 5 or above, or grade C and B respectively if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered.  For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Computing


A tour of our Department of Computing facilities

Ever wondered how you will use our facilities as part of your course? Follow Isobel on a tour who explains all.

Placements


This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities, through timetabled and drop-in sessions as well as by appointment. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Sony, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, the NHS, Jaguar Land Rover, Agillent Technologies, Citrix and HMRC, as well as smaller companies from the local economy and further afield. You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

I have learned everything from designing specifications to contributing to real deliverables - critical to aerospace. I made friends for life, and my role became my lifestyle. My understanding of Software Engineering totally changed before it was just coding - now it's a lifestyle with lots of coffee.

Domantas-placement

Domantas Giedraitis, Software Engineering BSc(Hons), Park Air Electronics

Our students

Your career


Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer, IT Analyst and business analyst in organisations including BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Hermes, Microsoft, LLoyds, BT and Amazon UK.**

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.

*100% of undergraduate graduates from the School of Computing and Engineering who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 20/21, UK domiciled).

** Source: LinkedIn

100%* Graduates employed

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Computing and Engineering, which provides you with support in a variety of areas. These include:

Student Guidance Office: Students can book an appointment with a Guidance Adviser at any time during their studies; we are here to help with navigating any challenges they may face while studying. Our Advisers are skilled in providing advice and guidance to students on a range of issues including personal circumstances and academic issues and can help students to understand University regulations. The Guidance Team also offer study skills appointments to support with developing academic skills, such as; research and project planning, referencing and paraphrasing, essay writing, critical thinking, understanding assessments and to develop Maths skills. The team also encourage students to develop effective study habits such as good time management to meet deadlines by supporting with planning and organising work schedules.

Personal Academic Tutor (PAT): You will be allocated a PAT who will be an academic based in the School of Computing and Engineering. You will be offered the opportunity to meet with your PAT at various points throughout the year. PATs are there to help you get the most out of your time at University, to discuss academic progress so that you can achieve your best and to direct you towards appropriate support services such as wellbeing and finance.

Student Support Office: A one stop shop for students studying within the School. The team deal with every aspect of student life from enrolment, module queries, timetabling, exams, assessments, course-related committees and graduation. They are the first place to go with any query, and they can also signpost to other support networks.

Technical Support: Technicians support our students across each department. Based in our labs with different specialisms and knowledge they are on hand to provide support, guide and advise where students can access our technician’s expertise/knowledge during lectures and seminars as well as during self-study. An IT Support Helpdesk is also available to all students within the School of Computing and Engineering to help troubleshoot any computer issues/problems or to loan hardware and software.

Research excellence

Research plays an important role in informing all our teaching and learning activities. Through research our staff remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, and contribute to society, which means you develop knowledge and skills that are current and highly relevant to industry. For more information, find out more about our Research institutes and centres.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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