Software Engineering BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

120-112

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Build practical, hands-on skills and learn modern software engineering techniques to create solutions that make a real impact.
  • Work collaboratively on real-world projects using industry-standard tools and labs that reflect evolving professional environments.
  • Gain valuable experience on an optional placement and graduate meeting BCS standards towards becoming a Chartered professional.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

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. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Software Engineering courses are Software Engineer, Java Engineer, Python Software Engineer, Full Stack Software Engineer and Software Developer.*

An advanced subject, the course will see you write software which involves computer science and mathematical concepts. Sharing a common second 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 second year. This allows you to tailor your studies if you find you have an interest in a specific subject area.
*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Career opportunities after the course *

Software Engineers

Java Engineers

Full Stack Software Engineers

Python Software Engineers

C++ Software Engineers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level  
DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma  
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications  
Access to Higher Education Diploma in a subject that is relevant to the course with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level.
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 International Entry Requirements page.

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

What will you learn?

Course Details

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.

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.

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.

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.

This module aims to introduce you to the core programming concepts using procedural programming fundamentals. In addition, you will gain knowledge of variables, operators, and control flow including loops and branches, functions and data types.

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

Working as a part of a team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and develop a software application, or explore some aspect of information systems. You’ll be encouraged to explore theories and principles of team working and project management through the development of your chosen application. Alongside your team work you will also explore important legal and professional issues for people working in the IT industry.

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement and query a relational database. You’ll be supported in gaining an understanding of the functionality necessary to enable web pages to interact with a database. You’ll be given the opportunity to become familiar with web architectures and the design considerations necessary for implementing a database driven web application.

This module allows you to explore the programming language that underpins major operating systems, applications, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Throughout this module you’ll be supported in expanding on the procedural and object-based coding skills that you have developed so far. You’ll be given an introduction to 'C' programming leading into C++ programming with a push toward Objective-C. You’ll then be supported in building a client-server system where the client could be a smartphone, tablet or a desktop PC. Techniques for accessing Object Request Brokers and databases will be covered, and the concept of Design Patterns will be introduced.

In this module you will be supported in expanding your programming skills to cover a range of standard data structures (e.g. lists, trees and graphs) and algorithms (e.g. searching, sorting and traversals) for both sequential and concurrent systems. You will also study how to analyse systems in order to determine their complexity, correctness and safety, and to calculate their efficiency.

Can machines (in particular computers) be intelligent? And what does that mean precisely? These are the main questions that we try to answer in this module. We will explore how machines can achieve intelligent tasks in a variety of settings. In the first half of the module we consider settings with full observability and determinism, these are like laboratory conditions or puzzle games. In this setting, we will look at knowledge representation, problem solving, and planning. In the second half of the module the settings are relaxed, and we will study how to deal with the uncertainties that arise from this. In particular, we will see how to deal with opponents, with incomplete and/or uncertain information, and how intelligent agents can learn.

You will also choose one optional modules in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module covers the mathematical foundations required for scientific computing. You’ll be introduced to fundamental concepts in algebra and be supported in developing an understanding of both analytical and numerical methods for solving equations in one variable. You'll also be introduced to error analysis and proof.

This module introduces fundamental concepts in computer and network security, enabling the identification of vulnerabilities and the selection and implementation of suitable mitigation technologies. Throughout this module you’ll learn about securing data through the use of cryptography, operating system security and multi-user environments, creating secure programs, state-of-the-art methods for identifying potential threats, and legal and ethical issues surrounding computer security. This module teaches a broad range of subjects and you will learn both essential theoretical and practical aspects of computer security. This knowledge is in demand by employees and the module will empower you to start to specialise in security. The module covers issues pertinent to industry such as how to maintain data security through using strong encryption, detecting complex security threats, and also in maintain compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

In this module you will study the architectures of computer operating systems, including how they deal with resource allocation, management and security, in both single processor systems and multiple distributed processor systems (networks).

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

    Modern software engineering projects have become increasingly larger, in terms of hardware, source code, numbers of users or data volume. This module provides an analysis of the problems associated with large-scale software engineering projects and the practices, procedures, techniques and tools designed to address these issues. You will investigate all stages of a large-scale project: choosing a process model, scheduling, cost estimation, requirements engineering, risk management, security, modelling and design, quality assurance, testing and maintenance and overall management of the project. You will consider issues within these stages arising due to large scales, along with optimal solutions that can guarantee successful and timely delivery of a large-scale software project.

    This module provides a detailed analysis of a range of techniques for the development of distributed and client-server systems architectures. You will indicatively explore remote method invocation, CORBA (Common Object Request Broker: Architecture and Specifications), web and cloud services. You will also examine some typical distributed systems, including distributed file systems, distributed databases, and other common architectures.

    This module is driven by you. You are asked to select a problem to solve which is relevant to your degree, and of appropriate scope and depth to be tackled within a timeframe of 30 weeks. Carrying out the project enables you to develop and demonstrate your ability to undertake research, manage time, use your initiative, learn independently, discuss and write convincingly on a subject requiring independent learning. A supervisor will support you throughout your project. You’ll use your existing knowledge and be encouraged to acquire additional skills as you carry out your project. The aim of the project is to suggest a solution to an identified problem. Your final report should describe the aims, scope and motivation of the project, the research you have undertaken, and the technical solution provided, including justification for design and development decisions.

    You will also choose two optional modules in this year. The current optional modules are:

    The module covers some of the more advanced approaches to developing web applications, examining both client and server-side technologies. You will explore and compare structured approaches to web development and multiple modern web frameworks, together with a range of contemporary development tools. As your understanding of the technologies and approaches develops, you will aim to critically evaluate them and assess the benefits and risks of using a given approach or framework for a given task.

    This module aims to provide you with an understanding of computational perspectives of mathematics, with an emphasis on matrix methods and data modelling. You’ll be supported in developing the ability to use both analytical and numerical techniques for solving large systems of linear equations and in analysing the resulting algorithms in terms of robustness, performance, stability and accuracy. You’ll be encouraged to broaden your mathematical understanding by applying your knowledge to real-world problems in developing solutions to a range of computational challenges using industry standard software (such as Matlab).

    Recent advances in information technology have facilitated massive collection of data in numerous areas, leading to major developments in data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches. This module allows you to obtain a fundamental understanding of such approaches, particularly advanced machine learning techniques to construct intelligent systems capable to recognise, classify, or decide, among others. We will consider several widely known approaches, including deep learning, and investigate typical applications and potential limitations. You will learn which techniques are appropriate for which learning problem and their advantages and disadvantages. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge using industry standard tools and delve into high profile data-driven applications such as medical imaging and natural language processing.

    For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

    Teaching and Assessment

    Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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    Global Professional Award

    At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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    Interested in a placement?

    Placements

    You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 3, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

    Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience. Students have previously secured placements with companies such as Hewlett Packard, MSD and Saftronics.

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    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 Giedraitis
    Software Engineering BSc(Hons)

    Where could this lead you?

    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.

    ** Source: LinkedIn

    85%
    Percentage of graduates from this course who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

    * (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

    There's some really interesting modules on the course and the lecturers are great! The courses teaches you so much more than just programming, it covers the theories behind it, the logic. No matter where you aim to be, or where you end up in industry, there is a module on this course that will prepare you for that position.

    - Chris Smith
    Software Engineering MEng, Developer Advocate, Frog Education

    How much will it cost?

    Fees and Finance

    £9,790 per year

    This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

    £17,600 per year

    This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

    Home

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    International

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Digital Skills Festival - Talent Day, Bletchley Park and National Museum of Computing. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.

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    What’s included in your fee?

    We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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    If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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    What does the univsersity offer?

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    Embedded Systems Lab

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    Female at PC

    Sparck Jones canal

    Sparck Jones Building and canal

    Computer lab with 24-hour access

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    Final Year Poster Presentation - Asif Khan

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Ryan Dawson

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

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    Why Hud

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    Explore Huddersfield

    Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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    Your Student Experience

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    Budget Friendly

    Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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    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.

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    Inspiring Academics

    Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Computer Science may teach you on this course.

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    Legal information

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

    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. 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. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If 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

    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 an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. 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 non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes 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), 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 or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. 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 let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

    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 in accordance with the student protection plan.

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

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