Skip to main content

Software Engineering BSc(Hons)

    • Apply now Order a prospectus Open Days
    Undergraduate Open Days
    Undergraduate Open Days
    {{menu.previous.name}}
    {{menu.center.name}}
    {{menu.next.name}}

    Overview

    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, Software Developer, DevOps Engineer, .NET Developer and Java Developer.*

    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.

    *Lightcast data – job postings from May 2022 to May 2023 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

    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

    Entry requirements

    BBB-BBC at A Level  

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

    Merit in 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 International Entry Requirements page.

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

    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.

    Introduction to Procedural Programming

    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.

    Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

    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.

    Core modules:

    Team Project

    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.

    Relational Databases and Web Integration

    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.

    Object-Oriented Systems Development

    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.

    Algorithms and Data Structures

    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.

    Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

    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.

    Option modules:

    Choose one from a list which may include:

    Computational Mathematics 1

    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.

    Cyber Security

    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).

    Operating Systems

    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).

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

    Core modules:

    Large-Scale Software Engineering

    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.

    Distributed and Client Server Systems

    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.

    Individual Project

    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.

    Option modules:

    Choose two from a list which may include:

    Advanced Web Programming

    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.

    Computational Mathematics 2

    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).

    Data-driven Artificial Intelligence

    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.

    You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and practical sessions and an average of 20%* of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online). The course emphasis is on the development of sound practical skills, alongside an understanding of theory.

    Assessment is varied and includes primarily coursework, quizzes, in-class tests, presentations and demonstrations. There are opportunities for group working, in addition to individual assessments.

    Your module specification documents will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to the modules in your course.

    Written feedback is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the academic year in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results.

    *based on the course structure for 2025 entry as at December 2023.

    Further information

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing around May/June.

    Timetables are normally available one month before registration. As this is a full-time course, you may have to attend every day of the week.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    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.

    The Placement team 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. They are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Hewlett Packard, MSD and Saftronics, as well as smaller companies from the local economy and further afield. You can find more information on placements here.

    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

    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.

    Embedded Systems Lab
    Group work
    Female at PC
    Sparck Jones building and canal
    Computer lab with 24 hour access

    Discover more about the course

    Your Career

    Discover the job roles our graduates are working in now.

    Professional links and accreditation

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

    Inspiring Graduate

    Get inspired by real students and their careers.

    Careers advice

    Check out the personalised guidance we offer you.

    Student Support

    Discover all the support available so you can thrive.

    Further Study

    Learn about pursuing a Master’s or PhD at Huddersfield.

    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    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.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

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

    You may also be interested in...

    Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc(Hons)

    Full-time

    Undergraduate

    This course will give you the opportunity to learn how to build intelligent systems that transform everyday lives.

    Find out more How to apply

    Computer Science with Cyber Security BSc(Hons)

    Full-time

    Undergraduate

    The monetary value of data has led to an increase in cyber-crime, meaning computing professionals with cyber security skills are in high-demand.

    Find out more How to apply

    Computing BSc(Hons)

    Full-time

    Undergraduate

    Our course cover topics including software engineering, cyber security, plus a foundation of knowledge in of all aspects of computing.

    Find out more How to apply

    Computer Science BSc(Hons)

    Full-time

    Undergraduate

    Study a range of topics from software engineering to artificial intelligence or distributed computing, to help you build your knowledge of computer science principles and develop your computing skills.

    Find out more How to apply

    Information Technology BSc(Hons)

    Full-time

    Undergraduate

    On our course, you will be supported by our team to develop your creativity and imagination, with our aim being to help you pursue a career within IT.

    Find out more How to apply
    View more courses