MSci (Hons) Software Engineering (with Industrial Experience)

Software Engineers are programming architects, applying a range of skills to develop complex and critical systems. This programme provides you with a unique blend of academic content and exciting industrial experience, working with leading organisations in contemporary technology-based environments.

Our programme, which is accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS) and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), provides you with a comprehensive grounding in computer science, while equipping you with the specialist skills required for a profession in software engineering and design. You will gain the technical knowledge and experience to manage and develop high-quality, well-designed software systems, along with an understanding of business and system requirements. You will also have the opportunity to gain high-level professional experience, working with one of our exciting partners in industry.

Based around our dedicated Software Engineering Design Studio, your first year will provide you with the fundamentals of computer science, software development, and digital and information systems, allowing you to gain the essential knowledge needed for analysis and design. You will also begin to develop complex computer programming skills, learning to write, analyse, debug, test, and document computer programmes.

Your second and third years offer advanced modules, including Distributed Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Languages and Compilation. In addition to developing your foundational understanding, programming, and software design skills, you will explore social, ethical and professional issues related to the discipline and complete a group project. These will allow you to develop a working knowledge and the skills to overcome the challenges of designing, developing and evaluating real-world software systems.

You will also undertake a variety of software design-based modules, ensuring you gain a broad and robust level of skills and experience. These projects will develop your data analysis, graphical, report writing and presentation skills.

Your third year will also give you the opportunity to undertake an individual project. In this project you will work closely with one of our academics, allowing you to exercise and further develop the skills acquired throughout your degree.

In your fourth year, you will be presented with a range of integrated industry placement activities, as well as a dedicated ten-week industry project. This will allow you to apply the skills you have learnt while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Assessment

We offer an excellent range of learning environments, which include traditional lectures, laboratories and workshops. We are also committed to providing timely feedback for all submitted work and projects.

Assessment varies across modules, allowing students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways, including laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions, oral presentations, and formal examination.

Careers

Software Engineers develop highly specialised skills that are applicable in a range of industries. Our graduates have gone on to work with a variety of companies, providing novel computing solutions ranging from e-commerce to advanced military systems, while others have chosen to set up their own businesses or study for MSc or PhD qualifications.

We provide careers advice and host a range of events throughout the year, including our annual careers fair, attended by exhibitors who are interested in providing placements and vacancies to software engineer students and graduates. You can speak face-to-face with employers such as Network Rail, Oracle, and Johnson and Johnson, in addition to a large range of SMEs.