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Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

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Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    BSc: G600
    BSc with Foundation: G601

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG BSc (Hons)

  • Duration

    Full Time: 3 years
    Full Time Foundation: 4 years
    Part Time: 4 - 6 years

  • Starting

    September

Updated 19/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 19/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The Software Engineering BSc degree programme enables students to develop and apply a range of industry essential analytical and problem-solving techniques to facilitate real-world computer software development scenarios.

University of Northampton software engineering degree students will build the required academic underpinnings, interpersonal skills and professional software engineer practitioner capabilities via the use of many simulated case-studies in a very practical learning strategy.

Through their learning journey, students will study modern software engineering elicitation, analysis, specification, design, programming, testing and software evaluation theories and will devise solutions to real and simulated industry problems. BSc Software Engineering students will have the opportunity to have a hands-on approach with a variety of modern software development tools, languages and development environments.

Highlights

  • A wide range of taught approaches to coding and state of the art software development including: UML, Java, C++, JavaScript, PHP, Android, Oracle and programming development environments such as Eclipse.
  • Exposure to a wide variety of implementation strategies and vehicles including, mobile applications, web-based solutions, database driven applications, solutions based around or including artificial intelligence components and approaches to effective interface design.
  • Links with industry and research that directly impact the course syllabus and teaching.
  • Lecturers are either research active in relevant software engineering fields and/or have extensive links with industry.
  • Take part in our industry based work experience events, where students visit relevant companies that extensively utilise or develop software and are exposed to challenging short projects that they have to undertake for the organization. In recent years, we have worked on these events with such companies as Barclays/Barclaycard, KPMG and Triad Digital Solutions.
  • HP Laptop and software included with this software engineering course*  (*Terms and Conditions apply)
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
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Entry Requirements

A typical offer to study BSc Software Engineering at the University of Northampton could be:

  • BCC at A-Level or,
  • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level

We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

Applicants will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above. We welcome international applicants and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  • Admission to this foundation course is normally:

    • DEE at A Level or,
    • MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
    • Pass (D or E) at T Level

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

    However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the university course you wish to study.

  • All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
      for study at undergraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • The University of Northampton’s Software Engineering BSc degree gives you a technical understanding of the essential academic knowledge, interpersonal abilities and practically based software development skills required to become an effective software engineer in the software industry.

    On the software engineering training course you will develop and apply a range of analytical methods and problem-solving skills to real-world software development scenarios.  You will build your professional capabilities individually and as part of a team in a systematic practical manner applicable to a wide range of professional roles.

    This programme develops your independent thinking and flexibility within a significant range of areas in the software engineering field including, mobile applications development, object-oriented programming, software design, interface design, artificial intelligence, software testing and software evaluation.

    Internships

    The current course structure for software engineering is designed to allow students to seek an industry based internship between years 2 and 3.  Students will receive guidance and advice on how to find, apply for and secure these internships. Students who secure these paid internships find them invaluable in developing their software based skill-set prior to completing their degree and entering the workforce on a permanent basis, post-graduation.

    IEEE Student Branch

    Software Engineering degree students will have the opportunity to join the world’s largest professional body at discount rates and join the UON IEEE Student Branch, through which they can get in contact with students from other academic institutes worldwide.

    UON IoT (Internet of Things) Workshop

    Students will have the opportunity to attend the annual UON IoT Workshop with guest speakers and presenters from the local, national and international industry. This is a great opportunity for the students to meet and work with colleagues from different year groups but also with professionals with several years in the industry.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree in software engineering at the University of Northampton, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

    If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

    Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  • At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

    If you join this full time Software Engineering degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

    Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

    To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

    *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

  • Is there an opportunity to go on a work placement?

    Yes, an optional full year placement module is available for university students who have successfully completed stages 1 and 2 of their degree in software engineering. This will give you the opportunity to individually source and gain a year‘s extra work-based learning experience in a science related placement, spent either in the UK or abroad.

    How will I learn on the BSc Software Engineering degree?

    You will be taught through a variety of activities and problem-solving challenges, so that you can apply your theoretical knowledge. Being able to analyse problems, implement statistical methods, research solutions and apply them in new ways are all skills that are highly valued in the computing industry, and you will be able to use them throughout your career to drive the industry forward.

    How will I be assessed on the Software Engineering degree?

    There is a wide range of assessment including essays, reports and end of year examinations on our software engineering university programme.

    What is software engineering?

    Software engineers are professionals within the computer science industry who are responsible for developing software and systems for the operation of businesses. They apply their practical skills and knowledge of programming languages and software engineering principles to develop and improve everything from applications and software products to games, operating systems and network control systems. As the reliance on smart devices increases, so will the demand for software engineering.

    What Specialist Facilities are there?

    All Software Engineering BSc students will have access to a number of labs with all the course relevant software needed for their course. Students will also be given details of how to obtain the course required software components for installation on their own personal machines.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted for the degree in software engineering relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK Full Time: £9,535*
  • UK Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
  • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535* for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International Full Time: £15,700
  • International Integrated Foundation Year: £15,700 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

* The 2025/26 annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses has not yet been confirmed by the Department for Education but is expected to be £9,535 for year one. UON will adjust fees annually in line with government policy.

  • There are currently no additional costs anticipated for the Software Engineering BSc course for 2025 entry.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted for the degree in software engineering relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
    • International – Full Time: £15,200
    • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200

Staff

Mark Johnson, Senior Lecturer - Computing

Senior Lecturer - Computing
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Mark Johnson

Careers and Employability

There is an increasing demand for skilled and qualified software engineering university graduates. This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in a range of roles including your career in Software Engineering, including software programming, systems analysis and software testing.

Our graduates have gone on to work in Software Engineering jobs with employers such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle and Barclaycard.

Commonly, they work in the following job roles:

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Architect
  • Software Designer
  • Embedded Software Engineer
  • Software Quality Engineer/Analyst
  • Cyber Security Manager
  • Games applications developer
  • PHP Developer
  • Software Testing Engineer
  • Software Configuration Manager
  • Software Engineering Manager

Graduates will also be equipped with the required skills to undertake additional master’s programmes such as MSc, MPhil or PhD.

Master’s Opportunities

The University of Northampton’s master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on master’s fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

Is this course for you?

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