Software Engineering BEng Honours draft

Program Overview

The Software Engineering BEng Honours program at the University of Westminster equips students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in software design, development, and evaluation. Through a balanced curriculum that emphasizes problem-based teaching, students gain expertise in software engineering principles, programming languages, algorithms, and data structures, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities in the software industry. The program also incorporates a placement year, real-life projects, and optional modules to enhance employability and industry relevance.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Software Engineering BEng Honours program at the University of Westminster is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, build, maintain, and evaluate software systems. The program emphasizes fundamental principles, design, practical skills acquisition, and technology evaluation. It aims to develop professional attitudes, interpersonal skills, and technical expertise required for success in the software engineering industry. The program provides a solid foundation in software engineering theory and practice, preparing graduates for a wide range of career opportunities, including software engineer, web application programmer, software designer/analyst, and website designer/programmer.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Computer Systems Fundamentals: This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computer systems, including hardware, software, and networking.
• Mathematics for Computing: This module covers essential mathematical concepts relevant to computer science, such as logic, algebra, and calculus.
• Software Development: This module introduces students to the principles of software development, including programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
• Trends in Computer Science: This module explores current trends and advancements in computer science, providing students with an overview of emerging technologies.
• Web Design and Development: This module introduces students to the principles of web design and development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Year 2:

• Algorithms: Theory, Design and Implementation: This module delves into the theory, design, and implementation of algorithms, covering topics such as sorting, searching, and graph algorithms.
• Database Systems: This module explores the concepts and principles of database systems, including relational databases, SQL, and database design.
• Object Oriented Programming: This module focuses on object-oriented programming principles and techniques, using languages like Java or C++.
• Software Development Group Project: This module provides students with practical experience in software development through a group project, fostering teamwork and collaboration skills.

Placement Year:

• Students have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of their study.
This provides valuable work experience and enhances employability.
• The Careers and Employability Service and the course team offer support in finding and securing placement opportunities through workshops and events.
• Students are typically assigned roles involving tasks related to software engineering.

Year 3:

• Concurrent Programming: This module explores the concepts and techniques of concurrent programming, including multithreading, synchronization, and parallel programming.
• Computer Science Final Project: This module allows students to undertake an independent research project, applying their knowledge and skills to a specific area of computer science.
• Formal Methods: This module introduces students to formal methods for software verification and validation, using techniques such as model checking and theorem proving.

Optional Modules:

• Machine Learning and Data Mining: This module explores the principles and techniques of machine learning and data mining, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning.
• Operating Systems: This module covers the concepts and principles of operating systems, including process management, memory management, and file systems.
• Robotic Principles: This module introduces students to the principles of robotics, including kinematics, dynamics, and control.
• Server-side Web Development: This module explores the concepts and techniques of server-side web development, using languages like Python or PHP.
• Advanced Server-side Web Programming: This module delves into advanced topics in server-side web development, including web frameworks, databases, and security.
• Applied Robotics: This module provides practical experience in robotics, including design, programming, and implementation of robotic systems.
• Internet of Things: This module explores the concepts and technologies of the Internet of Things, including sensor networks, data analytics, and cloud computing.
• Mobile Native Application Development: This module focuses on the development of native mobile applications for specific platforms, using platform-specific tools and languages.
• Operational Research and Optimisation: This module covers the principles and techniques of operational research and optimization, including linear programming, network optimization, and simulation.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical: Presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artifacts
• Coursework: Essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
The specific assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the individual module.

Teaching:

Learning takes place through a combination of face-to-face teaching and independent study, including:

• Lectures: Provide a structured overview of key concepts and theories.
• Practical Tutorials: Offer hands-on experience and guidance in applying theoretical knowledge.
• Laboratory Sessions: Provide opportunities for practical experimentation and skill development.
• Personal Development Sessions: Focus on developing essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Real-life Project Briefs: Provide students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects, applying their knowledge and skills to practical problems.
• Case Studies: Explore real-world scenarios and challenges in software engineering, providing students with insights into industry practices.

Careers:

Graduates from the Software Engineering BEng Honours program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the software industry, including:

• Software Analyst: Analyze user needs and translate them into technical requirements for software development.
• Software Designer: Design and develop software systems, ensuring they meet functional and non-functional requirements.
• Software Engineer: Develop, test, and maintain software applications, working within a team to deliver high-quality software solutions.
• Web Application Programmer: Develop and maintain web applications, using various programming languages and technologies.
• Website Designer: Design and develop websites, ensuring they are visually appealing, user-friendly, and meet client requirements.

Other:

• The program is CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partial CEng (Chartered Engineer) accredited by the BCS (British Computer Society).
• Students qualify for free British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership for the duration of their studies.
• The program offers a short-term work-based learning experience, allowing students to work on a real-life problem set by an external organization.
• The program emphasizes problem-based teaching, allowing students to develop their skills in analyzing problems within contexts and finding technological solutions.
• Students are involved in real-life projects, gaining hands-on experience of working individually or in a software development team.
• The program reflects the dynamics of the software industry, covering state-of-the-art techniques and subjects such as machine learning, AI algorithms, robotics, smart systems, the Internet of Things, Big Data technologies, complex heterogeneous systems, and cloud-based, distributed, and parallel software solutions.
• The program is based at the Cavendish Campus in central London, providing students with access to a major tech-hub.
• The program aims to create high-quality graduates who are adaptable, mature, and capable of immediately contributing to their workplace environment.
• The program provides an exciting and rewarding work-based learning experience that helps students develop subject-specific technical skills and employability skills such as leadership, organization, and commercial awareness.
• Graduates from the program have secured software development roles in various areas, including banking, retail, service-providing sectors, and software companies.
• The program offers international study and work experiences, allowing students to broaden their horizons, boost their self-confidence, and improve their global understanding.
• The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty, including Dr Klaus Draeger, a lecturer in the School of Computer Science and Engineering.
• The Cavendish Campus offers state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, providing students with a dynamic and inspiring learning environment.
• The program is located in central London, just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
• The program is part of the Computer Science and Engineering department at the University of Westminster.
• The program is offered on a full-time basis, with intakes in September.
• The program duration is 3 or 4 years, depending on whether students choose to undertake a placement year.
• The program is open to both UK and international students.
• The program has a dedicated course team, including Noam Weingarten, Maria Chondrogianni, Dr Artie Basukoski, Francois Roubert, Anne-Gaelle Colom, Dr Barbara Villarini, Dr Alexandra Psarrou, Dr Ayman El Hajjar, Professor Sophie Triantaphillidou, and Dr Vasileios Kontogiannis.
• The program is supported by the Careers and Employability Service, which helps students develop their career prospects.
• The program is offered at the University of Westminster, a reputable institution with a strong reputation for teaching and research.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of the modern software industry, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.
• The program is a valuable investment in students' future, providing them with the foundation they need to build a successful career in software engineering.

UK Fees:

£9,250

International Fees:

£15,400