Computer Science (Software Engineering) (with a Placement Year) BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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Computer Science (Software Engineering) (with a Placement Year) BSc (Hons)

Overview

Lead the tech landscape with our hands-on software engineering course. Develop in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with our software engineering course. You will build a strong foundation in computer science and cover advanced topics like object-oriented programming, data structures and algorithms, DevOps, and software testing.

A Focus on Employability

Our software engineering degree is hands-on. You will engage with lectures from industry guest speakers, hackathons, field trips to leading tech organisations and industry partners, industry conferences, and tech meetups. Therefore, you will develop a thorough understanding of the industry, apply skills to real-world scenarios, enhance skills crucial for success within the field, grow your network, and become a sought-after graduate.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

You’ll learn in a dynamic environment and access computing labs, industry software and platforms, an E-Sports Arena, and a rich resource library.

One-to-One Support

Our lecturers are dedicated to your personal and professional growth. During your software engineering degree, you will access their one-to-one support. We are also 1st in London for ‘Academic Support’ (National Student Survey (NSS), 2023) and 2nd in London for ‘Teaching on My Course’ (NSS, 2023).

Work Placements: Build Practical Experience

You can complete optional industrial placements and internships within software engineering. As a result, you will stand out after graduation.

Other Pathways to Choose

We also offer:

• Computer Science BSc
• Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc
• Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc
• Computer Science (Data Science) BSc
• Computer Science (Game Development) BSc
• Computer Science (User Experience) BSc

About the Placement Year

A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year. It will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting, build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in, develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace, and get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s Every Step of the Way

Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.

Please Note

In the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.

Course Content

Modules

These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.

• Computer systems and networks
• Mathematics for computer science
• Programming principles and techniques
• Database systems
• Object-oriented programming
• Web design and development
• Data structures and algorithms
• Artificial intelligence
• Web application development
• Team project
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing
• Mobile application development
• Individual project
• Software testing and quality assurance
• Usability testing and evaluation
• Advanced topics in computer science
• DevOps

Core

• DevOps

Entry Requirements

2025 and 2026 Entries

• Start date: September 2026
• Standard offer: 120 UCAS points
• Contextual offer: 96 UCAS points

About Contextual Offer

We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria.

We understand that sometimes barriers you can’t control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We’ll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:

• subjects studied at Level 3
• your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
• non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
• your references and motivation

GCSE

• Grade 4/C or above in Maths and English Language or their equivalent

We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.

UCAS Personal Statement Support

Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we’ll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• Home: £9,535
• International: £17,100 (£1200 during placement year)

Please Note

These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.

For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.

Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

Additional Costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.

Scholarships

Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

Living Costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

How the Degree is Taught

• Contact time: 70%
• Independent study: 30%

Contact time includes 50% of guided learning

Teaching Methods

You’ll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

Assessment Methods

You will complete assessments including:

• software projects
• portfolios
• case studies
• written assignments
• computer-based tests
• group endeavours
• peer assessments
• dissertations
• poster presentations

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

Career Opportunities

Our Software Engineering course will help you build transferrable skills like critical thinking and communication. As a graduate, you can explore careers within software engineering and sectors, such as:

• technology
• finance
• healthcare

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:

• Software engineer
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Mobile app developer
• Database developer
• UI/UX engineer
• Technical consultant

Contact our Career Services for further information on work and postgraduate opportunities.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• Program Name: Computer Science (Software Engineering) (with a Placement Year) BSc (Hons)
• Duration: 4 years (with an optional placement year)
• UCAS Code: G411
• Location: St Mary's University, Twickenham, London
• Fees:
• Home/EU: £9,250 per year
• International: £16,320 per year (except placement year, which is £1200)
• Objectives:
• Develop in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in software engineering.
• Build a strong foundation in computer science and cover advanced topics like object-oriented programming, data structures and algorithms, DevOps, and software testing.
• Become a leader in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
• Focus on employability:
• Hands-on approach with industry guest speakers, hackathons, field trips, industry conferences, and tech meetups.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the industry and apply skills to real-world scenarios.
• Year 1:
• Computer systems and networks
• Mathematics for computer science
• Programming principles and techniques
• Database systems
• Year 2:
• Object-oriented programming
• Web design and development
• Data structures and algorithms
• Artificial intelligence
• Year 3 (Placement Year):
• Optional placement year in an industry setting, gaining real-world experience.
• Year 4:
• Web application development
• Team project
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing
• Mobile application development
• Individual project
• Software testing and quality assurance
• Usability testing and evaluation
• Advanced topics in computer science
• DevOps

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Assessment:

• Software projects
• Portfolios
• Case studies
• Written assignments
• Computer-based tests
• Group endeavours
• Peer assessments
• Dissertations
• Poster presentations

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Project work
• Faculty members are experts in their fields.
• Class sizes are small, ensuring individualized attention.
• The university has a range of facilities and resources available to students, including:
• Computing labs
• Industry software and platforms
• A rich resource library

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Careers:

• Graduates can explore careers in software engineering and other technology sectors like:
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Technology consulting firms
• Software houses
• Startups
• Potential job roles:
• Software engineer
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Mobile app developer
• Database developer
• UI/UX engineer
• Technical consultant

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Other:

• St Mary's University was ranked:
• 2nd in London for "Teaching on My Course" (NSS, 2023).
• Scholarships and bursaries are available.

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• Home: £9,250
• International: £16,320 (£1200 during placement year)
Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.