Software Engineering with Foundation Year

Program Overview

---

Software Engineering with Foundation Year

Overview

The Software Engineering with Foundation Year program is designed to help students build a strong foundation in computer systems and programming, preparing them for the full BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degree. This pathway is ideal for students who want to study software engineering but don't meet the direct entry requirements.

Course Details

Foundation Year

The foundation year pathway is designed to help students build solid knowledge and skills, preparing them for the full BSc (Hons) Software Engineering undergraduate degree course. Along with introducing essential study skills, students will explore programming for standalone applications and websites, enhance their mathematical problem-solving, and learn to describe how computer systems work.

BSc (Hons) Degree

The BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degree is designed to develop students' in-depth knowledge and understanding of software specification, design, implementation, and deployment using software development methodologies. Students will study core and optional specialist modules in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data mining, virtual reality, and more.

Learning Experience

Embedding collaboration with industry and working on real-world software projects is an essential aspect of studying computing at Salford. In the second year, students will have the opportunity to take part in the three-week long industry challenge, Hackcamp. Working in a team with other computing students, they will develop a web-hosted dashboard or application to meet a real-life brief, set by one of the industry partners.

Industry Placement

On the full degree, students will have the opportunity to take an industrial placement year between years two and three. Although they will be responsible for securing their own placement, they will be assigned a placement tutor to monitor their progress and assess their final report.

Modules

Foundation Year

• Computer Systems
• Computer Programming
• Computing Mathematics FY
• Web Programming
• Inside Computer Systems

Year One

• Programming 1
• Programming 2
• Professional Development and Practices
• Web Development and Human Computer Interfaces
• Computer System Internals and Linux
• Database Systems

Year Two

• Design Patterns
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Software Project with Agile Techniques (Salford HackCamp)
• Networking and Security
• Career Development
• Software Evolution
• Client Server Systems
• Deep Learning

Year Three

• Software Quality Management
• Dependable Software Engineering
• Project for Software Engineering
• Optional modules (choose two):
  • Virtual Reality and 3D Games
  • Mobile Development
  • Information Security Management
  • Business Management
  • Advanced Web Development
  • Deep Learning

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a combination of formats:

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Practical tests
• Projects
• Software development tasks

Employment and Stats

Once students complete the full honors degree, they will graduate with exciting and rewarding career opportunities ahead of them. Equipped with demonstrable software engineering skills, supported by a large portfolio of practical work, they will be in demand across many different industries.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

The Foundation Year is recommended for applicants who:

• Feel that their background makes them more 'keen users of computers' rather than 'curious about low-level details', but who want to increase their depth of knowledge
• Feel that their mathematics would benefit from some improvement before embarking on a degree course
• Have not studied a computing or numerate subject at school/college, but want to pursue a computing career
• Wish to return to education after a long time in employment

International Students

This course isn't suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit the International Foundation Year course page.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

Standard Entry Requirements

• GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C/grade 4 or above
• UCAS tariff points: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include either mathematics or computing to A-Level or equivalent standard, or 72 UCAS points from any subject combination without mathematics or computing
• A-Level: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include either mathematics or computing, or 72 UCAS points from any subject combination without mathematics or computing
• BTEC National Diploma: MPP from computing or a numerate subject, or MMP from other subjects
• T level: This programme accepts the following T level: Digital Production Design and Development
• Access to HE: Pass from a QAA-approved computer-related subject
• Scottish Highers: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include either mathematics or computing, or 72 UCAS points from any subject combination without mathematics or computing
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 UCAS points where qualifications include either mathematics or computing, or 72 UCAS points from any subject combination without mathematics or computing
• European Baccalaureate: Please contact Admissions for further information
• International Baccalaureate: Please contact Admissions for further information

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES): We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years

Additional Costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

• In a nutshell: The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to become professional software engineers, essential in modern society.
• Foundation Year Pathway: Designed for students who meet the requirements for direct entry onto the full honors degree.
• Focus: Learn how to create software systems, develop methodical approaches to analysis, design, development, testing, and maintenance, using programming languages like Java.
• Accreditation: Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
• Benefits: Learn theoretical knowledge and adapt your skills in response to evolving needs, translate concepts into reality, build technical skills and confidence for progression to the undergraduate degree.
• Placement Options Available: Gain real-world experience.

---

Outline:

• Full Degree: Delivered over three years (four years with an industry placement).
• Foundation Year: Introduces programming for standalone applications and websites, explores essential study skills, and enhances mathematical problem-solving skills.
• Year 1 Modules:
• Programming 1
• Programming 2
• Professional Development and Practices
• Web Development and Human Computer Interfaces
• Computer System Internals and Linux
• Database Systems
• Year 2 Modules:
• Design Patterns
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Software Project with Agile Techniques (Salford HackCamp)
• Networking and Security
• Career Development
• Software Evolution
• Client Server Systems
• New: Deep Learning
• Year 3 Modules:
• Software Quality Management
• Dependable Software Engineering
• Project for Software Engineering
• Choose two optional modules:
• Virtual Reality and 3D Games
• Mobile Development
• Information Security Management
• Business Management
• Advanced Web Development
• New: Deep Learning

---

Assessment:

• Examinations: Assess immediate response to unseen problems.
• Assignments: Assess response to a larger problem.
• Practical Tests: Assess ability to apply appropriate skills to a problem.
• Projects: Assess ability to create a plan, make decisions, carry out the plan, and reflect on the process.
• Software Development Tasks: Apply learned techniques and demonstrate work.

---

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Blend of theoretical, collaborative, and practical methods including practical laboratories, case studies, group work, and project work.
• Faculty: Collaborative and supportive program teams.

---

Careers:

• Graduate Roles: Software engineer, systems analyst, programmer, system administrator, computer analyst.
• Employers: BNFL, British Aerospace, PricewaterhouseCooper, IBM, ICI, ICL, Riva Software International.
• Further Study Options: Postgraduate courses in Cyber Security, Threat Investigation and Forensics, Data Science.

---

Other:

• Placement Year: Optional placement year can add "with professional experience" to the degree award.
• Industry Collaboration and Research: Salford offers collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in computing and informatics issues.

---

Type of study Year Fees Full-time home 2024/25 £8,250.00 for Foundation Year and £9,250.00 for subsequent years. Full-time home 2025/26 £8,250.00 for Foundation Year and £9,250.00 for subsequent years. Additional costs You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.