Software Engineering with Foundation BEng Honours

Program Overview

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Software Engineering with Foundation BEng Honours

Overview

Our degree courses with foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.

The foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year you will explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.

On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Software Engineering BEng Honours over a further three years study.

Our course examines the best ways to design, build, maintain and evaluate software systems. It uses many of the technical aspects of computer science, especially programming, and aims to develop the professional attitudes, interpersonal and technical skills you’ll need in the software engineering industry.

The course provides a solid foundation in software engineering theory and practice to develop professional software systems. It will equip you to take up a wide range of career opportunities, including software engineer, web application programmer, software designer/analyst or website designer/programmer.

You’ll study software development, programming languages, technologies and applications including Python, Java, HTML, PHP, UML, database technologies, machine learning, algorithms and data structures, web and mobile computing, and Agile software development. Sharing a common first year with the Computer Science BSc Honours course to which you can transfer in Year 1, you specialise in software engineering from Year 2.

The Software Engineering BEng emphasises fundamental principles, design, acquisition of practical skills and evaluation of technologies. You may go on to complete an integrated Master's programme with the award of an MEng degree after four years.

Our course offers a short-term work-based learning experience that will give you the opportunity to work on a real-life problem, which is normally set by an external organisation as a small-scale project. This experience will allow you to put theory into practice by applying your new knowledge and skills to a real-life situation, usually within the context of a business-related problem.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study. This will help you gain work experience and enhance your employability. You’ll be offered help and support to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the Careers and Employability Service and the course team. Typically, you will be assigned into roles involving tasks related to software engineering.

Top reasons to study with us

• Our course will help you develop your problem-solving skills. We practise problem-based teaching, allowing you to develop your skills in analysing problems within contexts, so you can find the best technological solutions
• You'll be involved in real-life projects and gain hands-on experience of working either individually or in a software development team
• Our course reflects the dynamics of the software industry – you'll learn state-of-the-art techniques and subjects such as machine learning, AI algorithms, robotics and smart systems, the Internet of Things, Big Data technologies, complex heterogeneous systems, and cloud-based, distributed and parallel software solutions
• You'll qualify for free British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership for the duration of your studies. The BCS supports those working in the IT industry and has a commitment to making IT good for society. The organisation has over 60,000 members in 150 countries, and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers. Membership of the BCS will allow you to continue your professional development and enjoy a range of valuable networking opportunities. For more information, visit the BCS website

Course structure

Learning takes place through a combination of face-to-face teaching and independent study, including lectures, practical tutorials, laboratory sessions, personal development sessions, real-life project briefs and case studies.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

• Foundation
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Placement Year
• Year 3

Subjects of study include:

• Computer Systems and Networks
• Critical Thinking in a Changing World
• Foundation Mathematics
• Information Systems and Data Representation
• Introduction to Academic Practice
• Programming

Credit Level 3

Subjects of study include:

• Computer Systems Fundamentals
• Mathematics for Computing
• Software Development
• Trends in Computer Science
• Web Design and Development

Credit Level 4

Subjects of study include:

• Algorithms: Theory, Design and Implementation
• Database Systems
• Machine Learning and Data Mining
• Mobile Application Development
• Object Oriented Programming
• Operating Systems
• Robotic Principles
• Server-side Web Development
• Software Development Group Project
• Software Engineering Principles and Practice

Credit Level 5

Our course gives you the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study. This will help you gain work experience and enhance your employability after you graduate.

You'll be offered help and support to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the Careers and Employability Service and the course team.

Typically, you'll be assigned into roles involving tasks related to software engineering.

Subjects of study include:

• Advanced Server-side Web Programming
• Applied Robotics
• Computer Science Final Project
• Concurrent Programming
• Cyber-Security
• Formal Methods
• Internet of Things
• Mobile Native Application Development
• Operational Research and Optimisation

Credit Level 6

Foundation

Subjects of study include:

• Computer Systems and Networks
• Critical Thinking in a Changing World
• Foundation Mathematics
• Information Systems and Data Representation
• Introduction to Academic Practice
• Programming

Credit Level 3

Year 1

Subjects of study include:

• Computer Systems Fundamentals
• Mathematics for Computing
• Software Development
• Trends in Computer Science
• Web Design and Development

Credit Level 4

Year 2

Subjects of study include:

• Algorithms: Theory, Design and Implementation
• Database Systems
• Machine Learning and Data Mining
• Mobile Application Development
• Object Oriented Programming
• Operating Systems
• Robotic Principles
• Server-side Web Development
• Software Development Group Project
• Software Engineering Principles and Practice

Credit Level 5

Placement Year

Our course gives you the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study. This will help you gain work experience and enhance your employability after you graduate.

You'll be offered help and support to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the Careers and Employability Service and the course team.

Typically, you'll be assigned into roles involving tasks related to software engineering.

Year 3

Subjects of study include:

• Advanced Server-side Web Programming
• Applied Robotics
• Computer Science Final Project
• Concurrent Programming
• Cyber-Security
• Formal Methods
• Internet of Things
• Mobile Native Application Development
• Operational Research and Optimisation

Credit Level 6

Professional accreditation

This course is CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partial CEng (Chartered Engineer) accredited by the BCS (British Computer Society).

Entry Requirements

• UK
• INTERNATIONAL
• A levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
• T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
• International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
• BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
• BTEC Diploma – MM
• Access – 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level,GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

Mature entrants without formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

INTERNATIONAL

• International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
• We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
• We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.

English language requirements

• If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
• If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.

Fees and Funding

• UK
• INTERNATIONAL

UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what you tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.

Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 orSeptember 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only , you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what you tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

• Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
• Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
• Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

Year

Year

F

24%Scheduled hours76%Independent study0%0% Placement

Year

1

27%Scheduled hours73%Independent study0%0% Placement

Year

2

24%Scheduled hours76%Independent study0%0% Placement

Year

P

1%Scheduled hours99%Independent study0%0% Placement

Year

3

18%Scheduled hours82%Independent study0%0% Placement

Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:

• Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
• Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Year

Year

F

32%Practical68%Coursework

Year

1

0%0% Practical100%Coursework

Year

2

1%Practical99%Coursework

Year

P

50%Practical50%Coursework

Year

3

14%Practical86%Coursework

PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2024/25

Careers

With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

Get ahead before graduating

The work-based learning opportunities built into our course will provide you with valuable practical commercial experience.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Transferable skills

You'll gain the knowledge and experience to succeed in roles such as software analyst, software designer, software engineer, web application programmer and website designer.

Career development

Our course aims to create high-quality graduates who have a strong focus on solving real-world problems with adaptability and maturity, a strong foundation of knowledge and the technical capability to be able to immediately contribute to their workplace environment.

Our course provides an exciting and rewarding work-based learning experience that will help you develop subject-specific technical skills as well as employability skills such as leadership, organisation and commercial awareness.

In addition, this course gives you the opportunity to take a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study and gain work experience, enhancing your employability after graduation.

On graduating, you’ll be well-versed in all aspects of software engineering. As well as having a solid background in software development, you’ll also have knowledge of multiple specialisms in various fields relating to software engineering, which will benefit you during your early years as a computing professional.

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles such as:

• Software analyst
• Software designer
• Software engineer
• Web application programmer
• Website designer
• Website programmer

Graduate employment

Graduates from this course have secured software development roles in various areas including:

• Banking (Barclays, ING Bank)
• Retail (Amazon, Argos, Co-op, Marks & Spencer)
• Service-providing sectors (British Telecom, Royal Mail, Y.T.C. Medical Ltd)
• Software companies (Nasco UK Limited, Qube Global Software, The App Experts)

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for – so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

• Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
• Attending an international summer school or field trip
• Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Course Leaders

• Noam Weingarten - Senior Lecturer
• Dr Klaus Draeger - Lecturer

Why study this course?

• Fantastic central London location
• Improve your employability
• Prepare for industry

Course Location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.

Related Courses

• Business Computing with Foundation BSc Honours
• Computer Games Development with Foundation BSc Honours
• Data Science and Analytics with Foundation BSc Honours