Program Overview

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Software Engineering (with Integrated Foundation Year)

Overview

This integrated programme is designed to prepare and support UK students for a strong and rewarding experience in their selected discipline. Software Engineering immediately aligns students to the fundamentals of computing from the moment they enrol.

In addition to providing all necessary science, technology, engineering and mathematics background to allow students to confidently enter year one of the BEng (Hons) Software Engineering programme, the first year of study will also develop transferable skills such as communication, professionalism, teamwork and creativity, and provide an excellent transition period in preparation for learning and teaching methodologies used in the UK to support high engagement and achievement in the discipline.

The foundation year is taken in common with four complementary engineering disciplines (Biomedical, Chemical, Civil & Structural, Mechanical) and the following year in common with Computer Science and Computer Science for Cyber Security, allowing students to transfer after this common year if they feel an alternative programme better suits their emerging interests and career aspirations. Therefore, prior to being immersed in the technical depth of your selected area in the final two years of study, your education includes developing an understanding of the relation and importance of other technological areas to your own discipline, thereby broadening career options and employability on graduation.

Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate (CDIO) forms a core element of programme delivery, based around developing innovative and sustainable solutions to real-world problems and closely linked to our well-developed industrial collaborations.

Professional Accreditation

The BEng (Hons) Software Engineering is accredited by the British Computer Society for full CITP (Chartered IT Professional) status and partial CEng.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 64 UCAS tariff points
• A levels: DDE
• T levels: Pass - Overall grading Pass (D or E in the Core) with no subject specific requirements
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Level 3 National Extended Diploma (from 2016) MPP, along with a minimum of GCSE Mathematics grade C/grade 4
• BTEC Nationals Level 3 (from 2016): Any Engineering subject to include Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems (Unit 7) Pass AND GCSE English grade D/grade 3 or equivalent
• International Baccalaureate Requirements: 64 UCAS tariff points with Maths at Standard Level grade 5 plus Higher Level grade 3 or Standard Level grade 4 in English
• Additional entry requirements: If you are a mature applicant (aged 21 and over), you will be eligible to apply for this course with level 2 qualifications (or GCSE equivalents). You will also need to provide a written statement, and will be interviewed as part of the process

Your Learning Journey

First Year

• Core:
  • Introduction to Computer Visualisation
  • Computer Skills and Application
  • The Effective Learner
  • Foundation Mathematics
  • Introduction to Coding
  • Introduction to Computing

Second Year

• Core:
  • Fundamentals of Programming
  • Mathematics for Computing
  • Technical and Professional Skills
  • Computer Architecture and Systems Software
  • Internet Technologies
  • Software Design and Development

Third Year

• Core:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Database Systems
  • Computer Communications and Networks
  • Enterprise-Pro
  • System Security Management

Fourth Year

• Study abroad or placement year

Final Year

• Core:
  • Final Year Project
  • Large Scale Data Driven Applications
  • Software Systems Design and Testing
• Optional:
  • Mobile Application Development
  • Numerical Methods and Computer Graphics
  • Concurrent and Distributed Systems
  • Machine Learning
  • Principles of Security Technologies

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

At Foundation level, cognitive and personal skills are developed in more open-ended problem solving and design exercises, often tackled by working in small groups supported by members of academic, technical, and library staff. Project work is used to bring various aspects of the programme together.

Typically, each module will involve students in 72 hours of scheduled contact except Mathematics, for which students will have 96 hours of scheduled contact for each module. An expected weekly attendance commitment will be around 21 hours.

Students will experience a wide range of teaching and learning environments and a consistent balance between direct academic delivery, and individual and group study.

Concepts, principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, practiced in associated tutorials and seminars, and demonstrated and experimented in laboratory classes. Practical skills are developed in laboratory sessions. The Enterprise-Pro group project module develops an appreciation of how to manage group dynamics whilst working on a substantial computing and software engineering exercise.

Honours students undertake a major individual project in their final year, drawing together the knowledge and experience gained throughout the programme. The project provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate the ability to solve problems using current ideas and current, cutting-edge techniques that are at the forefront of computing and applied multidisciplinary disciplines.

Each 20-credit module on the programme requires students to commit 200 hours of study. Many of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars and tutorials – and others will involve students carrying out private study or group work. The balance between these forms of study changes as students pass through the programme. There are many contact hours (time spent with academic tutors) in all stages of the programme; in the final year students will also be expected to manage their plan for the individual project, under the general guidance of their academic tutors.

Our Facilities

The main programming language used in this lab is Java, which supports object orientation, graphical user interfaces, concurrency, and networking. You'll also study languages such as C#, C++, Python, and Ruby.

Fees, Finance and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• UK: £9,535 per year (Sandwich year: £954)
• International students: Your UBIC fees will be different to your University of Bradford (UoB) fees. Your UBIC and UoB fees will be confirmed in your offer letter

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student. Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section

Career Prospects

Career prospects for this course are exceptionally strong and you’ll have tremendous flexibility to undertake a wide variety of career paths. Software is at the heart of modern society, controlling computers and machines to accomplish a wide variety of tasks – from app development, to medical robots, to banking systems. Almost every industry in the world benefits from computing technology and approaches, and needs graduates with relevant skills to propel them forward into the future.

Recent graduates from this programme have gone on to work in many fascinating areas and industries, working at companies such as:

• Intel
• Microsoft
• British Sky Broadcasting
• Rolls Royce
• JP Morgan
• NHS trusts
• Skipton Building Society

Study Abroad

A study abroad year is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, build connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and strengthen your skills and experience to make you stand out in the job market.

We have opportunities for students to study, work or volunteer in more than 150 countries across the world and will support you every step of the way

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions. We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.