Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Course Overview

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, and aims to produce industry-ready graduates who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed. The course structure encourages students to unleash their creative side by designing and prototyping user interfaces, as well as sharpen their problem-solving and analytical skills by writing code to develop software for multiple platforms.

Study Options

• Full-Time (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester
• Full-Time with Foundation Year (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester
• Full-Time with Placement Year (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester

Level and UCAS Code

• Level: Undergraduate
• UCAS Code: I303 (112 UCAS points) and I302 (72 UCAS points)

Start Date and Duration

• Start date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026
• Duration: 3 years (I303) and 4 years (I302)

Location and Fees

• Location: Exton Park, Chester
• UK fees: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International fees: £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)

Course Structure

Year 1

• Term 1: Module that introduces and develops knowledge of areas such as computer hardware, software, algorithms, and programming.
• Term 2: Explore cybersecurity of software products and services, considering cyber-crime, cyber-threats, and online protection.
• Term 3: Advance computing skills and knowledge to improve programming skills, especially in Python, and deepen knowledge of how data science can tackle interesting and complex problems.

Year 2

• Data Structures and Algorithms (20 Credits) Core
  • Introduce intermediate topics in algorithm design, analysis, and implementation using industry-standard libraries, tools, and techniques.
• Computer Systems and Networks (20 Credits) Core
  • Provide a critical understanding of the fundamental building blocks of computer systems with an emphasis on performance efficiency.
• Web Development (20 Credits) Core
  • Introduce students to the basics of static websites, their structure (HTML), aesthetics (CSS), and interactivity (JavaScript).
• Software Testing and Management (20 Credits) Core
  • Focus on the learning and understanding of how the SDLC - Software Development Lifecycle works and the associated project management methodology of Agile.

Year 3

• Programming for Mobile Devices (20 Credits) Core
  • Introduce students to developing applications for mobile devices on a major platform such as Android or iOS.
• Design Thinking for Innovation (20 Credits) Core
  • Offer a comprehensive exploration of design thinking and its integration with human-centered design principles and practices to realize highly usable interactive systems.
• Cloud Computing and Cloud Security (20 Credits) Option
  • Cover a range of topics, including basic cloud computing concepts, advantages, and service delivery models.
• Implementation Project (40 Credits) Core
  • Students will undertake a large self-directed software project in a specialist topic of their choice with guidance and support from a dedicated academic supervisor.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • UCAS points: 112 points
  • GCE A Level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers - BBBB
  • Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
  • T Level: Merit
  • OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
• International Students:
  • UCAS points: 72 points
  • GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D in A level
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 points
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 Scottish Highers: CCDD
  • Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall
  • T Level: T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)
  • OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Fees and Funding

• Home Students:
  • £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students:
  • £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)
• Additional Costs:
  • Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials
  • Specialist clothing
  • Travel to placements
  • Optional field trips
  • Software

Who You'll Learn From

• Jules Barnes: Lecturer
• Andrew Muncey: Programme Leader for BSc Computer Science
• Dr. Richard Stocker: Senior Lecturer

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester:
  • Close to the city centre of Chester
  • Modern learning resources and library
  • Fitness facilities
  • Student Services
  • Chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces
  • Accommodation
  • Catering

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects:
  • Software developer
  • Software test engineer
  • Systems administrator
  • Project manager
  • UX developer
  • Product manager
  • Data analyst
• Careers Service:
  • Award-winning Careers and Employability service
  • Variety of employability-enhancing experiences
  • Support for career planning, CVs, applications, and mock interviews

Related Courses

• Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
• Cybersecurity BSc (Hons)
• Games Development BSc (Hons)