Program Overview

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Overview

This course provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to apply best practice in developing software systems to solve problems in organisations.

Summary

This course is offered at the Derry~Londonderry campus by the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. If you wish to develop your skills of problem solving and computational thinking to an advanced level, this is the course for you. This course will enable you to learn about the principles and practice of software development and to apply these skills in developing a wide range of computer-based systems in any organisation.

About this course

About

The Computer Science (Software Systems Development) course aims to develop graduates that study computational systems and how they can solve problems in the real world, focusing on the use and creation of hardware and software systems. There are three broad streams of study within the course:

• Software Development Principles and Practice
• Networking and Cyber Security
• Cloud Computing and Operating Systems

The duration of the course is dependent on the number of modules you study and successfully complete each year. There are normally six modules at each of three levels in the course. Each year, you can choose to undertake a minimum of two modules and a maximum of four modules. This choice aims to enhance flexibility and empowers you to complete the course as slowly or as quickly as you like. You will have an annual opportunity to review and adjust your rate of progress. All modules are compulsory.

During the final year of the course, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the planning, development and implementation of your Final Year Project and this can be used to showcase your skillset to future employers.

Attendance

This course is part-time. Part-time students are taught alongside full-time students, and modules are scheduled to accommodate day-release from employment.

Each student must complete between 40 and 80 credits (usually two to four modules) in each academic year. Modules are taught on campus on a single day per module basis and are web-supplemented.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course is taught using a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions.

Lectures are used to present theory and concepts, which are normally supported by tutorials to delve deeper into a topic, and provide opportunities for students to develop their problem-solving skills.

Practical laboratory sessions enable the practical application of theoretical concepts, facilitating a deeper understanding of key topics. In programming laboratories, there is an emphasis on small group tutoring and support.

Modules are either assessed by coursework only or by a combination of coursework and formal examinations (January and May). Coursework assessment is carried out using any combination of written assignments, class tests, presentations, and group assignments as appropriate to meet the learning outcomes of each module.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Year one

• Mathematics for Computing
• Software Development I
• Software Development II
• Database Systems

Year two

• Computer Hardware and Operating Systems
• Systems Analysis and Design

Year three

• Computer Networks & Security
• UX
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Professional Development

Year four

• Cloud Computing
• Object-oriented Programming
• Mobile Application Development

Year five

• Cyber Security
• Concurrent and Distributed Systems
• Cloud Operating Systems
• Advanced Mobile Technology

Year six

• Final Year Project

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BBC. All subjects are considered. Reduced offer: Grades CCC. One subject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Software Systems Development, Computing (not IT/ICT).

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DMM

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of MMM

Irish Leaving Certificate

96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades CCCCD. All subject areas considered.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades DDD. All subject areas considered.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate Diploma requirement for this course is a minimum of 24 points to include 12 at Higher Level. Grade 4 in Mathematics and Grade 4 in English Language is also required in overall profile.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Successful completion of an Ulster University validated Access Course (120 credits) with an overall mark of 55% to include a pass in NICATS Maths (level 2) or GCSE Maths at Grade C. GCSE English at Grade C is also required.

GCSE

GCSE Profile to include to include minimum of Grade C or above in Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent).

Careers & opportunities

Graduates with computer science and software systems development skills will find many career opportunities available to them in developing new software. On completing this course successfully, students will be able to choose from a number of career options such as software engineer, computer programmer, computing consultant, or systems’ manager or administrator. Skills developed in the course will always be in strong demand, as virtually every modern enterprise needs increasing numbers of computer-literate graduates.

Professional Recognition

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Fees and funding

2026/27 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.