Program Overview

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Computer Science (Software Systems Development) - BSc (Hons)

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 2025

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

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).

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants. The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

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.

Opportunities for postgraduate study in computing, engineering or related areas are substantial. The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

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

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist.

Fees and funding

Module Pricing

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

• Fees Credit Points: NI/ROI Cost: GB Cost: International Cost*
• 120: £4,860: £9,535.20: £17,010
• 60: £2,430: £4,767.20: £8,505
• 30: £1,215: £2,383.80: £4,252.50
• 20: £810: £1,589.20: £2,835

NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.

*Please note our on campus part-time undergraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.