Software Engineering (with Foundation Year), BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Software Engineering (with Foundation Year), BSc (Hons)

Attendance

Full-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

4 years

UCAS Code

C986

Delivery

In-person

Placement option

Gain software development skills with our Software Engineering foundation year. You’ll cover a range of technologies and follow the whole process from design and implementation to testing.

Why study with us

• In your foundation year you’ll learn introductory skills in software development and develop your confidence in applying essential programming skills.
• Cover a range of technologies - from mobile phones to enterprise applications - across the whole development lifecycle. You’ll understand the requirements of each stage.
• We emphasise practical-based learning using purpose-built laboratories and the University's general computer rooms.

What you'll do

• You’ll work in Agile teams to develop realistic applications, and develop skills in advanced programming and computational thinking.
• You'll be introduced to software development, investigating IT, and problem-solving for computing.
• You’ll be introduced to mathematical methods and gain key academic skills needed to progress to an undergraduate degree.

Modules

Foundation year

• Introduction to Software Development
  • Module code: COC001
  • We aim to introduce you to a range of software development concepts including, problem analysis, specification, design, implementation, testing, and debugging, and also develop your confidence in applying essential programming skills.
• Investigating IT
  • Module code: COC002
  • This module uses security and forensic investigation to introduce computer technology. You will improve awareness of security threats and how to deal with them. It provides an overview of modern hardware and operating systems. You will examine threats to PC security and basic countermeasures, and investigate features of an IT system.
• Problem-solving for Computing
  • Module code: COC003
  • This module aims to encourage you to build an inquisitive and active approach to problem-solving with an emphasis on IT-related problems. You will develop confidence in the representation, interpretation and manipulation of information in different formats.
• Study Skills 1 - Learning How to Learn
  • Module code: COC004
  • This module aims to equip you with a set of skills, knowledge, and personal attributes that ensure you are more likely to be successful in your chosen route of academic study. You will develop the ability to understand what and how you are learning, and to review, plan and take responsibility for your learning.
• Study Skills 2 - Developing Academic Skills
  • Module code: COC005
  • This module will improve your academic writing skills and build your confidence in written work. You'll be introduced to a variety of writing styles and develop your verbal and visual communication skills to build your confidence. You'll also be introduced to a variety of communication methods.
• Foundation Mathematics
  • Module code: MAC101
  • This module is designed to help you develop and reinforce basic mathematical skills needed for study in science, engineering, and computing subjects. Emphasis will be placed on building confidence and competence in a range of mathematical skills that are used in real-world problems. These will help your work in analysing fire risks and interpreting safety data.

Year 1

• The Computing Challenge
  • Module code: CO1007
  • This module aims to provide a learning environment emphasising on discovery and teamwork. You'll learn an overview of key practical aspects of computing. You will also begin the development of problem-solving skills relevant to computing professionals. The module aims to develop skills in usability and interface design and evaluation.
• Introduction to Networking
  • Module code: CO1008
  • Networks are a key part of most computer systems. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of networking and networked systems. You'll develop the understanding you need to investigate relevant computer network standards and protocols.
• Programming
  • Module code: CO1409
  • This module will develop your ability to analyse a simple problem with a view to implementing a software solution. You will be provided with core skills in computer programming and debugging necessary to implement a readable and maintainable solution to a given problem. You will develop your software design skills and you'll be introduced to advanced programming techniques in preparation for study of an advanced programming module.
• Computer Systems and Security
  • Module code: CO1508
  • In this module you'll explore the fundamentals of computer architecture and operating systems, exploring the nature and consequences of security threats and data breaches, as well as countermeasures. You'll examine the legal, ethical and privacy issues associated with collected data and discuss issues arising with emerging technologies such as smart cities, smart vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT) and online shopping.
• Systems Analysis and Database Design
  • Module code: CO1605
  • Within an interactive and stimulating learning environment, you will work in teams to discuss and explore a variety of systems. This will develop an in-depth understanding and the practicalities of database design and implementation which you can add to your programming skillset.

Year 2

• The Agile Professional
  • Module code: CO2007
  • This module develops project leadership skills required by computer practitioners. The module explores working in an Agile way on a course-specific group project. You will reinforce your understanding of social, professional, ethical and legal aspects of Computing. The module will prepare you for your final year project by introducing teamwork, project planning and investigation skills.
• Software Development
  • Module code: CO2401
  • On this module you'll develop the high-level skills necessary for major software projects. You'll cover the phases of specification, design, implementation and testing and maintenance. You'll consider specific issues that affect every phase of the lifecycle, including quality, usability and documentation.
• Advanced Programming with C++
  • Module code: CO2402
  • The aim of this module is to develop your ability to solve typical industrial problems. You'll understand how to use algorithms and data in solving problems and how these can be presented using Windows and Unix.
• Cross Platform Development
  • Module code: CO2404
  • In this module, you will develop an understanding of modern mobile development platforms and the skills you need to develop cross-platform applications for mobile devices. You will be able to explore a range of technical problems and solutions inherent in developing coss platform applications for ubiquitous computing platforms such as mobile, desktop, wearable and smart devices.
• Computational Thinking
  • Module code: CO2412
  • On this module you'll develop an understanding in using algorithms and data structures using various techniques and discrete mathematics. You'll then be able to apply this knowledge to illustrate design, analysis and optimisation and solve a wide range of problems.
• Cyber Security
  • Module code: CO2528
  • On this module you will examine a range of vulnerabilities and attacks on computer systems and networks. You'll instil a vigilant attitude towards potential system weaknesses and develop an understanding of methods for protecting communication and computer systems. You will be encouraged to take a systematic approach to computer security and you'll integrate your skills by tackling the complex problem of system security.

Year 3

• Honours Degree Project
  • Module code: CO3008
  • On this module you will research, study and produce a report based on the investigation of a problem and the development of a solution. This project will be the culmination of the your study and will draw on the material and skills developed during the course.
• Distributed Systems
  • Module code: CO3404
  • This module aims to integrate your software development skills through the construction of distributed systems. It also aims to convey the fundamental principles of designing distributed systems considering scalability, security, heterogeneity, concurrency and containerisation.
• Advanced Software Modelling
  • Module code: CO3408
  • The module takes a rigorous approach to software development. It examines the use of formal methods for the specification, development and verification of software. It presents a range of techniques for the analysis and implementation of real-time solutions. You'll investigate the theory and problems of concurrent systems.
• Data Science
  • Module code: CO3722
  • This module provides the necessary tools for analysing datasets and visualizing their properties.

Optional modules

• Games Concepts
  • Module code: CO1301
  • We aim to encourage your interest in game analysis and to foster your creative thinking in the development of computer games. We will also develop your understanding of commercial practices in game development, introduce you to methods and technologies for game development, and provide the necessary mathematical foundation for computer game development.
• Web Technologies
  • Module code: CO1707
  • On this module you'll develop an awareness of modern web technologies and the future scope of the web. You'll explore a range of security concerns when deploying web-based applications. You'll develop an understanding of the structure of different web technologies and you'll investigate the contexts in which web technologies are developed and applied.
• Computer Graphics
  • Module code: CO2409
  • Computer graphics are a vital part of modern human-computer interaction, but are highly resource intensive. You'll explore the algorithms and hardware that attempt to meet the demands of real-time rendering of 2D and 3D graphics. You'll be introduced to mathematical techniques used to represent and manipulate images, and explore how graphics libraries are used to produce more complex and realistic graphics. You'll be able to extend your programming skills to the generation, manipulation and display of graphical images using a popular graphics library.
• User Experience
  • Module code: CO2722
  • On this module you will foster an understanding of the needs, abilities, limitations of computer users, of the techniques and technologies that can enable users to communicate effectively with computers, and the impact of user experience in this context. You'll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to enable you to model, design and evaluate interfaces with a focus on user experience. You will enhance your desire, skills, and confidence to research HCI and UX topics for themselves.
• Artificial Intelligence
  • Module code: CO3519
  • This module aims to introduce and familiarise you with the approach and techniques of Artificial Intelligence. It will introduce you to AI in the context of computer games and will explore some of the theoretical underpinnings of AI and Computing.

Accreditations

• British Computer Society (BCS) – Full CITP and partial CEng
  • This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and fully meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. It is also accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council and partially meets the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Memberships

• BCS Academic Member
  • We are an Educational Member of the British Computer Society providing benefits to our students such a free BCS membership for the duration of their Computer Science course. This help connections with the tech industry through BCS mentors, enables access to bespoke events with industry experts, as well as interactive career tools include CV writer, interview simulator, personal assessments and e-learning.

Future careers

Our Software Engineering (with Foundation Year) degree is a great stepping stone to a rewarding career. Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies like Nokia, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel and EA games, while others have started their own companies.

Entry requirements

• Minimum qualifications:
  • UCAS: 64 points at A2
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: MPP
  • BTEC Diploma: MM
  • Pass Access Course: 64 UCAS points
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 64 points from Higher Level Subjects
  • T Level: P (D or E)
  • IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
  • GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Fees and funding

• 2025/26
  • UK
    • First year: £9,535 for the first year
    • Full-time: £9,535 per year
  • International
    • First year: £17,250 for the first year
    • Full-time: £17,325 per year

Additional costs

As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies. Select your country or region to see if you are eligible and how to apply.

• Care Leaver Bursary
  • Our Care Leaver Bursary is for students who need extra support because they have been in care or are estranged from their parents.
• Estranged student support
  • Estranged Student Support Bursary is for students who need extra support because they are estranged from their parents.
• Dependants Bursary
  • Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package.
• Foundation Year Bursary
  • Our Foundation Year Bursary scheme is for students starting a four or five year undergraduate degree programme.