Program Overview

Overview of the Software Engineering with Foundation Year BSc(Hons) Program

The Software Engineering with Foundation Year BSc(Hons) program is designed for students who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to their desired course. This integrated foundation degree is not available to international students, who should instead apply for international foundation programs delivered by the International Study Centre on campus.

Program Structure

• The duration of the foundation element is one year, and if students successfully pass, they will automatically progress onto the degree.
• The program offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.
• The course emphasis is on the development of sound practical skills, alongside an understanding of theory.

Course Details

Foundation Year

• Communication and Research: This module explores the importance of communication in computing and engineering, including practice in both written and verbal forms and gaining confidence in presenting to a group.
• Foundation Mathematics: This module covers the necessary mathematical tools and principles required for first-year studies, including basics in arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry, followed by more advanced areas.
• Foundations of Computer Science: This module allows students to consider some of the main areas of study within computing and information technology, developing knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing.
• Computational Thinking: This module introduces the theoretical foundation of computational thinking, incorporating problem description, decomposition, abstraction, and realization, with practical application through key programming principles.

Core Modules

• Computing Science and Mathematics: Introduces basic computing science and mathematical concepts related to software development.
• Computer Organisation and Architecture: Provides fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and systems software.
• Computer Network Fundamentals: Introduces the core fundamental principles of computer networking.
• Project 1: A team project that aims to provide an understanding of hardware, software, and industry best practices used by businesses.
• Introduction to Procedural Programming: Introduces core programming concepts using procedural programming fundamentals.
• Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming: Introduces fundamental programming concepts using an object-oriented programming approach.

Optional Modules

• Computational Mathematics 1: Covers the mathematical foundations required for scientific computing.
• Cyber Security: Introduces fundamental concepts in computer and network security.
• Operating Systems: Studies the architectures of computer operating systems.
• Advanced Web Programming: Covers advanced approaches to developing web applications.
• Computational Mathematics 2: Provides an understanding of computational perspectives of mathematics, with an emphasis on matrix methods and data modeling.
• Data-driven Artificial Intelligence: Allows students to obtain a fundamental understanding of data-driven Artificial Intelligence approaches.

Teaching and Assessment

• The course is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions.
• Assessment is varied and includes primarily coursework, quizzes, in-class tests, presentations, and demonstrations.

Career Opportunities

• Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer, and business analyst.
• The course aims to give students an understanding of what's possible, where their skills could take them, enhance their career prospects, and lead to careers with vast earning potential.

Fees and Finance

• The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations.

Additional Information

• The University of Huddersfield has a strong reputation for research excellence, with three-quarters of all research being world-leading and internationally excellent.
• The University offers a range of support services to help students succeed, including careers advice, student support, and research excellence.