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Entry Requirements icon

Entry Requirements

You will need a minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff points. In addition, for this programme, you will be required to have a GCSE (or an equivalent level 2 qualification) at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above in English and mathematics.

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Study Mode

Full time

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Duration

3 years

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Timetable

Check with your tutor


Key Features & Benefits

  • Validated by UK Top 15 Lancaster University, Benefit from smaller class sizes, more 1-to-1 support, dedicated state of the art Cyber Suite
  • Study in our dedicated University Centre
  • Fit your studies around existing commitments
  • Benefit from smaller class sizes, more 1-to-1 support and accessible resources

Our Software Development BSc (Hons) is designed to equip you with the ability to solve complex computing problems in order for you to progress to graduate-level roles.

  • Overview

    Unlock Your Future in Tech Gain the skills that employers are looking for. 

    This degree equips you with the tools to build websites, design databases, and plan networks while mastering the problem-solving techniques that drive innovation. 

    From day one, we focus on your employability. Our strong industry connections mean you’ll develop in-demand technical skills in web and mobile development, alongside the professional and creative thinking needed to thrive in the real world. Whether you want to develop software or create mobile apps, this course gives you the foundation to do it all.

    You’ll learn from experts through hands-on, practical experience preparing you to take on complex challenges and build the tech of tomorrow. With these future-ready skills, you’ll graduate with the confidence to shape your own career path in a fast-moving digital world.

  • What will I study?

    Level 4 Modules include: Introductory Programming Concepts Computer Systems Architecture Computer Threats and Attacks Software Design and Development Network Systems Web Design and Management.

    Level 5 Modules include: Object Orientated Programming Advanced Programming Concepts Database Design and Development Data Driven Web Developments Project Management Research Project.

    Level 6 Modules include: Ethical and Legal Issues E-Business Artificial Intelligence Mobile Systems Development Major Project.

  • Entry requirements

    Your Journey Starts Here – Entry Requirements To join this course, you’ll need a minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff points.

    You’ll also need a GCSE (or equivalent Level 2 qualification) in English and Maths at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to show you can study in English—this usually means an IELTS score of 6.0, with no more than two scores below 5.5 (or equivalent).

    International students from outside the EU will also need a Tier 4 Visa to study with us. No Traditional Qualifications? No Problem. If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements but have relevant work or life experience, we still want to hear from you! You may be invited to an interview, where we’ll consider your background, your experiences, and your passion for the subject. If you can show the knowledge, skills, and drive to succeed, you’ll be welcomed onto the course. Missing a math's qualification? We’ve got you covered with a short Bridging Math's course pass the final test, and you’re in.

    Support for Care Leavers & Young Carers We believe university should be for everyone. If you’ve spent three months or more in local authority care, or you’re a young carer, you may be eligible for a contextual offer—that’s one grade below our usual requirements (e.g. CCC becomes CCD, or MMM becomes MMP).

    Simply tick the relevant box on your UCAS application to let us know.

  • How will I be assessed?

    Assessment is carried out through a variety of established methods at different stages of your course, helping you to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and growth in multiple ways. Examples include: Essays – These focus on analysing or evaluating theories, existing research, and ideas. They often require you to apply theory to practical scenarios.

    Seminars – You'll engage in discussions and share findings around specific topics, encouraging collaborative learning and critical thinking.

    Examinations – Formal tests designed to assess your breadth of understanding on key subjects.

    Portfolios and ePortfolios – Collections of your work, including evidence from programming, security, networking, and mathematical labs.

     Reports – These showcase data and findings you’ve gathered through surveys, experiments, or case studies. Many reports apply theory to practice and include evaluation and reflection.

    Presentations – You’ll present your work and research to peers and lecturers, gaining valuable feedback and improving your communication skills.

    Projects – Including research projects on specialist areas in Computer Science and work-based projects in professional environments. Your learning journey culminates in a Major Project at Level 6, demonstrating the full scope of your skills. Group assessments – Collaborative tasks where you develop software, applications, or respond to simulated scenarios (like cybersecurity incidents). Both the outcome and your teamwork are assessed.

    Practical interview-style tests – Newly introduced to mirror real-world job interview scenarios, these assessments evaluate your technical and problem-solving abilities in a dynamic, applied setting. They’re designed to enhance your readiness for graduate employment and give you experience in showcasing your skills under pressure.

  • Teaching and learning

    Your learning experience will be dynamic, hands-on, and designed to prepare you for the real world. We use a wide range of engaging teaching methods to bring your studies to life and help you build confidence in your skills.

     You’ll learn through: Lectures – Explore key concepts, theories, and current trends in computing from experienced academics and industry professionals.

    Seminars & Workshops – Get hands-on, ask questions, and collaborate with your peers in interactive sessions.

    Audio-Visual Learning – Engage with digital resources, tutorials, and video content that support your independent learning.

    Research & Independent Study – Build your critical thinking through guided research, including library and online database exploration.

    Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – Access learning materials, submit assignments, and engage with your course remotely through our dedicated online platform.

    Field Visits – Gain real-world insight through site visits that show how your learning applies in professional settings.

    Conferences & Presentations – Attend industry events and even present your work perfect for networking and building your professional presence.

    Research Visits – Deepen your understanding of key topics through focused study in relevant research environments. 

    This flexible, modern approach to teaching ensures that whether you're in a classroom, online, or out in the field, you're always learning in a way that’s practical, relevant, and inspiring.

  • What can I do next?

    Build the Future with Software. This degree is your launchpad into the world of professional software development. Whether you're driven by the challenge of coding, the creativity of app design, or the strategy behind system architecture, you'll graduate with the hands-on skills and technical knowledge to shape the digital future.

    As a software-focused computing graduate, you’ll be equipped for a wide range of rewarding roles, including: Software Developer, Web Developer, Mobile App Developer, Agile Project Manager, Business Analyst, DevOps Engineer, QA/Test Engineer, UI/UX Designer. You’ll also be well-placed to pursue careers in related fields such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, Distributed Computing, and Cloud Systems—all of which benefit from strong software foundations.

    Take Your Skills Further Many of our graduates choose to specialise even more by progressing onto Master’s programmes in areas such as: Software Engineering, Agile Software Projects, Internet Technologies, Database Design, Advanced Computer Science. This software-focused degree not only prepares you for today’s opportunities but also gives you the adaptability and confidence to grow with tomorrow’s technologies. 

  • Supplementary information

    Work Placements

    Work placements are subject to availability. You are also responsible for any costs in travelling to and from your work placements, for any accommodation costs and in some instances the cost of acquiring a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report.

  • What will my timetable look like?

    You will be required to undertake work in your own time and also undertake private study. This will be in addition to your taught hours in class. You may also be required to undertake a work placement/work-based learning. This is in addition to the taught timetabled classes, please bear this in mind with your planning. 

    The University Centre reserves the right to change timetables for the year ahead and this information is provided to you as a guide. The days of study in subsequent years of the course may vary.

  • Career Options

    A degree in Software Development is your gateway to a future-proof career in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. With demand for tech talent at an all-time high, you’ll graduate with the practical skills and experience needed to thrive in a wide range of roles.

     What Can You Do With This Degree? Graduates from this course go on to careers such as: Software Developer – Create applications, tools, and systems that power everything from smartphones to space exploration.

    Web Developer – Build responsive, user-focused websites and web applications for businesses, services, and e-commerce.

     Mobile App Developer – Design and develop apps for iOS and Android platforms.

    Agile Project Manager – Lead development teams using modern agile methodologies to deliver high-quality software on time.

     DevOps Engineer – Bridge development and operations to streamline software deployment and automation.

    Business Analyst – Translate business needs into technical solutions through systems analysis and stakeholder collaboration.

    UI/UX Designer – Focus on user experience, creating intuitive and visually engaging digital interfaces.

    Quality Assurance Tester – Ensure software is reliable, secure, and user-friendly before it reaches end users.

     Cybersecurity Analyst – Use your understanding of software and systems to protect data and digital infrastructure.

    Data Analyst or Engineer – Work with big data, algorithms, and machine learning to uncover insights and drive decision-making. Industry-Ready, Future-Focused.

    Our strong links with employers and real-world projects mean you’ll graduate with more than just a degree—you’ll have experience, confidence, and a professional portfolio. Whether you're aiming to join a global tech firm, launch your own start-up, or pursue further study, this degree will set you up for success.

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National Student Survey (NSS) Results 2024

95.8%

Highest in the area for students feeling supported by teaching staff in their learning.