Software Development BSc (Hons)

You will develop professional-level industry related skills, learning, for example, how to build web-sites, design databases and plan networks together with the necessary problem solving techniques.

During the course there is a clear emphasis on employability; with our close links to industry you develop your technical skills in web and mobile development, your problem-solving skills, along with vital professional skills to understand the way technology is applied to real life.

The degree will give you all the necessary skills to develop professional software solutions, mobile applications or even to design games. Our experts will provide you with hands-on methods and knowledge to design and maintain complex software. With this highly sought-after skillset you will have a broad range of career paths and specialisations to pursue after your graduation.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level.

Level 4 Modules include:

• Introductory Programming Concepts
• Computer Systems Architecture
• Computer Threats and Attacks
• Software Design andDevelopment
• Network Systems
• Web Design and Management

Level 5 Modules include:

• Object Orientated Programming
• Advanced Programming Concepts
• Database Design and Development
• Data Driven Web Developments
• Work Based Learning
• Research Project

Level 6 Modules include:

• Ethical and Legal Issues
• E-Business
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mobile Systems Development
• Major Project

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.

If English is not your first language you will need to demonstrate the ability to study in English. For non-native speakers of English, you must demonstrate proficiency of English equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework, specifically IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no more than 2 sub scores below IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). If you are an International Student from outside of the EU it is a requirement for you to have a Tier 4 Visa in order to study with us.

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis and will be invited to interview.

The interview will consider prior formal qualifications, and evidence of experience gained through employment or other verifiable sources. Students will be admitted when the interviewers are confident that the student has demonstrated sufficient prior knowledge, skill, aptitude and interest to be equally able to succeed as a candidate offering the standard entry criteria. 

Where applicants do not have the requisite GCSE 4 (formerly C) in mathematics or Equivalent Level 2 qualification in mathematics, a short Bridging maths course will be offered and upon successful completion (passing of a test at the end) candidates will be accepted to the course.

Care Leavers or Young Carers

We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.

See our General Entry Requirements.

Assessment will be undertaken through a range of established methodologies at various stages throughout your course. Examples of assessment activity include:

• Essays: that usually focus on analysing or evaluating theories, past research by other people, and ideas. They may include applying theory to practice.
• Seminars where you exchange results and findings centred around a particular topic.
• Examinations: that enable the accurate testing of the breadth of understanding of a given topic(s).
• Portfolios and ePortfolios: in which you will collate a body of work, evidence attempted labs - programming, security, networking and mathematical labs for instance.
• Reports: that present data and findings that you have collected yourself, for example through a survey, experiment or case study. Some reports focus on applying theory to your field of work and may discuss improvements and evaluation of the research or task undertaken.
• Presentations: that will allow you to present your findings, developments and research in a meaningful way to your peers and lecturers where you will have opportunity for meaningful feedback and discussion.
• Projects: such as research projects centred around a particular area of interest in Computer Science. Work Based projects undertaken in a work setting where you will apply a range of theories and practical skill. This culminates in the production of a Major Project at level 6 show casing all that you have learned during your studies.
• In class tests and practical tests: that will test your understanding and practical skills in subjects such as Networking, Structured Query Language (SQL) and Programming concepts.
• Group assessment: that allows you to build valuable employability skills working as part of a team. This could be centred around the development of a piece of software, an application or forming an incident response team. Not only could the maturity and completeness of the final product be assessed but also the how group functioned within the given time frame and setting.

Learning and teaching will be delivered through a range of established methodologies including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Audio Visual materials
• Research
• Archive and Library searches
• Distance and e-learning (via VLE)
• Field Visits
• Attendance at conferences
• Presentations at conferences
• Research visits.

Graduates of the programme can progress onto a diverse range of professions with an Honours degree in Computing. These include: Software Developers, Business Analysts, Web Developers, Project Managers, Network Designers, Teachers and Games Developers, will be accessible at a more senior level in addition to professions requiring knowledge of more specialist areas such as Data Science, Distributed Computing, Security and Mobile Development.

Upon successful completion of the course, you could choose to progress onto Masters programmes. Opportunities include MSc programmes in Databases Design, Computer Science, Internet Technologies and Agile Software Projects.

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.