Software Engineering BEng Honours
University of Westminster
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 15,400 / per year **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* we urge applicants to apply as soon possible and recommend applicants to apply at least three months before the course starts
** international | UK: £9,250
Introduction
Our course examines the best ways to design, build, maintain and evaluate software systems. It uses many of the technical aspects of computer science, especially programming, and aims to develop the professional attitudes, and interpersonal and technical skills you’ll need in the software engineering industry.
The course provides a solid foundation in software engineering theory and practice to develop professional software systems. It will equip you to take up a wide range of career opportunities, including software engineer, web application programmer, software designer/analyst or website designer/programmer.
You’ll study software development, programming languages, technologies and applications, including Python, Java, HTML, PHP, UML, database technologies, machine learning, algorithms and data structures, web and mobile computing, and Agile software development. Sharing a common first year with the Computer Science BSc Honours course to which you can transfer in Year 1, you specialise in software engineering from Year 2.
The Software Engineering BEng emphasises fundamental principles, design, acquisition of practical skills and evaluation of technologies. You may go on to complete an integrated Master's programme with the award of an MEng degree after four years.
Our course offers a short-term work-based learning experience that will give you the opportunity to work on a real-life problem, which is normally set by an external organisation as a small-scale project. This experience will allow you to put theory into practice by applying your new knowledge and skills to a real-life situation, usually within the context of a business-related problem.
In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study. This will help you gain work experience and enhance your employability. You’ll be offered help and support to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the Careers and Employability Service and the course team. Typically, you will be assigned to roles involving tasks related to software engineering.
Top reasons to study with us
- Our course will help you develop your problem-solving skills. We practise problem-based teaching, allowing you to develop your skills in analysing problems within contexts, so you can find the best technological solutions.
- You'll be involved in real-life projects and gain hands-on experience working either individually or in a software development team.
- Our course reflects the dynamics of the software industry – you'll learn state-of-the-art techniques and subjects such as machine learning, AI algorithms, robotics and smart systems, the Internet of Things, Big Data technologies, complex heterogeneous systems, and cloud-based, distributed and parallel software solutions.
- You'll qualify for free British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership for the duration of your studies. The BCS supports those working in the IT industry and has a commitment to making IT good for society. The organisation has over 60,000 members in 150 countries and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers. Membership of the BCS will allow you to continue your professional development and enjoy a range of valuable networking opportunities.
Why study this course?
- Fantastic central London location
Based in our Cavendish Campus in central London, you’ll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major tech hub. - Improve your employability
You'll have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) and gain work experience, enhancing your employability after graduation. - Prepare for industry
You'll learn techniques and subjects such as machine learning, AI algorithms, robotics and smart systems, the Internet of Things, Big Data technologies, complex heterogeneous systems, and cloud-based, distributed and parallel software solutions.
Professional accreditation
Our course is intended to fulfil the requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS), which means it complies with rigorous academic and professional standards as set out by the BCS. It also allows graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Career Opportunities
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you in achieving your full potential.
- Get ahead before graduating
The work-based learning opportunities built into our course will provide you with valuable practical commercial experience. - Transferable skills
You'll gain the knowledge and experience to succeed in roles such as software analyst, software designer, software engineer, web application programmer and website designer. - Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Career development
Our course aims to create high-quality graduates who have a strong focus on solving real-world problems with adaptability and maturity, a strong foundation of knowledge and the technical capability to be able to immediately contribute to their workplace environment.
Our course provides an exciting and rewarding work-based learning experience that will help you develop subject-specific technical skills as well as employability skills such as leadership, organisation and commercial awareness.
In addition, this course gives you the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study and gain work experience, enhancing your employability after graduation.
Upon graduating, you’ll be well-versed in all aspects of software engineering. As well as having a solid background in software development, you’ll also have knowledge of multiple specialisms in various fields relating to software engineering, which will benefit you during your early years as a computing professional.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Software analyst
- Software designer
- Software engineer
- Web application programmer
- Website designer
- Website programmer
Graduate employment
Graduates from this course have secured software development roles in various areas, including:
- Banking (Barclays, ING Bank)
- Retail (Amazon, Argos, Co-op, Marks & Spencer)
- Service-providing sectors (British Telecom, Royal Mail, Y.T.C. Medical Ltd)
- Software companies (Nasco UK Limited, Qube Global Software, The App Experts)
Admissions
Curriculum
Learning takes place through a combination of face-to-face teaching and independent study, including lectures, practical tutorials, laboratory sessions, personal development sessions, real-life project briefs and case studies.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study in this course.
Year 1
Subjects of study include:
- Computer Systems Fundamentals
- Mathematics for Computing
- Software Development
- Trends in Computer Science
- Web Design and Development
Credit Level 4
Year 2
Subjects of study include:
- Algorithms: Theory, Design and Implementation
- Database Systems
- Machine Learning and Machine Learning
- Object Oriented Programming
- Software Development Group Project
plus one option from the following:
- Business Analytics
- Mobile Application Development
- Operating Systems
- Robotic Principles
- Server-side Web Development
Credit Level 5
Placement Year
Our course gives you the opportunity to take a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study. This will help you gain work experience and increase your chances of employability after you graduate.
You'll be offered help and support to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the Careers and Employability Service and the course team.
Typically, you'll be assigned to roles involving tasks related to software engineering.
Year 3
Subjects of study include:
- Concurrent Programming
- Cyber-Security
- Computer Science Final Project;
- Formal Methods
Plus two option modules from the following:
- Advanced Analytics
- Advanced Server-side Web Programming
- Applied Distributed Systems Programming
- Applied Intelligence - Smart Algorithms for Modern and Ethical AI
- Applied Robotics
- Internet of Things
- Mobile Native Application Development
Credit Level 6
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in a semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
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Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Program Leaders
English Language Requirements
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