Software Engineering (with a year in industry) BSc (Hons) (with Foundation Year)

The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.

This is a broad introduction to the subject and you develop the theoretical knowledge, problem solving and practical skills that underpin Software Engineering:

• Introduction to Programming: This module explores the foundational concepts of programming and data structures, focusing on Java and Python, and examines how skills in structured coding, object-oriented programming, and core algorithms support the design of efficient, maintainable solutions to computational problems.
  
  
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: In this course, we will explore the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), starting with foundational concepts and progressing through its diverse applications and implications. We begin by understanding what AI is, its history, and core principles such as machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. The course also covers key AI techniques such as supervised and unsupervised learning, data analysis, and algorithm development. We will look at the applications of these techniques in engineering and real-world scenarios. In addition, we will examine the ethical and societal impacts of AI technologies, particularly in fields such as automation and data privacy. Throughout, we will link AI concepts with engineering mathematics and applications and differential equations to enhance problem-solving approaches.
  
  
• Data Fundamentals: The Data Fundamentals module introduces the concept of data and its collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation, while exploring storage systems such as relational databases and the end-to-end lifecycle of data in real-world contexts.
  
  
• Fundamentals of Computational Science: This module introduces the foundations of computer science by weaving together mathematics, C programming, cryptography and scientific computing. Students begin with sets, logic, and proofs to build the habits of abstract reasoning and formal problem-solving. These mathematical tools naturally flow into programming, where they gain practical competence in C, learning to manage variables, control flow, memory and debugging while building an appreciation for efficient and reliable code. The curriculum expands into applied domains, showing how mathematics and programming underpin security and scientific analysis. Students implement and break classical ciphers, apply public-key principles and tackle numerical methods such as matrix operations, integration and error analysis. Integration is central, in that through collaborative projects and simulations, students see how these themes combine to support secure, optimised and interdisciplinary problem-solving across computer science.

In your second year, you will go deeper into Software Engineering, expanding into both its theoretical and practical dimensions. This year will see a focus on specialised areas within the discipline, with each topic explored in detail.

• Professional Skills: This topic equips you with a diverse set of skills essential for the professional realm. From communication to problem-solving, you'll be prepared to navigate the challenges of industry.
  
  
• Introduction to Software Engineering: Master the principles of software development, from requirement analysis to deployment. This topic covers best practices, design patterns, and methodologies that ensure the creation of robust, scalable, and maintainable software systems.
  
  
• Web Development: Building on your software engineering foundation, this topic looks into client- to server-side coding. You'll learn to integrate databases with websites, creating robust registration, login, and logout systems. Dynamic server interactions using AJAX and enhancing user experiences will also be key components.
  
  
• Human-computer Interactions: Discover the science behind user-friendly interfaces and impactful user experiences. This topic focuses on design principles, user testing, and the psychology of user interactions, ensuring that software meets the needs and expectations of its users.
  
  
• Networks: Dive into the world of computer network infrastructure and protocols. From understanding the roles of clients and servers to exploring physical media and the various types of networks, you'll gain insights into how data seamlessly travels across the digital realm.
  
  
• Object-oriented Programming with C++: This topic provides a comprehensive understanding of classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and other core OOP concepts, ensuring a strong foundation for advanced software development.
  
  
• Algorithm Design and Analysis: Understand the heart of computational problem-solving. This course will introduce you to the design, analysis, and implementation of algorithms, ensuring you can develop efficient and effective solutions to complex problems.
  
  
• Computer Graphics with C++: Unlock the potential of visual computing. Using C++, you'll explore the principles of computer graphics, from basic rendering to animations, ensuring your applications are not only functional but visually captivating

You will spend your third year in an industry placement

This year, your focus will be on your dissertation, centred around a topic of your interest. Alongside this, you'll explore several advanced subjects:

• Web Innovations: With a focus on advanced aspects of Javascript. You'll work with client-side applications using current libraries and explore server-side technologies like Node.JS and React.
  
  
• Cybersecurity: You will study topics such as network security, cryptography, and threat detection. Students loan to identify vulnerabilities, implement security protocols and learn how machine learning techniques can be used to predict and mitigate cyber threats. Practical sessions often involve hands-on labs and projects to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
  
  
• Mobile Development: Here, you'll focus on mobile application development using tools like Android Studio and the Java programming language, you'll create and refine mobile applications adhering to industry standards for quality and user experience.
  
  
• Software Deployment and DevOps: Here you gain practical experience of virtualization, enterprise containers, containerization, software orchestration and continuous integration and deployment.
  
  
• Data Persistence: This module will demonstrate database systems and query languages, implement transactions and applications, and explore modern data storage and processing platforms.
  
  
• Software Management and Architecture: Here we look at the software patterns in architectures, component based engineering, and embedded systems before considering the software management business case to the final deployment.