Software Engineering

UCAS code: 1273

Here's what Birmingham City University says about its Software Engineering course.

This degree in Software Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to design and manage complex software systems.

The course has been designed to provide you with practical experience of models, techniques and tools that drive innovation in the design of software based systems. In addition, the course also focuses on crucial professional considerations, such as users and organisations, cyber security and computer ethics, as well as the latest developments in the ever-changing computing field, such as machine learning and cloud-based data storage.

You will graduate with skills in software design, artificial intelligence, data structures and algorithms and programming ready for a successful career. You could go into roles such as applications developer, full stack developer, software engineer (design, development and testing), site reliability engineer, game developer etc.

What's covered in this course?

The course covers the fundamental concepts of Software Engineering and Computer Science in the first year, including computer programming, computer systems, data structures & algorithms, software process, requirements analysis.

In the second year, you will consolidate your first-year learning by studying advanced subjects that emphasise software engineering skills including software design, social issues & professional practice, project management.

In final year, you will broaden your understanding of software engineering by studying specialised subjects like user experience design, and software quality verification & validation. You will also gain insight into artificial intelligence & machine learning, and modern data store. With its emphasis on computer laboratory based practical work and project delivery, the course provides you with ample opportunity to acquire both the technical and transferable skills desired by industry.

The course is offered by the Department of computer Science, which has successfully delivered a wide range of computing courses over the years. The Department has strong links with organisations such as Oracle, Linux Professional Institute (LPI), Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), which ensure that the course is relevant and respected by employers. Moreover, the Department is home to a Cisco Systems, and a Microsoft Academy Centre – one of Microsoft’s top UK university-based academies. The Department is also a Cisco ASC (Academy Support Centre), Cisco Instructor Training Centre (ITC) and an AWS Academy. All these ensure that you can attain a range of vendor certificates, including LPI 1 Beta certification, Cisco networking certificates and AWS Cloud certificates, while studying for your degree. In addition, the course actively endeavours to enable you to interact with potential employers by collaborating with industrial partners and participating in various events throughout the academic year.

Professional Placement year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.