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Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Combine your analytical skills with creativity and study a blend of established theories and modern design techniques to become proficient in developing high-quality software applications for desktop, web and mobile platforms.

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Overview

As a Software Engineering student at DMU, you will develop the technical skills needed to design and build software that is used in everyday devices and systems across our homes, workplaces and communities.

This course is a specialist pathway within Computer Science sharing similar subjects for the first two years of study. Final year study includes a distinctive focus on building software across different platforms including contemporary mobile devices and embedded systems.

You will also learn about the structure of organisations, gaining insight into the commercial context in which systems are commissioned and deployed, as well as covering important professional issues surrounding computer ethics, law, and security.

Key features

  • Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.
  • Tailor your learning to your career ambitions by choosing from a range of optional final-year modules, including Functional Programming, Advanced Web Development, and Embedded Systems and IoT.
  • Study a diverse curriculum that has an equal balance of theory and practice and is embedded with contemporary technologies designed to tackle modern multi-core platforms.
  • Join our thriving student societies to build on what you learn on the course and to develop your interests and skills outside of teaching time. They include the Games Society, Robotics Club and Google’s Developer Student Club.
  • Benefit from an international experience with our DMU Global programme. Software Engineering students have networked at software companies in Berlin and met tech entrepreneurs in San Francisco.
  • Explore professional opportunities with an optional placement year. Software Engineering students have undertaken placements with large organisations including IBM, Arm Ltd, Gigaclear, Next and SAP.
  • Prepare for a career in the thriving software industry. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as LHA ASRA Group, Lorien, MISCO, Oracle, Royal Bank of Scotland and Sainsbury’s. 

Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT

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  • UK
  • EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G600

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G600

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

I found a new beginning

The tutors that believed in Tennessee and shared their industry experience took her from foundation degree to software engineer – now she's helping the next generation.

Entry criteria

  • A typical offer is 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
  • BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM

Plus five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications include:

  • Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course

  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ points
  • T Levels Merit

Portfolio Required : No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer 

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

 

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

 

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Structure and assessment

Education 2030

We want to ensure you have the best learning experience possible and a supportive and nurturing learning community. That’s why we’re introducing a new block model for delivering the majority of our courses, known as Education 2030. This means a more simplified timetable where you will study one subject at a time instead of several at once. You will have more time to engage with your learning and get to know the teaching team and course mates. You will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, and have a better study-life balance to enjoy other important aspects of university life.

Read more about Education 2030
 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

 

 

First year

Block 1: Database Design and Implementation

Block 2: Fundamental Concepts of Computer Science

Block 3: Computer Programming

Block 4: Operating Systems and Networks

Second year

Block 1: Object Oriented Design and Development

Block 2: Data Structures and Algorithms

Block 3: Web Application Development

Block 4: Software Engineering Team Project

Third year

Block 1: Software Development: Methods and Standards

Block 2: Mobile App Development and Big Data

Block 3 / 4: Development Project

Optional modules (choose one):

  • Block 3 / 4: Functional Programming
  • Block 3 / 4: Advanced Web Development
  • Block 3 / 4: Embedded Systems and IoT

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

 

See detailed module information


 

Teaching

This is a full-time course. Each module is worth 30 credits. Outside of your normal timetabled hours you will be expected to conduct independent study each week to complete preparation tasks, assessments and research.

Course delivery is in block mode, which means each 30 credit module consists of a seven week teaching block.

Students are taught on this course via a range of methods including staff directed learning via lectures, tutorials and laboratories. Students will also learn through collaborative and group-based learning in addition to individual learning. Students will also learn via student-centred resource-based learning via web-based resources and student-centred learning via individual research / literature review. 

Asessment

Methods of assessment include time constrained phase tests, portfolios of work, programming and other laboratory exercises, viva voce examinations, individual and group work, project work, reports and presentations.

 

Facilities and features

 
Placements
Placements
Placements
 

Computer Science Laboratories

Our laboratories are equipped with 100 computer workstations including HP PCs running Windows/Linux.

All the machines are connected to a dedicated high-performance file server so students can store and back up their work. Many of the software packages provided are open source, which means students can download and run the software they need for their coursework while at home.

The laboratories also include study spaces where you can work individually or in groups. Software Engineering  students are timetabled to use this space for their formal classes and are encouraged to use these facilities when they are available at other times.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Graduate careers

Our graduates are working as business intelligence analysts, international business analysts, software application developers and software engineers for companies such as Lorien, MISCO, Oracle, Royal Bank of Scotland and Sainsbury’s.

Graduates are also well positioned to continue their academic careers by embarking on postgraduate study in either research or taught areas, which offers the opportunity to further specialise and enhance existing skills.

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DMU Global

Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers. 

Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

 

Software Engineering students have  had the chance to network with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, explore science and technology museums in Berlin, and test their skills at Spyscape in New York.  They have also attended the SAS Global Forum in Washington DC and visited  Telefonica in Madrid.

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Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement. 

Previous Software Engineering students have completed placements at a number of local and national companies, including Arm Ltd, Gigaclear, IBM, Netready, Next and SAP.

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