Software Engineering - BSc (Hons) Degree

This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.

The foundation year will be relevant to:

1. Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.

Find out more about the foundation year.

Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation.

Degree

The Software Engineering degree programme is comprised of a number of compulsory modules, with a range of options in the second and final year to develop your specific interests and expertise.

Students also have the option to complete a year-long placement in industry between Years 2 and 3.

Modules are 20 credits unless otherwise specified.

Year 1:

Students follow 120 credits of compulsory modules:

• Principles of Programming
• Architectures & Operating Systems
• Computational Thinking
• Explore
• Web Design & Databases
• Software Design & Development​

Year 2:

Students follow 100 credits of compulsory modules, with a choice of one 20 credit optional module:

• Object-Oriented System Design
• Mobile & Web Technologies
• Expand
• Agile Development and DevOps
• Algorithms & Data Structures

Optional modules* (one of the following):

• Data & Knowledge Management
• Networks & Communications

Year 3:

Students follow 100 credits of compulsory modules, with a choice of one 20 credit optional module.

Compulsory modules:

• Parallel & Distributed Systems
• Advanced Programming
• Development Project (40 credits)
• Professional, Sustainable & Ethical Technology

Optional modules* (one of the following):

• Cyber Security and Cryptography
• Industrial Work Experience
• Advanced Web Technology

Note: Optional modules are subject to availability and demand; as such, not all optional modules may run in one Academic Year.

A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of a broad range of teaching strategies, such as technical labs and individual and group projects. This is further enhanced by real world case studies and guest talks from industry experts, and supported by Teams and Moodle, our virtual learning environments.

Due to the nature of the programme, online and campus-based practical workshops are key to developing students’ technical understanding and abilities, underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and independent learning time - in additional to the timetabled delivery - so as to develop a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts as they move into graduate employment.

Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also appointed a Personal Tutor from within the School, who provides a point of contact for general academic and pastoral issues. Students are also supported by Student Coaches; the Student Coach role is for current 2nd, 3rd year and Master’s students who provide peer support in Modules.

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.

The primary aim of this degree programme is to develop your knowledge and expertise in the design, development and delivery of software for modern environments and platforms. It will showcase the wider impact and importance of software and technology to the UK and global digital economy, developing a culture and appreciation of software carpentry and codemanship by creating useful and usable software artefacts. Furthermore, you will have highly transferable computational thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Software Engineering
Software Engineering graduates will find a wide variety of career opportunities across both the traditional IT and telecoms sector, as well as the majority of the other industrial sectors (both public and private), including the digital/creative industries, financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing, engineering and management consultancy.

Real world experience can be obtained as part of your study by completing an optional sandwich year placement / industrial internship. Over the past few years, our students have been successful in obtaining placements in nationally competitive schemes with Microsoft, HP, General Electric and the Met Office.

This degree programme is in the process of being accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – the body that champions the global IT profession with more than 70,000 members worldwide. This degree programme satisfies the educational requirements for professional membership and chartered status (on successful completion of industry experience at the appropriate level of seniority).

On successful completion of this degree programme, there are also further taught postgraduate study options across computing and information systems here at Cardiff Met, as well as research and PhD programmes.

Typical Offers

​The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.​

• Tariff points: 104-112
• Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
• GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
• A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject.
• BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
• T Level: Merit. No specific subjects required.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.

How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme ​Director, Dr Hasan Kahtan: Email: HKahtan@cardiffmet.ac.uk