Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Group of students working on programming a car

The Software Engineering course at Coventry University covers the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to be successful in this fast-paced, ever-changing industrial sector.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Condensed first year available

UCAS codes

G600

Start date

September 2025
January 2026 - condensed

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

There is an ongoing need for excellent software engineering graduates with the skills to approach careers requiring excellent programming skills, including (but not limited to) specialist software developers, web front- and back-end developers, app developers, and internet-of-things developers.

Master the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to develop software solutions that address demanding user expectations and complex customer requirements.
Become an expert in the full stack skills required to be a software engineer.
Gain industry-relevant experience as you apply real-world, commercial software engineering practices within teams of your peers, preparing you for your career after graduation.

The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Activity-Led Learning focus helps you consolidate what you’re taught through practical application of everything you’re covering in lectures.
Potential opportunity to spend a year on an industrial placement².
Strong professional skills focus.
We offer a variety of learning styles to fit your needs.

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

What you'll study

Study themes include software engineering, theory of computation, app development, big data and artificial intelligence.

In your first year, you’ll be taught the fundamental skills and concepts needed to begin your journey as a computer scientist and software engineer. You’ll explore the mathematical and technical foundations of computing, and you’ll apply those principles in laboratory sessions⁴ which help solidify your understanding.

You’ll also begin developing the professional skills you’ll need in your day-to-day career upon graduation: working as part of a team, the ethical and legal issues around data systems, and software unit testing.

Modules

Programming: Concepts and Algorithms - 20 Credits

Whatever software we’re developing, we need to understand the fundamentals of programming in order to build it – that’s as true for an interactive website as it is for a smart-phone app. In this module, you’ll be introduced to these fundamentals through an accessible and industry-favoured programming language. You’ll explore algorithms – what they are, why they’re important, and how to use them – and you’ll combine this with your programming skills to write your own programs.

Compulsory

Computer Systems - 20 Credits

To apply, extend or enhance information systems, any developer needs a fundamental understanding of the machine, with all of its complex, moving parts. This module introduces you to these concepts, taking you from the concept of computation to the twitching transistors which drive its implementation.

CPU architectures, memory hierarchies, efficiency, networking and security are all explored. Additionally, the concept of the Operating System is introduced which, combined with the other topics studied, empowers you to begin your journey as a developer.

Compulsory

Working with Data - 20 Credits

Databases are fundamental to modern, digital life – whatever we’re doing, we’re either generating, using, sharing or erasing data. The technologies, ethics and laws behind these processes are a fascinating and fundamental element of software development in the 21st century.

In this module, you’ll explore all of these concepts, mastering the elements of data handling, storage, and management which you’ll have to apply in later study.

Compulsory

Mathematical Skills for Computing Professionals - 20 Credits

Fundamental to all programming is the notion of mathematics. Whenever we write software, we are writing algorithms and algebra – and in order to write them correctly, we need a firm grip of the maths which underpins them. In this module, you’ll gain that understanding, exploring subjects like set theory, algorithms and complexity, and logical arithmetic.

Don’t be intimidated, though! Everything is explained from first principles, and you’re supported throughout your mathematical studies by Coventry University’s maths support service.

Compulsory

Programming: Professional Practice - 20 Credits

This module builds upon and develops the fundamental computer programming skills you developed in Concepts and Algorithms. You will be introduced to new ideas such as object orientation, and designing reusable code, and you’ll explore them using another industry-favoured programming language. You’ll be taught to structure your code in a way that makes it easy to follow, maintain, and extend, equipping you for the next stage of your software development studies.

Compulsory

Integrative Project Module - 20 Credits

The Integrative Project module adopts an activity-led approach to learning, where you’ll work in a team to plan and execute a project related to your course. The project provides you a vital opportunity to consolidate and apply what you’ve learned during your first year of study, as well as develop new technical and team-working skills.

You’ll be given a high degree of autonomy during the project, assuming responsibility for all aspects of its conduct. Everything from organising group meetings and distributing tasks and work packets, to reflecting on their progress. There is no defined end goal; students are free to take the project as far as they can.

Compulsory

In your second year, you’ll explore some of the more specialised and advanced topics within software engineering, including web development, data science, and user experience. Building on the skills you developed in the first year, you’ll refine your approach to software engineering mastering more advanced approaches and diving further into complex, large-scale real-world software.

Modules

Web Development - 20 credits

People and Computing - 20 credits

This module introduces you to a range of ethical, legal, social and professional issues that every computer scientist needs to be aware of. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of user experience design, as well as master a range of sophisticated techniques to gather robust user data to inform effective system design.

Compulsory

Advanced Algorithms - 20 Credits

Building on your programming and algorithms studies, this module expands your insights into advanced programming techniques and complex data structures. You’ll learn what terms such as ‘graph’ and ‘tree’ mean in computing, and how to use them in your own software development. You’ll become familiar with strategies to address the computational complexity of the problems you’re trying to solve, empowering you to write more sophisticated, and more efficient, software solutions.

Compulsory

Data Science - 20 Credits

Picking up where Working with Data left off, the Data Science module equips you with the skills and tools you need to explore the world of Big Data. Using modern software, you’ll explore concepts such as predictive modelling, data wrangling, sampling, and analysis. You’ll also explore the complex subject of data visualisation, and how you can use visualisation techniques to make the results of your data analysis understandable to every audience.

Compulsory

Software Engineering - 20 Credits

Focusing on the professional conduct of software development projects, this module introduces you to several industry-standard practices which underpin effective and efficient software engineering to meet the exacting quality standards. You’ll undertake a real-world software development project, evaluating and selecting the best tools for the task at hand while employing common professional practices such as configuration management and version control. You’ll be expected to develop an exhaustively tested, highly polished software deliverable to demonstrate your skills to prospective employers.

Compulsory

System Analysis and Design - 20 credits

This module introduces you to the concepts and skills of system analysis and design with particular emphasis on information systems. The module includes determining business requirements, documenting organisational processes, analysing information flows, and reengineering/designing information systems. The team project is intended to give you practical experience of building a large-scale system and working as a member of a team.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the Fees and Funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The final stage of the BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering builds on the advanced topics from the second year, whilst allowing you to decide for yourself which areas you wish to specialise in as you finish your degree. In addition, this year includes your major project, where you bring everything you have learnt to bear upon a specific challenge related to software engineering, and devise your own solution.

Modules

Web API Development - 20 Credits

Web APIs empower websites to access the data and services needed to deliver on modern user demands in terms of connectedness and accuracy. From weather patterns to GPS traffic data, APIs underpin it all. In this module, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to create your own API for use in web applications, using the latest, industry-standard technologies, and featuring an interactive web client.

Compulsory

Security - 20 Credits

You’ll first encounter the concept of computer security when you learn about Operating Systems, but this final-year module dives into the subject in-depth. Developed by our Cybersecurity specialists, this module introduces you to the concepts and practical considerations of creating and evaluating secure computer systems. In addition to the technical issues involved, you’ll also explore security legislation and the regulations which apply to associated products and services.

Compulsory

User Experience Design - 20 Credits

The module takes you through the theory and practice of UXD. You’ll learn how to create professional level interactive user experience prototypes using tools such as Adobe XD; and how to implement them, using React. Your designs, as well as the coded product, will be user tested. You’ll select from a range of taught techniques including UX evaluation, usability testing, observation and speak-aloud, and experiments.

Compulsory

Pathway Modules

Choose one of two mandatory pathways:

Pathway one

Project Discovery - 20 Credits
In your final year, you will complete a project which is defined and driven by you, bringing your interests and learning together to produce a showcase for your skills. Working with an allocated subject specialist supervisor, the Project Discovery module will equip you with the research and project management skills to define, propose, and start work on a substantial computer science project of your choosing.
Compulsory.
Dissertation and Project Artefact - 20 Credits
Working with an allocated subject expert as supervisor, you will deliver a project dissertation together with a project artefact, usually an advanced piece of software. The Dissertation and Project Artefact module should give you the experience to self-manage project development, evaluation and successful delivery to a self-defined brief, allowing you to produce a substantial piece of work that brings together your learning over the course of the degree, which you can be proud of.
Compulsory.

Pathway two

Group Project Discovery - 20 Credits
In your final year, you will work as a member of a team to complete a project which is defined and driven by the team, bringing a range of shared interests and learning together to produce a showcase for your skills. The ability to work in a team is an important requirement of the computing industry: many project teams are multi-national, multi-cultural, and multi-disciplinary. Working with an allocated subject specialist supervisor, the Group Project Discovery module will equip your team with the research and project management skills to define, propose, and start work on a substantial computer science project of the team’s choosing.
Compulsory.
Dissertation and Group Project Artefact Delivery - 20 Credits
This module allows you to conduct an in-depth investigation on a topic in the domain of Computer Science, working as part of a team, and potentially cross-site with international collaborators². This will usually involve the technical development of a tool, product, algorithm or piece of software and its evaluation. The Dissertation and Group Project Artefact module should give you the opportunity to experience, working as an active, confident team member, to manage project development, evaluation and to a self-defined brief, allowing your team to produce a substantial piece of work that you can all be proud of.
Compulsory.

Compulsory

Optional Modules

Choose one of the two optional modules

Mobile Application Development - 20 Credits
Our everyday lives have never been more integrated with our mobile devices and applications. In this module you’ll explore everything which goes into mobile application design, from the notion of RESTful APIs to continuous integration and analytics. You’ll demonstrate your understanding by using a development kit to build a portfolio of applications for mobile platforms.
Embedded Software Engineering - 20 Credits
Embedded software is software written to control things in the world beyond computers, including TVs, watches, toys, cars, traffic control systems, and even our homes. This module will provide you with practical experience in developing embedded software.

Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Our teaching is active, applied, social and inclusive. We work interactively to address your needs as an individual, and support you to maximise your outcomes.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
group work
self-directed learning
work placement opportunities².

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments
Vivas.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

The degree offers a range of international experiences including:

COIL projects – online internationalised learning, working with University students based in other countries.
Fieldtrips – short trips of one or two weeks to visit other countries for cultural and learning experiences.
Study Abroad optional extra year – live and study abroad for a year between your second and final years.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies.
BTEC	DMM in IT or a technical subject
IB Diploma	29 points to include either Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology or IT at Higher level
GCSE requirement	5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Statistics. Plus GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Chat with us

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Chat with us

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip
any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The School of Computing, Mathematics and Data Science is based in the Engineering and Computing Building, and the attached Beatrice Shilling Building.

Both buildings are high-specification learning environments which benefit from extensive social learning facilities⁴, well-appointed laboratories, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

We offer a range of modern, up-to-date facilities to support your learning:

State of the art PC labs running the latest software
Online browser-based software accessible anywhere, including online IDEs
A dedicated programming support centre for when you need extra help with coding

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

The Software Engineering degree will equip you with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional skills for a career in the computing industry. On successful completion of the degree, you will be able to do the following:

Program. You will create working solutions to a variety of computational and real world problems using an appropriate programming language (or languages) for the task.
Think computationally. You will be able to create, develop and evaluate algorithms, and measure and optimise algorithm complexity.
Develop software. You will develop a product from the initial stage of requirements all the way through development to its final stages of testing and evaluation.
Solve problems in a range of key application areas including web and app development, machine learning, data science and artificial intelligence.
Work professionally. You will understand professional practice, both technical, and social, ethical and legal responsibilities. You will be equipped with a range of graduate level attributes including thinking critically, contributing confidently, communicating effectively, and collaborating collegiately.

Computer Science is changing the world. Technologies produced by computer scientists now support and enhance all areas of our modern lives, from e-commerce, through social networking, to smart cities. Ongoing technological developments, innovations and breakthroughs depend crucially on skills in computer science. The Software Engineering degree teaches these skills, and, equipped with them, you’ll be able to pursue your preferred career as a software developer in the computing industry.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates have worked with a variety of companies ranging from startups through SMEs to large familiar names.

Further study

The Software Engineering degree serves as a basis for a wide range of standalone master’s degrees, both at Coventry University, nationally and internationally. It is also possible to undertake a PhD.

Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EECU141

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.