Software Engineering BSc (Hons) with foundation year

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn how to develop the modern web using a range of industry tools and techniques.

Compulsory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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