Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Develop software engineering skills across areas such as full stack development, programming data science and security and prepare for a potential career in this sector.

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

G600

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

The information on this page is for 2026-27 entry and should be used as guidance for 2027-28 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.


Course overview

This course may suit aspiring software engineers, developers and tech professionals looking to build skills in programming, data science, cybersecurity and Agile practices, supporting potential careers in the technology sector.

  • Hands-on software development: build practical skills in Python, C++, web/mobile app creation and Agile methodologies through project-based learning.
  • Industry-aligned expertise: develop knowledge in cyber security, data analytics and ethical computing with access to specialist labs and industry connections.2
  • Professional readiness: develop teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills by exploring real-world scenarios and ethical considerations in the tech industry.
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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

  • Industry-ready skills: build practical experience through hands-on software development projects designed to support your preparation for roles in the technology sector.
  • Industry-standard facilities: access dedicated cyber security labs, high-performance computing resources and industry-standard software as a part of your learning.4
  • Real-world experience: work on live case studies and team-based software projects. Optional industry placements are available to help you boost your employability.2
  • Professional and ethical expertise: develop teamwork, leadership and ethical decision-making skills, guided by industry insights from guest lectures (optional extras, subject to availability).
  • Strong career prospects: build a work portfolio, including a final-year project, which could help you prepare for roles such as software developer, cyber security analyst, technical architect, quality assurance engineer or data scientist.

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

  • Computer Science MSci/BSc (Hons)
  • Computer Science with AI MSci/BSc (Hons)
  • Digital Technology and Computing BSc (Hons)
  • Information Technology Management BSc (Hons)
  • Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Modules

Modules

A placement year2 provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

  • Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
  • Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
  • Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.


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.

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 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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.
  • 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 GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
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.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


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.

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


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK 2027/28 fees TBC
2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year
Not available
International 2027/28 fees TBC
2026/27 fees: £20,800 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 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. As an indication, students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees. The University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

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. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

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).

*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.


Facilities

The School of Science is based in the Frank Whittle 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.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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.   

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