Software Engineering
BEng (Hons)

About this course

About

This course is offered at the Jordanstown campus by the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. if you want to become a professional with expertise in the engineering processes applied to the computer industry, then you should consider this course.

You undertake six modules in Year 1 covering subjects such as programming (Python and Java), databases, computer technologies, interactive web authoring and systems software. In Year 2, further core modules extend your skills in algorithmic programming, mathematics and web development and introduce topics relevant to professional development, software development, networks and security.

In Year 3 you undertake a year's work experience, in the UK, Ireland, Europe or USA. An alternative to this is to spend a year studying abroad, either in USA or Europe.

You return to the University in Year 4 for a final year of academic study which consists of four compulsory modules. They reflect the core theme of the course at an advanced level. You also undertake a major project which involves the analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation of the solution to a substantial software-related problem.

Why study Software Engineering?
Computing pervades every aspect of our day to day lives from the gadgets in our homes, our workplaces to our mobile phones. Industry needs dynamic, enthusiastic graduates with interests across the software engineering spectrum.

What types of jobs are available?
Given the variety of applications of computing, there are jobs available in numerous fields for example software development, web developer, security specialist and technical analyst.

Do I need to have studied Computing or ICT at school or college?
A discipline with such diversity requires students with a variety of interests and backgrounds, therefore, you do not need to have studied Computing or ICT however, we will look for evidence of a passion and enthusiasm for this dynamic, fast-moving discipline.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Find out more about placement awards

Attendance

Four years including placement.

New students are expected to attend a pre-semester induction. Years 1, 2 and 4 of the course are delivered over two taught semesters (September to May) with a supplementary assessment period over the summer. Year 3 students are expected to undertake a placement working for a company, typically over a calendar year.

Start dates

• September 2020

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Lectures are used to present and illustrate basic theory and fundamental principles. Tutorials elaborate lecture content, provide problem solving opportunities and examine problem solutions in greater detail. Most modules will have laboratory classes to enable the practical application of theoretical concepts, facilitating deeper understanding of key topics. In programming laboratories there is an emphasis on small group tutoring and support. Timetabled sessions are supplemented by directed private study and may require access to additional online tutorial and study material.

Assessment of the knowledge base is through a wide variety of methods including log books, class tests, individual and collaborative coursework assignments and examinations. In final year, assessment of knowledge and understanding is supplemented through assessment of the project dissertation and oral presentations.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Programming I

Year: 1

Status: C

Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module.

Programming II (Java)

Year: 1

Status: C

Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the object oriented concepts of programming that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module.

Database Systems

Year: 1

Status: C

Database management is a fundamental skill expected of Computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of database design, implementation, querying and management of relational database systems.

Interactive Web Authoring

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will introduce the design principles, structural elements and technical concepts that underpin web authoring. Understanding of these concepts will be reinforced by action research into exemplar websites. Application of the technical concepts will be facilitated through the use of web authoring tools in practical sessions to enhance the technical skills for the creation and styling of interactive Websites.

Systems Software

Year: 1

Status: C

The principal aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of the underlying systems that support the applications software. The theoretical concepts covered are illustrated by considering their practical application in modern real-world solutions.

Computer Technology

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will introduce students to the basic hardware components from which a computer system is constructed and the organisation of these components. The components of the computer system that are involved in the execution of a software program will be investigated, as will the main features of typical operating systems. The students will also gain an appreciation of the evolution of computer systems and will be introduced to problem solving using a digital logic and computer arithmetic.

Year two

Computer Networks

Year: 2

Status: C

The principal aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of the underlying systems which
support networks. The theoretical concepts covered are illustrated by considering their practical application in modern real-world solutions.

Professional Development

Year: 2

Status: C

This module is intended to support students in developing the broad professional awareness necessary for seeking and obtaining employment.

Systems Security

Year: 2

Status: C

The principal aim of this module is to provide an understanding of computing systems security concerns and how they can be addressed and mitigated so that security considerations are taken into account, and embedded in organisations and IT projects planning and management.

Mathematics for Computing

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides an introduction to the core areas of discrete mathematics that form the foundation of computer science, and that are used throughout the computing science and software engineering courses at Ulster. Each concept is introduced at an abstract level before being applied to an area of computing, and students further deepen their knowledge by using the mathematics within computer programs.

Web Application Development

Year: 2

Status: C

This module will expand on students' knowledge necessary for developing software systems to be deployed over the World Wide Web, with a specific focus on server side technologies and techniques. Students will also be introduced to important design considerations for web applications.

Software Development Practice

Year: 2

Status: C

The module offers both a theoretical and practical grounding in contemporary software development methodologies.

Algorithms & Data Structures

Year: 2

Status: C

The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Year I programming modules by expanding upon the students' understanding of data types and algorithms. In addition to providing practical skill with the use of advanced data structures and algorithms, students will also become familiar with approaches to performance analysis of algorithms.

Year three

International Academic Studies

Year: 3

Status: C

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Professional Practice - Computing

Year: 3

Status: C

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

Year four

Software Reliability Engineering

Year: 4

Status: C

The content of the module provides an overview of principles, steps, methods and tools in building more reliable software systems, and an in-depth treatment of formal requirements specification and formal verification phases, the role such phases play in reliable software development and techniques. The module considers a range of reliable software development models, formal requirement specification and verification techniques. Practical work will require students to apply these techniques in a range of problems domains.

Process Management

Year: 4

Status: C

This module will provide an understanding of the process perspective of problem solving for modern software engineers. The module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on organisational change and improvement using well-formed theories of organisational, engineering and support processes. It will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to evolve engineering capability at an organisational and personal level.

Full-Stack Strategies and Development

Year: 4

Status: C

Full-stack skills are important for the students to understand how people in a team works together to develop high-quality software. This module will introduce students to the key concepts of full-stack development and the tools used to implement the full-stack strategies. The students will be able to use what they learn from this module to work in a team in order to develop a robust software or APIs according to industry processes.

Software Engineering Management

Year: 4

Status: C

The careful planning and control of project activities is essential to the delivery of successful software systems. The unique nature of software engineering projects requires a blend of generic project management skills and software specific project management and quality assurance capabilities. This module seeks to extend the student's knowledge of software engineering by introducing techniques and methods for the management of industrial software engineering projects.

Project

Year: 4

Status: C

Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The project module allows a selected topic area to be investigated in depth and for a solution to be developed in response. Within the project, the student is expected to integrate and apply material from other modules in the course.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

The A Level requirement for this course is grades ABB. All subject areas considered.

Desirable Subject Offer

For those applicants offering desirable subjects at A level (Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry/Software Systems Development/Computing (not IT/ICT)) two grade reduction will be applied at the time of offer. The desirable subject must be achieved at a minimum grade B.

Applicants offering qualifications as an alternative to A-levels will receive the equivalent reduction when those qualifications include a significant proportion of mathematics, software development and/or physical science.

Applied General Qualifications

The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment accept a range of alternative combination of qualifications such as:

BTEC Extended Awards
The requirement for this course is BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma with overall award profile of D*DD.

OR

The requirement for this course is BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma with DDM overall award grades. All subject areas considered.

A Levels with:
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Certificate;
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma;
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.

OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
A levels with OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals.

For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

Irish Leaving Certificate

128 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 subject at Ordinary Level. The overall profile must include English and Maths at minimum Grade H6 or above (HL) or O4 or above (OL) if not sitting at higher level.

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBBC. All subject areas considered.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is BBC. All subject areas considered.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate Diploma requirement for this course is a minimum of 27 points to include 13 at Higher Level to include Grade 5 in HL Mathematics. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Successful completion of a Ulster University validated Access route with an overall mark of 70% to include a Pass in NICATS Maths (level 2) or a Pass in Introductory Maths for Computing (level 2) or GCSE Mathematics grade C or 4 (or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University) for entry to year 1.

Other Access courses considered individually, please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.

http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

GCSE

GCSE (or equivalent) profile to include minimum of Grade C or 4 or above in Mathematics and Grade C or 4 in English Language.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

HND/HNC
HNC requirement is overall Distinction in a relevant subject area for year 1 entry only.

HND requirement is overall Distinction in a relevant subject area. HND applications may be considered for year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of Ulster University full-time year 1 course. Applicants presenting an HND may also be required to complete a Python Bridging Module if being considered for advanced entry to year 2.

Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass in Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 60%, and minimum 55% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.

For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C or 4 (or equivalent).

Please check the following link http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#ger

Exemptions and transferability

During the course you may be permitted to transfer to the generic BSc Hons Computing Science course. Students who have successfully completed Year 1 of a similar honours degree course may be permitted to enter into Year 2. Suitably qualified candidates from a Foundation Degree in Computing Science also may be permitted to enter into Year 2.

Transferability is dependent on academic performance and availability of places.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• BT
• CITI
• IBM
• Kainos
• Liberty IT
• Whitehat Security
• PWC

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Applications Security Specialist
• Graduate Software Engineer
• Software Developer
• Technical Analyst
• Web Developer

Career options

Graduates with software engineering skills have many career opportunities available to them in a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations. For example, developing new software, as project managers, systems analysts, planning and technical management, information management and database environments. Average salaries are often higher than that of other graduates. Opportunities for postgraduate study in computing or a related area are broad.

Work placement / study abroad

In Year 3 you undertake a year's work experience, in the UK, Ireland or Europe. You can also study in the USA. This leads to either the Diploma in Professional Practice for a placement year based in UK or Ireland; Diploma in Professional Practice (International) for a placement year based outside the UK or Ireland; or the Diploma in International Academic Studies if Year 3 is spent in study abroad.

Professional recognition

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Apply

Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS

Start dates

• September 2020

Contact

Admissions for entry requirements:
Helen Gibson
T +44 (0)28 9036 6069
E: h.gibson@ulster.ac.uk

Centralised Admissions staff:
T: +44 (0)28 9036 6309
E: admissionsjn@ulster.ac.uk

For course specific requirements please contact:
Dr Jose Santos, Course Director
T: +44 (0)28 9036 6585
E: ja.santos@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
• School of Computing

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.