Software Engineering BSc(Hons)

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Top reasons to choose this course

• Build of a portfolio of project work.
• Showcase your work to potential employers at the final year degree show.
• Option of a placement year in industry.
• Work with programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java and C++, and operating systems including Linux, iOS, Windows and Android.
• Specialist facilities such as robotics lab, VR lab, CISCO-certified communications and cybersecurity lab, usability lab and Simulation Suite.
• Learn with innovative researchers and experts from industry.
• Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT.

Year 1

You will be given a broad introduction to computing, computer science and software engineering. You will study topics that cover programming, databases, web development and professional skills.

Modules

• Introduction to Programming

  This is an entry-level programming module that will introduce you to the fundamental concepts and skills required to write simple programs in a high-level language. It will provide you with a basis of understanding from which to learn other programming languages and paradigms.

• Introduction to Cyber Security

  This module will provide you with an understanding of cyber security and privacy. You will also learn the skills and mechanisms needed to build and maintain secure information systems that can protect people, business and data from malicious attacks.

• Computing Technologies

  This module will give you an understanding of the basic principles underlying the architecture and operation of a computer system, including the storage and retrieval of data. Content covers computer organisation and architecture; computer arithmetic, binary and hexadecimal number systems; system software; software tooling; data storage and management; relational database implementation; and an introduction to structured query language (SQL).

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

  During this module you will learn about the basic concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore AI principles, techniques and technologies using real-world examples. You will look at areas including intelligent reasoning, problem-solving strategies, machine learning and applications of AI.

• Introduction to Web Development

  During this module you will explore a range of current web technologies and gain practical experience in designing, making and maintaining standards-compliant static and interactive web pages. You will be provided with your own space on the Brighton Domains web server on which to host and test web pages online.

• Working in the Computing Industry

  This module explores the professional roles and working practices in computing and business information technology (IT). You will learn employability skills such as how to plan and work in a group and as an individual and how to communicate using different media, as well as study skills like academic writing and referencing and how to find and use information to investigate a topic.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Year 2

In your second year, you will study topics such as object-oriented software, architecture design and implementation, databases, project planning and control, operating systems, data structures and algorithms. You will also be introduced to functional programming.

Modules

Core modules

• Large-scale Data Processing

  Large-scale data sets create a data processing challenge, single machines do not have the capacity to manipulate so much data. Hardware and software architectures based on distributed computing are a solution, and can enable us to develop applications that can handle massive data sets. This module introduces you to the principles and methods of distributed computing, enabling you to harness the computational power needed to process and analyse data. 

• Web Application Development

  This module introduces you to the basic concepts, protocols and technologies used in building standards compliant client-server web applications. Practical exercises in both client- and server-side development enable you to put this knowledge into action.

• Integrated Group Project

  The group project is an opportunity to work as a group and run a software project to develop a usable software solution. You will bring together what you‘ve learned so far and put this all into practice in a project environment through tasks from planning and management to requirements gathering, design, code and demonstrating the solution. 

• Object-oriented Development and Testing

  The module introduces you to an object-oriented approach to the development and testing of a software system. You’ll cover the specification, implementation, testing and documentation of object-oriented software systems.

• Data Structures and Operating Systems

  On this module you‘ll learn to recognise and understand standard data structures and algorithmic approaches to diverse problems so that you can make effective use of them in your own work. You will also be introduced to the basic facilities provided by modern operating systems to develop your understanding of one of the foundations of computer science. 

Options*

• Database Management Systems

  This module explores the relational database model. You will gain practical experience in building database systems using this technology and explore the functions and features of database management systems and their role as part of an effective information system. 

• Embedded Systems

  This module introduces the architecture of embedded computer systems. You will explore the fundamental concept of low-level processor functionality and develop your C and assembly language programming skills.

• Mobile Application Development

  This module introduces you to basic concepts, patterns and technologies used in building mobile applications. You will apply this knowledge in practical exercises involving the development of mobile user interfaces and applications, learning to work within the constraints of mobile platforms and also to exploit their possibilities.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

You have the option of a year’s paid placement after your second year. Going on a placement builds confidence, can help you decide what how you want to specialise in your final year and strengthens your CV.

Our students have been on placement with organisations including:

• EDF Energy
• AstraZeneca
• The BBC.

Final year

The final year of your Software Engineering degree will build on your knowledge and prepare you for industry. The main focus is an individual project which you will showcase to industry contacts. You will also choose from option modules in areas that interest you most.

Modules

Core modules

• The Computing Project

  The Computing Project brings together everything you’ve learned during your degree in a major piece of work on a topic of your choosing. It’s your opportunity to put your understanding of theory into practice. All projects must include practical work of some sort using computing/IT technology. A series of workshops will support each step of the project process, from proposal to presentation. 

• Project Management

  This module enables you to develop competence in different project management approaches, ranging from agile management to traditional project planning. You will examine the role of the project manager and the project team and look at how to plan and run software projects. 

• Programming Languages, Concurrency and Client Server Computing

  This module will prepare you to advise on issues arising from the design and implementation of systems that contain real-time and client server components. You will cover areas including the historical development of programming languages; programming paradigms; modern trends and developments in programming languages; and an overview of and mechanisms for achieving client-server computing.

Options*

• Marketing for Software Products

  During this module you will study business models used for software products and by software businesses. You’ll explore the ways in which these products are marketed, look at marketing strategies and examine the role of data in product design and marketing. You’ll also take a look at funding options for start-ups.

• Data Mining

  This module will help develop your understanding of data mining concepts and how they can be applied to solve real-world complex problems. You will explore areas including text mining, information extraction and information indexing, with specific algorithms and techniques for feature extraction.

• Usability Evaluation

  On this module you will develop the knowledge and skills to perform a usability evaluation of a system or device – specifying requirements, choosing the best ways to evaluate usability and accessibility, planning and carrying out the evaluation and presenting the results. You’ll also explore the latest research in the broader field of evaluation. 

• Advanced Web Application Development

  On this module you will develop the knowledge and skills to design and implement advanced, standards-compliant web applications. You will independently research related topics and use web technologies and APIs in a development project to design, implement and deploy an advanced web application.

• Object-Oriented Design and Architecture

  On this module you will explore the principles and standards of alternative object-oriented and component-based architectures and standards, and apply them as you develop an architectural design for a software system.

• Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law

  You will evaluate key legal cyber security challenges during this module and explore how cyber security and intellectual property laws are used to protect the interests of developers of computer-related products. Topics will include the threat landscape and associated legal challenges; the legal framework regarding privacy, data protection and security in the UK and EU; and surveillance, forensic computing and the gathering of evidence.

• Enterprise Data Management

  Through this module you will gain the knowledge and skills to manage and tune enterprise database systems. You’ll also develop your abilities to exploit an enterprise’s data resources to maximise business advantage and explore new architectures and technologies for enterprise data. 

• New Horizons in Computing

  This module gives you the opportunity to carry out independent, guided research into current trends and future innovations in computing technologies which you will be able to present to the local and wider computing industries. The module will also highlight the potential for, and the processes involved in, postgraduate studies.

• Advanced Mobile Application Development

  You will further develop your skills in designing and developing Android mobile applications during this module. You will conduct independent research in related topics and apply your knowledge to a project specifying, designing and developing an Android mobile app. 

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Staff profile

Jennie Harding, course leader

I am course leader for our Software Engineering degree and teach web development and databases. 

Databases relate to the big issues of the day because they are everywhere. Did you know they are the basis of early Artificial Intelligence (AI through the process of Knowledge Discover in Databases (KDD). Web front ends are, for all of us, our main access into the systems, including databases, that we need to use every day in society.

There are technical, societal, accessible and quality issues throughout all of our system and when they don’t work we all suffer, Covid Test and Trace as an example. But when done well, they improve people’s lives.

One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is meeting our students and seeing them change and develop. Many students have made me proud – they have worked hard and gone on to good jobs. A particular pleasure is seeing students coming back from their work placement and creating real-life projects for their final year having gained industry experience.

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2025–26 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

Brighton Achieves scholarship – Engineering

The Gittins Family Charitable Trust supports this scholarship which offers £1,000 a year for three years of undergraduate study in one of eight engineering courses. Three scholarships are available to students in their first year of study who have a home household income of £25k–£45k. Find out how to apply.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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