COURSE OVERVIEW
- Be inspired by an expert team of research-active academics who work at the forefront of the field
- Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including dedicated computer science and cyber security laboratories in a state-of-the-art new development
- Benefit from excellent facilities including well-equipped labs containing Linux and Microsoft platforms
- Develop an appreciation of the wider role digital technologies play in an organisational context
- Take an optional 12-month sandwich placement to gain valuable industry employment experience
Do you have a passion for Software Engineering and want to develop your capability to solve global challenges, improve functionality of our everyday technologies or develop and manage highly efficient products and systems that will transform operations across a wide range of industries from banking to healthcare?
Our Software Engineering programme enables you to develop the skills to implement solutions
to complex software problems. It is designed to offer both a general understanding of computer science as well as specialist skills in secure software development.
Through a unique programme of modules, over three or four years (with placement), you will develop the advanced technical expertise, collaboration and communication skills to ensure you remain agile in a rapidly evolving industry.
These include a combination of key practical and technical skills in software engineering principles, which will enable you to enter careers such as systems engineer web developer, computer programmer, software engineer, analyst programmer and firmware developer.
You will study in an excellent working and learning environment with research-informed teaching and accessible and appropriate support for all aspects of student academic and personal skills development. You will also benefit from access to interdisciplinary cross-department specialists within The University of Winchester Business School and links to the British Computer Society.
In Year 1, you will develop fundamental core knowledge from modules such as Introduction to Cyber Security and Networks; Introduction to Software Design and Development; Information Systems and Organisations; Innovative Systems; Data Structures and Operating Systems, and Database Analysis and Design.
In Year 2, you will engage with new subjects that will help you identify possible career paths. You will develop an in-depth understanding of Software Development and Testing, Secure Systems Architectures, Integrated Project, Human Computer Interaction, Functional
Programming, and Discrete Mathematics and Advanced Algorithms.
An optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to enhance your employability, business understanding and professional skills through a sandwich placement year.
In your final year, you will deepen your knowledge in Advanced Software Development, Intellectual Property and Information Rights, Developing for the Cloud and you undertake a Computing Project in your chosen area of special interest.
As the world continues to rely on computers and their systems, the need for highly skilled software engineers grows. There are excellent opportunities for qualified graduates with high average starting salaries.
You will be equipped to enter a variety of computer science and software engineering roles including graduate systems engineer, web developer, computer programmer, software engineer, analyst programmer and firmware developer.
Careers
Students will be equipped to enter a variety of cyber security graduate roles including cyber security analyst, malware analyst and cyber security software engineer.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for Applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Work placement:
Students can undertake an optional 12 month sandwich placement following successful completion at Level 5.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team, your personal tutor and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 948 hours
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours
Independent learning: 1020 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location:
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)*:
- 75% coursework
- 25% written exams
- 0% practical exams
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)*:
- 87% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 13% practical exams
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)*:
- 82% coursework
- 13% written exams
- 5% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course enquiries and applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
Introduction to Software Design and Development | 30 | |
In this module, students will be introduced to the concept of Software Design and Development. Students will be discussing the software development lifecycles, design techniques, and learning the basics of procedural programming. Students will also be discussing the need to develop interfaces to ensure that they are accessible to a wide range of potential users, with consideration of the alignment to Sustainable Development Goal 10, which focusses on reducing inequalities. |
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Academic and Professional Skills | 15 | |
Whatever a student’s future business career, there are certain basic professional skills and expertise that are required in the workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing ‘soft skills’ that are a prerequisite for a successful career. Students will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of their transition into higher education. |
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Information Systems and Organisations | 15 | |
The aim of the module is to introduce the application of information, information systems and information technologies within organisations and understand the impact of such systems on organisational performance. Students will develop an understanding of the project lifecycle focussing on the importance of the customer and will look at the process involved in creating information systems by learning how to investigate and define customer requirements and understand future needs. Undertaking this module gives students an introduction to information systems and organisations, giving them the skills to work effectively within an IS organisation on projects and giving them the base for understanding other IS modules within the degree programme. |
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Innovative Systems | 15 | |
Using inspirational demonstrators from both academia and industry, this module provides an overview of a range of innovative systems and applications in the fields of computer science, cyber security, psychology, social sciences, digital media and business decision making. It will also facilitate hands-on experience on the choices and applications of innovative systems to interdisciplinary fields. This module is suitable for students from technical programmes and from psychology, business, digital media and social sciences. |
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Data Structures and Operating Systems | 15 | |
This module imparts an understanding of operating systems including concepts such as scheduling, concurrency and synchronisation, memory management, input and output systems, kernel security and file systems. Fundamentals of data structures and core algorithms and analysis are also explored. |
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Database Analysis and Design | 15 | |
This module imparts an understanding of analysis and design concepts that are essential for developing and implementing software and database systems. Design concepts and procedures such as Business Rules, Requirements Analysis, Data Modelling, Relational Data Modelling, Object Orientated Analysis and SQL will be explored. Students will also learn how to apply Unified Modelling Language (UML) within different computing scenarios. |
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Introduction to Cyber Security and Networks | 15 | |
The aim of this module is to introduce concepts of IT security in order to understand the security threats to an IT system and the operational impact of these threats on an organisation. The module will explore different protection methods for data and develop knowledge of security policies and procedures, including risk assessments, and how these procedures can be implemented and maintained. This module will introduce topical case studies of attacks on organisational information systems, highlighting the business consequences. |
Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
Object Oriented Software Development | 15 | |
The module develops theoretical and practical skills in software engineering principles including abstraction, encapsulation, aggregation and inheritance. Students will learn the processes from analysis to design, implementation, testing and documentation together with software quality principles. |
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Secure Systems Architectures | 30 | |
This module explores protection mechanisms appropriate to various information technology systems and architectures. Mechanisms and cryptographic protocols that help to provide confidentiality and integrity of data together with authentication and authorisation are explored in detail. The principles and fundamentals of system-level security are considered together with a contextual overview of the law and regulations relating to the use of security mechanisms. The practical application of these mechanisms in typical IT systems and architectures are incorporated. |
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Integrated Project | 15 | |
This module provides an opportunity for students to work as part of a collaborative team to manage and complete a substantial project for a given scenario. Students are expected to utilise and extend the knowledge and understanding imparted previously and contextualise the material already covered. |
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Functional Programming | 15 | |
In this module, students will be developing skills in the required to produce applications which utilise the functional programming paradigm. The module will cover key functional programming concepts such as pattern matching and higher order functions. In addition, students will be building on knowledge gained in Data Structures and Operating Systems to understand how recursion and other mathematical concepts are implemented within the functional programming paradigm. |
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Human Computer Interaction | 15 | |
Human Computer Interaction is a key consideration when developing interfaces. In a world where people are living longer, the result is that more people are experiencing impairments which can impact their ability to interact with systems. This module will aim to consider how interfaces can be designed and developed to take this into account. With a particular focus on Universal Design, students will be designing interfaces which are both accessible and usable. In addition, students will be considering the experience provided to the users, and its impact on their acceptance of technology. |
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Discrete Mathematics and Advanced Algorithms | 15 | |
This module will build on the content delivered within the level 4 module: Data Structures and Operating Systems. Students will establish methods for proving mathematical constructs, which by extension will be used to demonstrate the correctness of algorithms. Both tree structures and graphs will be used to support students to solve computing problems in an efficient manner. These algorithms will also be used to demonstrate how reduced consumption can be achieved through efficiency, linking with UN Sustainable Development Goal number 12, which is Responsible Consumption and Production. |
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Software Testing | 15 | |
This module will build on the knowledge technical students obtain in the introduction to programming and testing module. This module presents a systematic approach to software testing as an extension to Software Design and a precursor to Software Development. Agile methodologies will underpin the Design, testing and development modules. This module prepares students to work in testing roles. |
Optional Sandwich Year
Modules Credits
Work Placement (Computing) | ||
A 12 month period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience building on the first two years of study and to prepare for employment after graduation. |
Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
Advanced Software Development | 30 | |
The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of advanced, near-research level topics in contemporary software development. The module considers issues from a technology-driven perspective and a user-driven perspective. Students will develop advanced skills in modern software development languages and methodologies such as Java, Swift, C# and C++ and Agile The practical activities of this module are fundamental to build sufficient skills and confidence to approach the Synoptic Project. |
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Computing Project | 30 | |
The Computing Project provides the opportunity to undertake a major computing related problem in an approved topic area relevant to the programme of study. |
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Developing for the Cloud | 15 | |
This module aims to provide students with an overview of the cloud including: business migration to cloud based systems, cloud security, and cloud-based application design and development. Students will be encouraged to explore the transition of business systems to the cloud, using multiple case studies as exemplars. This exploration will focus the value to businesses, as well as the potential risks involved in cloud migration. In addition, students will gain experience in developing applications which are used within the cloud. This development will focus on ensuring applications are scalable, secure, usable, and maintainable. Students will also be expected to develop and conduct cloud-based application testing. |
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Distributed Systems | 15 | |
This module explains how concepts and techniques from networking, operating systems and object-orientated programming can be combined to develop distributed systems. The module will impart a detailed understanding of event ordering, logical and physical clocks together with the practical facets of distributed system structuring using the client-server approach. |
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Parallel Programming | 15 | |
Parallel programming involves the running of computations simultaneously. During this module, students will learn how to exploit the abilities of modern computers to execute instructions in parallel. Using a variety of frameworks, students will learn how to design, develop, and test systems which utilise parallelism. |
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Intellectual Property and Information Rights | 15 | |
This module considers the different forms of intellectual properties created in the software development and information technology sectors, and how these might be utilised for commercial purposes. Particular emphasis is given to the protection and utilisation of intellectual property rights in computer software programmes by copyright. The module considers how an understanding of intellectual properties is vital to knowledge-based businesses, and needs to be incorporated into the conceptualisation, design and implementation of new information technologies. Emerging information technologies create challenges in terms of information rights such as data protection and privacy, access to public information, and information sharing through social media. Students will be introduced to information rights laws and the trends shaping real-time development of protections in this area. |
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
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Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Total | £27,750 | £44,100 |
Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
Total with Sandwich Year | £29,135 | £45,540 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Laptop
Students are expected to have their own laptop to use on this course. Indicative cost is £200-£1,000.
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Optional
Core texts
Core texts are available from the University Library. However some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second-hand or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £150 for whole course.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- I300
- Duration
- 3 years full-time; 4 years full-time (sandwich)
- Typical offer
- 104-120 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester