About this course
You'll develop the practical skills and knowledge in programming, maths and engineering that will get you off to a flying start when you move onto BSc (Hons) Software Engineering in your second year.
Software is critical to the industry. It can save lives, improve performance and help us predict future events. We’ll give you the skills and the knowledge to create high-quality software with plenty of opportunities to access our industry-standard facilities to test it.
And that's what employers expect to see from you. Someone who is confident, work-ready and already has the software skills needed.
There continues to be a steady demand from industry and commerce for well-qualified software engineers. In fact, according to eSkills UK, there will be a shortage in the next ten years.
This software engineering degree seeks to meet that need by producing graduates with the precise combination of skills required to design and develop robust, efficient, high-quality software.
What our students say
Nottingham Trent University is an amazing place to study, combining quality learning and a degree at the end with a brilliant social life and excellent sporting facilities.
Simon Gilmurray
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
-
100% of BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (FT) students were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22) -
100% of BSc (Hons) Software Engineering SW students were positive about the academic support on their course. National Student Survey 2024.
What you’ll study
What will I study?
You will learn core skills concerning the production of computer programs and applications, as well as specialist knowledge in areas such as software engineering and analysis and design.
All of the courses within the Computer Science cluster share a common first year. This will provide you with the flexibility to review your pathway once you have started studying. At the end of year one, you can choose to transfer to BSc (Hons) Computer Science or BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Technology).
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals course
If you take the Artificial Intelligence module in your final year will participate in the Microsoft Certified Azure AI Fundamentals program as part of your studies. The program is designed as a blended learning experience, combining instructor-led training with online materials accessed on the Microsoft Learn platform.
Microsoft will sponsor your cloud subscription, course materials and certification test fees for no cost to you. You will also get the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certificate when you graduate – a valuable addition to your CV.
Find out more about the Azure AI Fundamentals course.
Learn from the experts
We have a rich mix of knowledge ranging from software development for different types of systems to hardware aspects such as networking. This involves many uses of computing and considers all aspects including security and management. Our knowledge is built up and maintained through our, wealth of industrial experience, industrial links and research activity.
Much of our research is internationally recognised, particularly in the areas of Games for Learning and Security. For example, Professor David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, in games and assistive technology while Professor Paul Evans' innovative developments in security are supported by the USA Department of Homeland Security.
We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Other examples of our activity include:
- developing patents (for example, in voice signal processing)
- organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
- working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
- publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, and detection of human behaviour patterns.
Study abroad opportunities
Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.
Introductory Mathematics (20 credit points)
This module provides an introduction to important mathematical ideas, including Algebraic rearrangement, Trigonometry, Vectors, Descriptive Statistics, Integration and Differentiation. You’ll gain an understanding of ideas that form the basis of later, more specialised, developments and you’ll be able to solve simple but realistic mathematical problems.
Computational Mathematics (20 cp)
A hands-on introduction to ideas and skills which cross Mathematics, Physics and Computing. Using software such as Excel and Matlab, you’ll learn about mathematical ideas like matrices and the consideration of how physical systems can be represented mathematically.
Introduction to Programming (20 cp)
Learn how to design, code, test and debug basic Python language programs. In the first part of this module, you’ll look at the basics of Python such as text strings, loops and functions. In the second part of the module, you’ll be introduced to maths-related Python libraries such as pandas, scipy.stats and matplotlib.
Foundation Engineering (20 cp)
This module includes basic electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering. Mechanics considers the consequences of applying forces to physical bodies; the electrical and electronics part of the module focuses on the scientific principles relevant to circuit theory, analogue electronics and components. Laboratory-based sessions will allow you to gain practical knowledge and experience.
Practical and Professional Skills (40 cp)
This module aims to provide a link between the theoretical modules in the course and their practical implementation. The professional skills aspect will help you with interpreting coursework requirements, exam and revision techniques, note-taking and referencing. The practical sessions will cover a variety of topics that require you to make use of the scientific principles and mathematical techniques that you’re learning in the other modules on the course.
Foundations of Computer Programming
You will be introduced to the approaches for planning and developing programmes using modern high-level language. Working on developing solutions through programming that tackle real-world problems, you’ll develop the key fundamentals you’ll build on throughout your course.
Foundations of Computer Technology and Mathematics
This module builds essential knowledge for your course, covering computer system fundamentals and mathematical reasoning. You'll develop an understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level while enhancing problem-solving skills through mathematics.
Computer Science Programming
Learn about programming languages relevant to software with industrial scale, reliability and performance characteristics.
Computer Technology and Mathematics
Understand how a computer works, look at issues arising from the hardware architecture and extend your mathematical knowledge and ability.
Systems Analysis and Design (SAD)
Introducing you to the fundamental principles of SAD, this module gives you a working knowledge of key systems development methodologies, techniques and tools.
Academic and Professional Development
This module will enable you to learn about the professional bodies and standards relating to the computing profession, and enhance your employability potential by increasing your awareness of the technological, social and economic factors driving the IT industry.
Information and Database Engineering (20 cp)
Understand the nature and application of database management systems and acquire skills for database administration and management.
Internet Application Programming (20 cp)
Design and produce a static or dynamic website suitable for both desktop and mobile platforms and which may contain complex scripted components.
Practical Project Management and Professional Development (20 cp)
Continued professional development and lifelong learning are important to your future career. Through this module, you’ll improve your time and project management skills, presentations and report writing.
Software Design and Implementation (20 cp)
Equips you with knowledge of, and skills in, software development techniques to support the development of robust, secure, maintainable and portable software systems.
Software Engineering (20 cp)
Develop confidence using the structures, techniques and technologies to support the development of robust software systems in a team environment.
Systems Software (20 cp)
Learn about operating systems theory, network solutions, design and implementation and how computer systems can be connected to form large complex distributed systems.
Core modules
Project (40 cp)
Investigate problems in computing, implement solutions, critically evaluate and reflect on your work, and develop your abilities to communicate, self-organise and manage.
Advanced Analysis and Design (20 cp)
Understand the object model – what it’s based on and how it can be applied to build systems. Learn how to use the notation and follow the process for object-oriented development.
Advanced Software Engineering (20 cp)
Develop techniques and strategies to analyse, choose, propose, design, implement, test and evaluate software elements.
Mobile Platform Applications (20 cp)
Gain an awareness of the requirements, capabilities and constraints of a variety of mobile platform technologies and consider how they can be used to build systems that are outside the traditional desktop paradigm.
Optional modules - Choose one:
Distributed Database Engineering (20 cp)
Learn about the processes and techniques data scientists use to support the challenging workloads for data science by focusing on a range of distributed database technologies that can support big data.
Service-centric and Cloud Computing (20 cp)
Discover two challenging aspects of implementing distributed computing systems in Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA).
Information Systems Management (20 cp)
Understand how to manage the build and deployment of enterprise and Internet information systems in small to medium organisations.
Information Security (20 cp)
Apply skills learnt in this module to conduct appropriate risk analysis and generate information assurance plans for a given context.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Video Gallery
How you're taught
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
- workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.
The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.
Research informed teaching
Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. It also informs the subjects you’ll be studying with us so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:
- coursework, including group projects, case studies, dissertation and other assignments
- practical assessments, such as individual and group presentations, laboratory assessments and reports
- exams and tests, including formal exams, written tests and multiple-choice.
Careers and employability
Your career development
The demand from industry and commerce for suitably qualified software engineers continues to show a healthy expansion. Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- American Express
- Experian
- Asda Stores Ltd
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Nottingham City Council
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Software Developer
- Business Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Product Consultant
- Graduate Cloud Engineer
- Software Analyst
Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
What our graduates say
Programming was a hobby for me and I wanted to learn more about it. When I checked the course it offered me the knowledge I was seeking along with professional recognition as a bonus.
The course helped me build knowledge and confidence, and by my final year I was ready to undertake my major project on an MPEG-4 Editor. It became a prize-winning project, and hearing this news was definitely one of the most enjoyable and rewarding moments of my study.
Graduate – Victoria Penrice
Software Engineer – TBS Mobility
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
UK students
- Standard offer: 72 UCAS Tariff points from up to three A-levels or equivalent qualifications
- Other requirements: GCSE Maths grade B / 6 and English grade C / 4
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- Academic entry requirements: 72 UCAS Tariff points from up to three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
- Other requirements: GCSE Maths grade B / 6 and English grade C / 4
- English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
