About this course
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.
Why choose this course?
- It is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT to Chartered Engineer (CEng) and IT Professional (CITP) status.
- There's an opportunity for a year-long paid work placement with prestigious companies such as GE Consumer Finance and IBM.
- You will have access to contact and share ideas with other computer games students throughout the country through our own Computer Society.
- This course shares a common first year with BSc (Hons) Computer Science and BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Technology) allowing you the flexibility to review your pathway once you've started studying.
- You will have access to ultra-modern facilities, equipment and software.
- Our student work can be ground-breaking, and innovative and consistently attracts industry attention.
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
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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 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 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.
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.
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
Understand the nature and application of database management systems and acquire skills for database administration and management.
Internet Application Programming
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
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
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
Develop confidence using the structures, techniques and technologies to support the development of robust software systems in a team environment.
Systems Software
Learn about operating systems theory, network solutions, design and implementation and how computer systems can be connected to form large complex distributed systems.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
Project
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
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
Develop techniques and strategies to analyse, choose, propose, design, implement, test and evaluate software elements.
Mobile Platform Applications
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.
Choose one of the following optional modules:
Distributed Database Engineering
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
Discover two challenging aspects of implementing distributed computing systems in Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA).
Information Systems Management
Understand how to manage the build and deployment of enterprise and Internet information systems in small to medium organisations.
Information Security
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.
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
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.
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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 projects and oral presentations
- 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
Excellent placement opportunities
Placements
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Jacobs, Siemens, Dyson and Lexis Nexis. They secured varied roles such as PHP Developer, Research and Design Developer and Software Engineer.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
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: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT, Maths or Science subject grade C
- Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT, Maths or Science subject grade C
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 four 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: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including an A-level equivalent IT, Maths or Science subject grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
- 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
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
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.
