We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the School of Computing you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in Computing.
Read the course details below to find out more.
Computing@Ulster - empowering the graduates of tomorrow through excellence in teaching, research and technology transfer.
The Software Engineering programme is aimed at those motivated by the value of an engineering approach to the development of software systems and who enjoy finding elegant solutions to complex software problems. The demand for these graduates from the software industry is relentless
You will be equipped with the skills necessary to work in the software industry or a commercial IT department having gained expertise in the analysis and implementation of the engineering process and the assurance of an advanced knowledge of supportive software engineering techniques.
You will study the theory and principles of programming and software development and put them into practice using a variety of contemporary programming languages and tools.
You will develop programming expertise in a variety of languages, for example, Python and Java and examine areas such as Information Infrastructures, Professional Skills, Software Quality, Physical Computing and Web Development.
Given the variety of computing applications in the Software Engineering field, there are a number of jobs that will be accessible for a Software Engineering graduate such as Software Developer, Database Engineer, Reliability Engineering, Software Testing Engineer and Security Specialist.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
If you want to become a Software Engineer with expertise in the engineering processes applied to the computer industry, then you should consider this course. This integrated masters additionally provides Level 7 instruction involving a range of advanced topics in the subject area.
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.
Do I need to have studied Computing or Digital Technology 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 Digital Technology, however, we will look for evidence of a passion and enthusiasm for this dynamic, fast-moving discipline.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
This course lasts five years and includes a Professional Practice year or study abroad option.
New students are expected to attend a pre-semester induction. The course is delivered over two semesters (September to May) with a supplementary assessment period in August.
The taught element of the course is typically 22-24 hours per week (Monday to Friday) and timetabled sessions are supplemented by directed independent study and may require access to additional online tutorial and study material.
You undertake six modules in Year 1 covering subjects such as Problem Solving for computing, object-oriented programming, Database Systems, Client Side Development and Physical computing. You will also attend extended induction designed to ease your transition into the course.
In Year 2, additional core modules extend your skills in Algorithmic Programming, Web Development, and software product management and introduce topics relevant to Networks, Security and Software Testing . You will also attend extended induction that is designed to support and prepare you for the placement year.
In Year 3, you are expected to undertake a year’s work placement in the UK, Ireland, Europe or the USA.
After your placement year, you return to the University for a third year of study which consists of three compulsory modules that reflect the core theme of the course at an advanced level as well as some optional modules.
In year 4, 6 compulsory modules are pursued in a range of advanced topics such as scalable systems and pervasive computing.
The course is delivered using several teaching and learning methods including Lectures, Tutorials and Practical Laboratory Session.
Lectures are used to present and illustrate basic theory and fundamental principles and are normally supplemented by tutorials which elaborate on lecture content and provide opportunities for the student to use their problem-solving skill and to examine problem solutions in greater detail.
Practical Laboratory Classes enable the practical application of theoretical concepts, facilitating a deeper understanding of key topics. In programming laboratories, there is an emphasis on small group tutoring and support.
Modules are assessed through a wide variety of methods including class tests, individual and collaborative coursework assignments, project dissertations, oral presentations, vodcasts and video demonstrations. A common assessment pattern in modules is a first piece of assessment which seeks to ensure the acquisition of core knowledge as preparation for a more substantive practical skills assessment.
The assessments undertaken by students require them to engage with computing as it operates in many domains in society. Through these practical engagements, students experience computing's contribution to sustainable development.
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:
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, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses 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. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. 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 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 assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
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, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. 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. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
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 Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The teaching and support of the programme is provided by the academic staff in the School of Computing.
Academic staff in the School are qualified to teach in higher education with most of them holding at least a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice. The majority of academic staff in the School (80%) are accredited fellows or senior fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) – the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Within the School of Computing courses are taught by staff who are Professors (20%), Readers/Senior Lecturers (29%) and Lecturers (51%). Graduate Demonstrators and contract research staff support the academic staff who teach on the course in laboratory classes and programming clinics across all the years in the course including final year project support.
The academic members of staff are active in a range of research areas that inform the modules in the course.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) 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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - 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 from the academic year 2022-2023.
2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation (Opens in a new window)
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student wellbeing (Opens in a new window)
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.
In this section
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.
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.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will assume no prior experience in creating web pages and will introduce the design principles, structural elements and technical concepts that underpin web authoring.
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.
Year: 1
Status: C
The aim of this module 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.
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 via Python 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.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is designed to make future computing professionals have the practical skills to cocreate innovative technological solutions to a problem using design thinking tools and processes and be aware of and take into consideration the nature of the legal, ethical, social and professional issues raised during any technological innovation.
Year: 2
Status: C
Computer networks are at the core of relatively large and modern computing systems. This module aims to equip learners with the appropriate skills to appreciate, understand and employ the key technologies used by interconnected devices in any networks. The module introduces the students to the basics of the networking field including components, topologies, architectures, functions, services, protocols, and standardisation.
Year: 2
Status: C
Fundamental to the work of a software engineer is the ability to develop quality, low defect software. Software testing is an essential component of this work and needs to be understood as an integral part of the software engineering process. Building on the basics of testing taught in other modules, this module will cover essential theory and practice in modern software testing with an emphasis on practical skills in unit testing, automated testing and shift-left testing.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces fundamental concepts related to computer system security. It presents a thorough discussion of the fundamental principles and technologies underpinning the field, covering concepts, terminology, cryptography, vulnerabilities, protocols and good security-oriented design.
The module provides 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. This includes the communications within networked applications, security issues and cryptographic fundamentals
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 currently in use in industry.
Year: 2
Status: C
The Software Product and Process Management module provides the opportunity for students to gain a sound theoretical understanding of contemporary product and process management techniques. There is also the opportunity to apply learning from within the module and from modules undertaken thus far while working cohesively and professionally as part of a software team towards the successful management and planning of software product that meets business needs.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module builds upon the expertise acquired in Level 4 programming modules by expanding upon the students' understanding of data types and algorithms within the scope of object-oriented programming. In addition to providing practical skills in industry-focused software development, students will also become familiar with approaches to performance analysis of algorithms.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
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: 4
Status: C
This module will introduce the key concepts of full-stack development and the tools used to implement a full-stack strategy. Students will be able to use what they learn from this module to develop robust software including APIs, database architectures and front-end applications according to industry standards.
Year: 4
Status: C
There are many tools and techniques available for the imbuing and management of quality in software products and processes. A reflective software engineer should have an awareness of the range of techniques available. With a focus on the ability to model and quantify software quality, this module will introduce concepts, techniques and recent research in software engineering quality management as it applies to medium-to-large software products and processes.
Year: 4
Status: C
The Computing Project provides an opportunity to draw together learning from across the course, and to allow students to evidence their mastery of the academic content and of its application through professional practice. Through the opportunity to devise, manage and evaluate all aspects of work in addressing a significant challenge, students can gain independence and a deeper appreciation of their practice within the broader subject area and of its relationship to wider society.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module aims to explore a range of modern development and deployment concepts in the context of scalable and high performance computing services.
Within this module concepts such as cloud architectures, hosted technologies, scalable solutions and infrastructure will be explored. Additionally, advanced programming/development concepts facilitating high performance solution development will be examined.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module provides the student with a deep understanding of the underlying communication protocols of personal, local area networks, wide area networks and inter-networks. The emphasis is on network planning, design and management. Issues such as acceptable network performance, detection of faults, maintaining security and effective management are studied as these are key to the successful operation of businesses. The module will address state of the art protocols and network case studies and can provide (i) an up to date viewpoint of Enterprise Networks for business and (ii) an opportunity for fostering research ideas in this discipline.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores the intersection between machine learning and embedded systems. The aim of Edge and Embedded Intelligence is to make Artificial Intelligence available on low-powered and computationally constrained devices such as microcontrollers. This module provides a foundation for students to understand this emerging field.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces students to the software development strategies which underpin the realisation of embedded systems. Students will be required to create functional embedded system solutions, be creative in how they can be deployed across a range of application domains and appreciate the requirements of working within constrained environments
Year: 5
Status: C
A software product manager is responsible for the market success of a software product by controlling the development of business strategy, coordinating with developers, marketers, and customers, and managing analytics and continuous improvement. This module identifies the stages in the product management lifecycle and equips students from a technical background with the skills to enter this increasingly important field.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of digital transformation in a range of organisational contexts. On successful completion of the module, a student will be able to: assess how digital technologies can disrupt industries by transforming industry value chains, patterns of demand and competitive pressures; understand how digital technologies and frameworks can be applied in a digital transformation strategy; understand the organisational and people capabilities required to support and implement a digital transformation strategy; and critically evaluate current practice and theory on digital transformation.
Year: 5
Status: C
The group project provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their discipline through completion of a engineering process research and development project as a member of a group, which integrates and extends many of the taught aspects of their course.
Year: 5
Status: C
The focus of this module is to provide an opportunity for students to gain an in-depth understanding of pervasive computing and to apply this understanding to a range of application domains through developing specific solutions for selected application case studies. The module surveys emerging hardware and software components associated with Pervasive Computing Systems, examining the technical and societal issues concerned with a pervasive infrastructure, wireless networks, protocols and emergent algorithms. In doing so a number of examples of innovative systems and applications are reviewed. The module includes a strong practical element where students will be asked to develop services providing support for wearable and smart home context-aware solutions.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module aims to explore a range of modern development and deployment concepts in the context of scalable and high performance computing services.
Within this module concepts such as containerisation, Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery, cloud architectures, scalable solutions and infrastructure will be explored. Additionally, advanced programming/development concepts facilitating high performance solution development will be examined.
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.
In this section
AAA
or
AAB requiring an A Level Grade A in one of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Software Systems Development, Computing or Computer Science (not IT/ICT)),
Applicants to the MEng Software Engineering will automatically be considered for admission to the BEng Hons Software Engineering should they fail to meet the MEng entry requirements.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of DDD
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
144 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades ABBBB. All subject areas considered.
Grades ABB. All subject areas considered.
Overall profile is minimum 29 points (including 14 at Higher Level).
Overall profile of 75% (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 an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University) for entry to year 1 (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course).
Overall profile of 45 credits at distinction (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course).
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
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 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.
HNC Year 1 Entry
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include all Level 4 credits at Distinction for year 1 entry. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND Year 1 Entry
Pass HND in any subject area. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND Year 2 Entry
HND applicants may be considered for year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches the Ulster University full-time year 1 course. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required. Please contact the administrator listed in the Contact section.
Foundation Degree Year 2 Entry
Pass in Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 70%, and minimum 55% in all taught level 5 modules. To include GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.Applicants will normally be considered for year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker.
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C or 4 (or equivalent).
Please check the following link General Entry Requirements
During the first year of the course, you may be permitted to transfer to the BSc Hons Computing Technologies, BSc Computing Science or the BSc Hons Interactive Computing.
After you complete Semester 2 of year 2, you may be permitted to transfer to the related MEng Hons Software Engineering if you meet the performance requirement.
If you have successfully completed Year 1 or 2 of a similar honours degree, you may be permitted to join the course in Year 2 or 4.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
As a graduate with skills in Software Engineering, you will have many career opportunities available to you in a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations developing new software, as project managers, systems analysts, planning and technical manager, information manager. You may also work in a DevOps role or become a consultant.
Average salaries are often higher than those of other graduates and there are also opportunities for postgraduate study in computing, software development, artificial intelligence, IoT or a related area.
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.
A variety of scholarships, awards and prizes are available each year to reflect individual academic excellence in specific areas of study or across year groups.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
