Software Engineering with Foundation Year BEng

Course summary

How you learn

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) Software Engineering course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

This course is designed so you can develop skills in contemporary programming techniques, tools and processes and understand the project management practices used to support and control such projects. Through a combination of theoretical and practical activities, you will learn everything you need for a career in software engineering.

You will learn through a variety of methods including

• seminars
• practical tutorial sessions
• lectures
• smaller seminars
• practical tutorial sessions
• reading and self-learning activities
• problem solving activities
• practical implementations and teamwork
• assessments
• reports
• presentations
• demonstrations
• discussions
• online activities
• coursework
• structured walkthroughs
• practical projects
• case studies
• tutorials
• Workshops

In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience — developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.

Applied learning

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. Previous students have worked at organisations including Intel, IBM, 3Squared, SN Systems, CSC Servelec.

Live projects

In your third year, you will work in a small group on a client based project. You will analyse their requirements, then design, implement and test a prototype which you will present to your client. This will allow you to experience the types of demands faced by commercial software engineers and increase your confidence while you are applying for your work placements.

Networking opportunities

Throughout the final year there are numerous opportunities for you to engage with career management, career fairs and workshops, employer presentations, visits, and professional advisors.