Course Overview
Our Software Engineering courses offer you a broad computer science curriculum with an emphasis on software engineering and design. You will gain the technical knowledge needed to manage and develop high-quality, well-designed software systems along with an understanding of business and system requirements.
Our four-year Software Engineering MSci programme allows you to tailor your studies to your own interests and will benefit from industrial placements in your final year.
Your degree begins with a study of Software Development, Fundamentals of Computer Science and Information Systems and Digital Systems before moving on to subjects including Networks and Operating Systems in the second year. In your final year, you complete Design Studio projects alongside several core courses.
Related Courses
- Computer Science : BSc Hons
- Computer Science Innovation : BSc Hons / MSci Hons
- Computer Science (Study Abroad) : BSc Hons
- Computer Science (with Industrial Experience) : MSci Hons
- Software Engineering (with Industrial Experience) : MSci
- Software Engineering : BSc Hons
- Computer Science and Mathematics : BSc Hons
- IT for Creative Industries : BSc Hons
- IT for Creative Industries (with industrial Experience) : MSci Hons
- Management and Information Technology (4 years including placement) : BSc Hons
- French Studies and Computing : BSc Hons
- German Studies and Computing : BSc Hons
- Spanish Studies and Computing : BSc Hons
- Communication Systems and Electronics : BEng Hons
- Communication Systems and Electronics (with Industrial Experience) : MEng Hons
- Computer Systems Engineering : BEng Hons
- Computer Systems Engineering : MEng Hons
- Accounting, Finance and Computer Science : BSc Hons
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Computing and Communications (School of) department.
Year 1
- Software Development
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Digital Systems
Year 2
- Databases
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Computer Networks
- Software Design
- Professional Issues and Research Methods
- Operating Systems
- Advanced Programming
- Software Design Studio Project I (Core Studio)
Year 3
- IT Security and Risk
- Advanced Internet and Mobile Applications
- Distributed Systems
- Languages and Compilation
- Software Design Studio Project II (Networked Studio)
- Software Design Studio Project III (Live Studio)
Year 4
- Industrial Experience Year
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Computing and Communications (School of) department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAB. We normally expect three A-levels
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best three grades if four A-levels are presented
Key Skills: Not included in the offer
GCSE: Maths and English Language at grade C
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 points overall with 16 points in 3 HL subjects
BTEC: DDD/DDM
IELTS: 6.0
Mature students: Applications welcome. Evidence of formal study required, including Access to Higher Education courses, within the past three years. We always interview mature students. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
New UK 'Diploma' & Cambridge Pre-U: Contact us for information
Careers
A Software Engineering degree will provide you with skills that are in high demand within industry. Recent graduates have found work in companies providing novel computing solutions ranging from
e-commerce to advanced military systems. Others have set up their own businesses and many choose to go on to further study.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2014, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2014 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2013.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page