Why choose the School of Computing, Engineering and Creative Industries
In the NSS 2025, our software engineering courses tied in the UK top 10 in their subject field for teaching (8th), assessment and feedback (9th) and organisation and management (5th).
They are in the UK top 15 for learning opportunities (tied 15th), academic support (14th) and learning resources (tied 12th).
Accredited to the British Computer Society (BCS) so you qualify for chartered IT professional status (CITP) once you graduate.
About the course
This broad-based course covers the design, development and deployment of large-scale software within industrial and commercial settings, building your understanding of the lifecycle of systems. Take on real-world projects, explore cutting-edge topics and challenge conventional thinking as you explore the theory of software engineering and apply it to real-life situations. The course shares a first year with other associated BSc degrees, building cross-discipline ideas and knowledge, before moving into specialist software engineering areas.
Course accreditation
This course is accredited to the British Computer Society (BCS) so you qualify for chartered IT professional status (CITP) once you graduate.
All undergraduate degrees accredited by BCS for full CITP are recognised under the Seoul Accord, which aims to establish and promote mutual recognition of academic programmes among member countries. This recognition gives graduates’ qualifications global recognition, helping them pursue international education, employment and professional mobility.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Study in our modern STEM building with computer networking suites; games, animation and graphics studios; and high-spec labs for IT security, telecommunications, robotics, and laser and optics
- Cutting-edge technologies such as agile development; front-end and back-end applications; containerisation; cloud native orchestration; and the provision of high-performance infrastructure using GPU clusters, so you become familiar with the tools used in industry right from the start
- Access to virtual private cloud, downloadable Microsoft developer tools and VMware Workstation
Your student experience
Start in your first year by building a solid understanding of a broad range of topics then move into specialist areas such as app development, web technologies and software for enterprise.
Take a hands-on approach, with work-based tasks, giving you real-world experience of quality software development and deployment into management and organisational contexts.
Develop your critical thinking and technical skills through both individual and professionally arranged group projects.
Benefit from support from our dedicated academic success tutors.
Learn from the expertise of our staff, whose real-world experience in research and consultancy feeds directly into their teaching and keeps you at the cutting edge of developments in the field.
with Professional Practice Year
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
with Foundation Year
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Course Leader - Dr Renxi Qiu
Renxi's research has been focused on semi-autonomous robot systems with adaptive autonomy. In recent years, the emphasis is placed on AI powered robotics supported by 5G/6G technologies and cloud computing. By sharing knowledge among robots, edge and cloud resources, the connected intelligence enhances the robot autonomy and improves the robustness of the robots in deployment.
Course Leader - Dr Renxi Qiu
Renxi's research has been focused on semi-autonomous robot systems with adaptive autonomy. In recent years, the emphasis is placed on AI powered robotics supported by 5G/6G technologies and cloud computing. By sharing knowledge among robots, edge and cloud resources, the connected intelligence enhances the robot autonomy and improves the robustness of the robots in deployment.
Course Leader - Dr Renxi Qiu
Renxi's research has been focused on semi-autonomous robot systems with adaptive autonomy. In recent years, the emphasis is placed on AI powered robotics supported by 5G/6G technologies and cloud computing. By sharing knowledge among robots, edge and cloud resources, the connected intelligence enhances the robot autonomy and improves the robustness of the robots in deployment.
Course Leader - Dr Renxi Qiu
Renxi's research has been focused on semi-autonomous robot systems with adaptive autonomy. In recent years, the emphasis is placed on AI powered robotics supported by 5G/6G technologies and cloud computing. By sharing knowledge among robots, edge and cloud resources, the connected intelligence enhances the robot autonomy and improves the robustness of the robots in deployment.
Course Leader - Dr Renxi Qiu
Renxi's research has been focused on semi-autonomous robot systems with adaptive autonomy. In recent years, the emphasis is placed on AI powered robotics supported by 5G/6G technologies and cloud computing. By sharing knowledge among robots, edge and cloud resources, the connected intelligence enhances the robot autonomy and improves the robustness of the robots in deployment.
Course Leader - Dr Renxi Qiu
Renxi's research has been focused on semi-autonomous robot systems with adaptive autonomy. In recent years, the emphasis is placed on AI powered robotics supported by 5G/6G technologies and cloud computing. By sharing knowledge among robots, edge and cloud resources, the connected intelligence enhances the robot autonomy and improves the robustness of the robots in deployment.
Studying our Software Engineering BSc (Hons) course will equip you with in-depth knowledge and skills in programming, computational thinking, databases and computer networks. In core areas of study, our Fundamentals of Software Engineering unit will equip you with the software engineering skills that you will be able to apply to practice using state of the art emerging technologies. This unit will also support you in your professional development by introducing you to the practices of software engineering and the professional requirements of the industry. Similarly, you will be introduced to the basic concepts and applications of computer systems in our Databases and Computer Networks unit. You will then be taught to combine mathematical knowledge with computer science in our Mathematics and Concepts for Computational Thinking unit.
You will apply mathematics to practical skills such as algorithms and pattern recognition while also using it to develop software applications using high-level programming language such as Python. More importantly, our Principles of Programming and Data Structures unit will develop your programming skills to explore the process of analysing, designing, testing and implementing computer systems and how to skilfully use this for software development. In practical areas of study, you will learn to design and implement Decision Support Systems and Data Mining and use this to solve business problems. Aside from this, you will also learn to use technologies involved in the design, development and implementation of web-based applications in our Web Technologies and Platforms unit or for mobile devices and applications in our Mobile Application Development unit.
You will also learn how to develop desktop applications in our Desktop Applications Development and Software Engineering unit. To diversify your practice, you will also learn to differentiate and question principles of collectively developing software to an industry standard in our Software for Enterprise unit. Finally, you will complete an Undergraduate Project in an area of interest that is relevant to your field of study. You will decide on your proposal topic with your supervisor in our Research Methodologies and Emerging Technologies unit where you can choose from a range of ideas relevant to your career aspirations. Some areas include computer science, electronic engineering and computer games development. Similarly, our Agile Project Management unit will equip you with the project management skills for such academic work and most importantly, your future employment. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to undertake a Professional Practice Year (Computer Science and Technology) to gain industry experience and build on your professional development skills.
You are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework group and individual projects portfolios essays presentations or exams. You will also produce software artefacts in the area of your specialism. Constant feedback and advice from a supervisory or unit team will be provided to support you in your work.
At level 4 you are assessed on your understanding of the fundamental concepts of Computer Science and its application. You are required to comprehend the basic range of intellectual concepts which form the foundations of the subject and application area and will be assessed on your ability to articulate such concepts in a coherent manner in a variety of written assessments/written briefs. For example there will be time constraint programming assignments as well as multiple choice tests.
At level 5 you are assessed on your ability to apply the basic concepts of the disciplines introduced in level 4 to existing controversies and issues on which there is already a body of research and critical opinion. You also should be able to demonstrate the inter-relationships between critical theory and practice. For example the units `Concepts of AI and `Object Oriented Programming and Software Engineering will further your understanding of software paradigms. Also new concepts (such as Computer Security) are introduced.
At level 6 you will be required to demonstrate independent thinking and initiative. This may be in the form of analysing and criticising current approaches and theory within software engineering and programme development. In all cases you will be expected to show an awareness of the major theories and practices of the discipline. You will progress from well-defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments which culminate in the honours project where you will be given freedom to choose your area of work.
Careers
This degree will give you the specialist skills for a range of IT and web-based careers including software engineering; programming; systems development; applications development; games development; web development; information systems manager; IT customer services/technical support; database administrator; IT analyst or consultant in areas such as systems applications or cybersecurity; and software tester.
Since software is central to most businesses and organisations, there is a vast choice of roles and settings from specialist software development and engineering companies to a vast range of private and public sector organisations including finance government, the NHS and education. In addition, many small to medium businesses contract out their IT-related development and maintenance which opens up opportunities for graduates to set up their own freelance business.
You may also decide to take your studies on to postgraduate level. The University of Bedfordshire offers a choice of associated Master’s degrees in areas such as software engineering, computer networking and cybersecurity.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
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