“Studying at Solent gave me the experiences which have became pivotal for my career. ”
BSc (Hons)Software Engineering
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: SE03
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study software engineering with a foundation year
Learn how to design, develop, and maintain software applications to create innovative technology solutions and enhance user experiences on this BCS-accredited degree.
- Top0in the UK for teaching the subject of software engineering (out of 63 institutions) (NSS 2024)
- 0thin the UK for assessment and feedback in the subject of software engineering (out of 63 institutions) (NSS 2024)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
- If you’re looking to study our software engineering degree, but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress.
- Gain industry recognised qualifications alongside your degree such as PCAP Python Fundamentals.
- 93% positivity score for teaching across our BSc (Hons) Software Engineering and BSc (Hons) Computer Science degrees (NSS 2024).
- You will be taught by trained and professionally certified staff and attend guest lectures from experts working in the tech and digital industries.
- Access to a range of modern facilities and software, including high-spec computer labs, device testing labs and a usability lab with eye tracking facilities.
- Solent placement and graduate fair offer terrific career prospects – many of our students who undertake placements at exhibiting companies are offered a graduate job after their studies.
- Showcase your work at our annual end of year degree show.
- You will study in our new environmentally friendly computing labs.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
If you are passionate about computing careers, but not quite ready to undertake a full honours degree, or going into computing with no formal background in the subject - doing a one-year computing foundation is the ideal way to learn essential programming, web design, networking and security skills before starting the three-year BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degree.
During the computing foundation year you’ll get to grips with the basics of computer programming by taking part in creative and fun practical projects. These will be carried out under the guidance of a teaching team with a wide portfolio of experience and skills.
Personal development is crucial - you will be supported in improving your academic confidence and start on the road to becoming an independent learner. We encourage teamwork and cross-discipline collaboration, both of which are highly valued by employers.
On completion of the foundation year you'll be able to join the first year of the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering undergraduate degree. In the first year of study of this, you will cover a range of topics including coding, software testing, networking and security, algorithms and databases. You will also be supported to develop academic skills in writing and research, which will aid your learning throughout the course. These base-line topics will lead into more advanced areas of development in the second year, which include an introduction to artificial intelligence and mobile application development.
All of our undergraduate computing courses have an optional placement year between the second and third years of study, where you have the opportunity to work in industry, gaining valuable employment and experience.
The final year culminates in a major project where you will have the chance to showcase your skills and knowledge related to the engineering of software systems. You will also develop a deeper understanding of specialist areas through optional modules, which include popular areas such as data science and immersive technologies.
The supportive and experienced academic team will guide you in promoting yourself as a professional practitioner, through developing online profiles to showcase your skills and expertise. You will also be encouraged to engage in networking at local digital and technology events, helping you to gain invaluable real-world experience and feedback.
Our close links with industry will support you in gaining contacts, work experience opportunities, and insight into the software engineering industry. Industrial consulting is also enabled through a final year project unit which gets you industry ready to confidently go forward into the workplace.
As a graduate you will be able to pursue a wide range of career options in the digital industry, and will benefit from the continuing increasing industry demand for those with strong technical abilities in software development.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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Course features
Professional accreditation
This course has been accredited by a professional body
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Professional membership
You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
A foundation year is ideally suited to students who want to earn a specialist degree in an area of computing, but don’t yet hold the qualifications or experience required to start on the first year of an undergraduate course. The foundation year will lead directly on to the first year of the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degree.
The software engineering course is ideal for those with a passion for understanding and developing software systems, and who aspire for a career where they support, research, design, deploy and maintain software systems.
What does this course lead to?
Graduates can enter a wide range of jobs including software engineering, software development, project management, IT support, web development and database management. The skills you’ll develop are highly valued by employers across a broad range of sectors.
Recent course graduates have gone on to various roles in the software industry including IBM, Si Digital, LeadStream, Fujitsu UK, Guernsey Post, Retail Manager Solutions Ltd.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students will develop apps for the web, desktop computers and a range of mobile platforms, and will be able to test them in our new device lab. This special test area is integrated within one of our existing software development spaces, and allows students to test out their web sites and apps on real equipment, including iOS and Android phones and tablets.
Students also learn to program robotic devices, including robotic arms and drones, and have access to up-to-date IT laboratories and a usability lab with eye-tracking facilities, used to test and refine interfaces. Learning is enabled by a range of industry standard equipment. Facilities include high-spec computer labs, device testing labs and a usability lab with eye tracking facilities. Students are also able to write programs for robotic devices and drones.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Digital Media Technologies
This module is an introduction to the wide range of processes used for current digital media, audio and visual technologies.
Foundation Computing
The module introduces the learners to the basic concepts and practices in different areas of computing focusing on computer hardware, software, operating systems, computer networks, and cyber security.
Foundation Mathematics
This module provides an introduction to the technologies and the mathematics that underpin much of computing and media technology.
Group Technology Project
This module explores the foundations of collaborative work practice, the importance of team work in the digital and technology industries including its context within an academic environment, by offering practical guidance on current best practice for either running or being part of a successful team.
Individual Degree Related Project
This module develops academic study skills that students will need for future levels of study. It lays the foundation for constructing reports and presentations in an academic style.
Problem Solving
This module serves as an introduction to computer programming and aims to develop the fundamental problem solving techniques that are required to solve computational problems.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Individual presentations
- In-class tests
- Online tests
- Practical activities
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
Software engineering is among the top 30 most in-demand jobs in the UK in 2023, as well as being among the top highest paid graduate jobs.
The UK's IT services market is expected to achieve a revenue of $86bn in 2023, and is expected to maintain a steady growth rate of 6.26%. (Statista). The UK tech sector employs over 1.7 million people and adds over £150bn to the UK economy every year. (MOL)
Our links with industry
You could earn:
Software engineer
Starting salary: £18,000
This is a typical graduate software engineer salary. The average annual salary for a software engineer is between £25,000 and £50,000.
Web developer
Junior or entry-level: £20,000 to £25,000
Mid-level and senior web developers usually earn between £25,000 and £40,000. Specialising in newer or more sought-after technologies can lead to higher salaries.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“Studying at Solent gave me the experiences which have became pivotal for my career. ”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Accredited by:
Part of:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance in under three minutes Student funding - the essentials
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven't recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students as outlined above, and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5, or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students as outlined above, and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5, or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
