Undergraduate

Software Engineering

Two students in the SuperLab Computer Suite
A student wearing a VR visor standing in the HIVE cube
Students examine a small robot in the Robotics Lab
A student using 3D Printer
You’ll gain the specialist knowledge and technical expertise you need to design and develop software – and graduate ready for a wide range of careers.
Experience advanced visualisation, motion capture and computer graphics in our 3D immersive virtual reality cube, HIVE.
Learn how to develop and program robots in our industry-standard Robotics Lab.
You’ll benefit from a package of opportunities including valuable industry insight, career support and real-world experience.
We’ve invested millions, so you’ll learn in cutting-edge facilities with high-performance workstations, gigabit networking, 3D printers, AR, VR & MR.
Two students in the SuperLab Computer Suite
A student wearing a VR visor standing in the HIVE cube
Students examine a small robot in the Robotics Lab
A student using 3D Printer
Computer Science, Robotics & AI - Software Engineering

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Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year
  • With a placement year
  • With a year abroad
  • Integrated masters
  • September 2025

Typical offer

What does this mean?

Want to create the next big thing in tech? This is where you start.

Software engineering is essential to the smooth running of modern life. Safe, reliable and robust software is critical from the apps and digital tools we use every day to developments such as driverless cars.

This degree specialises in the techniques that you need to design, develop and deploy software that delivers value to users and controls the world around us. The skills, experience and tech expertise you’ll gain will put you in high demand when it’s time to enter the job market in this fast-moving industry.

  • Paid year in industry option

  • Five specialist labs on campus

    including AI and Robotics

  • 1st in the UK for

    learning resources 3

  • Compete in events

    like the Microsoft Imagine Cup

  • 91.1% of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Gain a rock-solid grounding in the fundamentals of computing, information science and informatics on this British Computer Society accredited degree.2 Develop the skills to write code, create and manage software projects using the latest agile development methods. And learn about test-driven development and DevOps.

Then specialise in the areas that interest you most – ending with a major individual software project. Previous topics include a wind farm simulation, modelling a self-driving car and an app to find and join live, location-based events.

You’ll learn within industry-standard facilities, including high-performance workstations, gigabit networking, 3D printers, robots, a 3D immersive cube, motion capture, AR, VR and MR.

Take a full paid placement year – which gives you outstanding tech industry experience – as a recognised part of your degree.

You could compete in international events like the Microsoft Imagine Cup. Or rise to the challenge of creating a computer game over a weekend in our Three Thing Game. Plus, benefit from our strong links with companies like EA, Sony and Black Marble with frequent talks by experts in the trade.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Our five undergraduate Computer Science courses share the same compulsory modules in the first year. This gives you a foundation of knowledge across the whole subject area and the chance to explore what really interests you. You're then better placed to choose your modules in the later years of our BSc Computer Science, or switch to a different pathway to specialise in games programming, software engineering, robotics or AI.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Computing

This module will promote and support your development of learning in Computer Science as you prepare for progression to the following year. It teaches fundamental computer programming techniques and knowledge and enhances wider conceptual awareness of the discipline.

Core•20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Sciences)

In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.

Compulsory•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics 1

This module delivers core mathematics skills to build a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: factors, multiples, indices, fractions and standard form; algebra, linear and quadratic equations; averages and spread; functions, exponentials and logarithms; and right angled triangles and trigonometry.

Optional•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics 2

This module delivers core mathematics skills to build a solid basis for future studies.You will study the following topics: polynomials; sequences and series; complex numbers and trigonometry; and differentiation and integration.

Optional•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Optional•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics B

This module extends the knowledge gained in the Foundation Mathematics A - pure mathematics topics. You will also study functions and vectors. The applied topic is mechanics.

Optional•20 credits

The foundation year will provide you with a firm grounding in scientific, intellectual and investigative skills.
8 Modules

Programming Portfolio

Gain the practical knowledge to design, implement and test algorithms. The module uses lectures to deliver concepts, a practice lab to apply the programming concepts learnt by developing programs to solve problems. You will take part in hands-on practical assessments, which will enable you to acquire extensive programming skills in an industry standard programming language. We will support you whether you are new to programming or have existing skills.

Compulsory•40 credits

Algorithms and Data Structures

Start to think like a computer (bleep bloop)! This module explores logic, data storage and algorithms with the use of practical demonstrations and activities. Operating in parallel with programming-focussed modules, we will develop a toolkit of key concepts from a theoretical (non-code) perspective, facilitating a better understanding of these fundamentals. Topics to expect include pseudocode, state machines, essential keywords, common data structures, sort algorithms and search algorithms. You will learn methods to analyse and compare algorithms and their constituent parts in order that you may better design, evaluate and develop effective, efficient and performant software solutions.

Compulsory•20 credits

Computational Thinking

This module Computational thinking is essential for developing computer-based solutions. This module will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the key mathematical underpinnings of computer science, to aid you in problem solving and programming. The development of your competence in logic, mathematics and statistics will also provide evidence of your numeracy and more advanced skills and is valued by employers.

Compulsory•20 credits

Architectures, Operating Systems and the Cloud

Explore the fundamental properties of computers that allow them to execute programmes. You will learn about how Computers are made to work in hardware and simulation (Virtual Machines). A collection of Virtual Machines is a cloud, and this module allows you to get experience with the development of your own cloud using appropriate platforms.

Compulsory•20 credits

Professional Development (Computer Science)

Employers want much more than discipline specific skills. This module sets you up to grow your professional skills and awareness, when working both individually and as part of a team. You will also develop your appreciation of the challenges within the sector, and how technology can help to solve worldwide issues. You will begin a personal portfolio that you will add to over your degree and you will work as part of a team to produce a design prototype, demonstrating your personal professional development. Through researching your discipline, you will understand the range of career roles available and what you need to do to progress in them.

Compulsory•20 credits

A common first year across all of our courses covers the fundamental aspects of the subject.

Due to the common first year, you can easily switch your degree course at any point until the start of Year 2, when more specialist material begins to be introduced.
5 Modules

Design, Develop, Deploy

Our flagship software development module. You'll use contemporary software development tool chains to experience authentic software creation and deployment, applying techniques such as agile project management, test-driven development and continuous integration and deployment.

Compulsory•40 credits

Software Engineering Design Patterns

Many problems have been solved before, so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  One of the features of doing Software Engineering is building on the best practice developed by many others, so that you don’t fall into the same traps as earlier developers. This module gives you the chance to learn about some of the top issues in software design and the best patterns for solving them. 

Compulsory• credits

Databases and Networks

You'll be introduced to the core components of any online information system that drives the information we use today. Learn how modern applications fetch data from servers and how that information can be stored and retrieved efficiently. You will solve a real-world problem by developing a networked database.

Compulsory•20 credits

User Interfaces and Experience

Any software or hardware used by humans needs to put human understanding at its core. Digital products succeed or fail by how well the designer understands the ability of a human to use the product, or the experience that using the product provides. You'll take a scientific and engineering approach to understanding, developing and evaluating effective interfaces and experiences for users.

Compulsory•20 credits

Advanced Programming

In this module you will explore advanced techniques in programming as well as building an understanding of how high level objected-oriented languages are executed on a modern CPU.  C++ will be used extensively, but we with reflect back on C#, as well as throwing in some assembly language.

Optional•20 credits

eXtended Reality Development

eXtended Reality is a blend of physical and virtual environments, unlocking natural and intuitive 3D human, computer, and environment interactions. You will learn concepts and techniques in the field of mixed reality and user-centred testing. You will implement eXtended Reality applications using technologies applicable to the problem domain and use an eXtended Reality application to conduct a user test, analyse and report on results.

Optional• credits
6 Modules

Secure Digital Infrastructure

Secure Digital Infrastructure enables you to deploy organisational computer systems in a professional and secure way. You will learn how to do this through practical hands-on activities and supporting background lectures.

Compulsory•20 credits

Digital Disruption and Innovation

Creating a viable technology start-up requires insight into technical development and what it takes to deliver your product. In this module, you will form an individual digital product business plan. Then, as a small production team, you will then select an idea to take forward to develop and present this a final product pitch.

Compulsory•20 credits

Safety Critical Systems

Safety critical systems form part of society’s crucial infrastructure. From transportation to power generation, their safe operation is a fundamental consideration during their design and beyond. The rise in size and complexity of these systems of systems demands computer automation and support for analysing and optimising throughout the development lifecycle.

Compulsory•20 credits

Distributed Systems Programming

Explore mechanisms for applying your existing C# knowledge to distributed systems or applications while considering key areas like scalability and security.

Compulsory•20 credits

Honours Stage Project

Tackle a substantial piece of computer-related investigation or software design in an area of your interest. This includes practical development and evaluation of your designs and implementation.

Optional•40 credits

Communicating and Teaching Computing

This module enables you to undertake a placement in a school, college or other educational establishment where you can develop your practical teaching and communication skills, as well as extending your knowledge of the education process. These skills are valued by employers, whether you are interested in potentially going on to train or teach others or not. You will also have the opportunity to develop an educational project to demonstrate your skills in practice.

Optional•40 credits
6 Modules

You will have the opportunity to apply to spend the third year studying overseas at one of our partner universities.

During your year abroad, you will follow a programme of study that will be agreed between yourself and us prior to your departure. You will take all assessments set by the host university while you are abroad, for which marks will be awarded and a final transcript released. The year abroad contributes 10% towards your final degree classification.

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt to enhance your employability.

You'll be supported in developing a work placement in any appropriate company or organisation.  Students have spent a year on placements with Unity, Black Marble, Network Rail, IBM, HP, Nestle, and the University’s ICT department.

Commercial Development Practice

Work on real commercial software for real clients in CDP, a reach-out project of the Department of Computer Science and Technology. This excellent opportunity gives you critical experience of working with real clients across the entire software project lifecycle from customer brief through to specifying, designing, managing, developing and testing real software using industry standard techniques

Compulsory•40 credits

Dependable Reactive Real-Time Systems

This module focuses the issues of real-time and dependable design and introduces you to the appropriate concepts and design methods. It focuses on the design of single systems and goes further to discuss specific challenges encountered today in the design of cooperative and multi-robot systems.

Compulsory•20 credits

Component Based Software Engineering Practice

Modern large scale software development can be improved through utilising advanced approaches such as component based development. Reliable and secure software can be supported through managed programming environments. This module will be your chance to look deeper at these virtual machines beneath and see what makes it all work, and to develop solutions utilising component libraries.

Compulsory•20 credits

Trustworthy Computing

Given how much we depend on networked digital technologies, cybersecurity is a threat that can impact us all at any time. In this module you will explore how simple mistakes can make a software system exploitable and insecure, and demonstrate how these flaws can be fixed to make a system cybersecure.

Compulsory•20 credits

Cutting Edge Concepts

This module enables review of cutting-edge and emerging concepts and methods across the spectrum of computer science. We will meet as a reading group to select, review and discuss academic publications of high quality, that take topics beyond the curriculum and into the current state of the art; students will learn how to read and review academic materials critically.

Compulsory•20 credits

Students must achieve a year average of 50% or above at the end of the Diploma stage (second year) to continue on the MEng. Students with less than 50% will normally transfer to the equivalent BSc degree and continue onto the final year of a BSc degree.

At the end of the Honours stage (third year), students must achieve a year average of 50% or above to progress to the Masters stage (final year). Students with an average of less than 50% will normally transfer to the equivalent BSc degree and graduate if appropriate.
5 Modules

This course is accredited by

Playlist

EUR ING Brian Tompsett

Course Overview 2 mins

Computer Science labs

Course highlight 2 mins

Why Comp Sci at Hull?

Student story 11 mins

Incredible Digital Tools

Research Highlight 3 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

You’ll be taught by talented researchers whose specialist areas include computational science; computer gamification; dependable intelligent systems; robotics and artificial intelligence; and simulation and visualisation.

See more academics for this subject
Eur Ing Brian Tompsett
Featured academic

EUR ING Brian Tompsett

Brian is an experienced computer scientist and software engineer with a career spanning over 50 years. He has worked within industry and academia in the UK and the US. He leads the Software Engineering degree programme.
Yiannis Papadopoulos
Featured academic

Prof Yiannis Papadopoulos

Professor Papadopoulos pioneered the development of one of the state-of-the-art techniques in the area of dependability analysis (HiP-HOPS). He’s also developing technologies for self-certification of cyberphysical and autonomous systems.

Take a look at our facilities

Turing Lab

Carry out high-end graphics and artificial intelligence work on the top-spec, state-of-the art PCs in our Turing Lab.

Robotics Lab

Our specialist robotics lab is used for robot development and programming activities. Interact with our DJI Drones, Turtlebot3 mobile robots and humanoids like Baxter, Nao and Pepper.

Hull Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE)

A 3D immersive cube with VR theatre, gigapixel wall facilities and wearable devices.

Superlab

Fully refurbished as part of a significant investment in high-performance workstations, servers and social spaces, our Superlab is also open to students outside of teaching hours.

See more in our virtual tour
Students using the Computer Science Turing Lab

Look around

Look around

students in the SuperLab Computer Suite
Students using the Computer Science Turing Lab
Robotics Laboratory
HIVE
students in the SuperLab Computer Suite
VIPER high performance computing

Future prospects

You’ll be on the fast track to chartered IT professional as this degree is accredited to the maximum available level by the British Computer Society (BCS).

Graduate careers include software developer, mobile app developer, software engineer, video games developer, IT security specialist and web developer.

Many of our graduates go on to work for industry giants such as Sony, the BBC, Dell and Fujitsu. Some of our Computer Science graduates go on to work for not-for-profit businesses and public sector organisations. Others go on to further study with an MSc or PhD, and some have gone on to set up and grow their own tech businesses.

Watch

Starting a tech company
University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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1. 91.1% employability UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

2. Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional, and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer (for MEng, fully meeting the requirement for a Chartered Engineer).

3. Computer Science is ranked number 1 in the UK (HEIs) for learning resources. National Student Survey (NSS) 2024, HEIs only.

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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