MEng Software Engineering with integrated year in industry

At Aberystwyth, this degree is all about diving into real-world engineering while earning your qualification. You’ll learn by doing—from designing software with industry practices to stepping into a full year of professional work—with the university providing the preparation, structure, and support to make it happen.

Experiential Learning Includes:

Placement Year with Paid Work Experience:
In your third year, you’ll spend a full year working in an industry role—earning a salary and gaining valuable professional experience. The department supports this through CV development, interview preparation, and networking. By the end, you return with enhanced motivation, capability, and a stronger career profile.

Hands-On Project Lifecycle Learning in Year 2:
You’ll take a dedicated Software Engineering module where you assume industry roles such as project manager or designer. Working as part of a team, you’ll produce a real software product by following the professional lifecycle from analysis through to delivery.

Applied Foundations from Year 1:
Early modules such as Introduction to Programming, Computer Infrastructure, Web Development, and Problems and Solutions establish core technical skills through practical and realistic assignments.

Capstone Major Project in Final Year:
Your degree culminates in a 40-credit Major Project, where you design and develop software in your chosen area of interest. This independent project allows you to apply everything you’ve learned in a meaningful, self-driven challenge.

Residential Weekend Workshop for Placement Preparation:
Industrial-year students attend a dedicated residential workshop in their second year. This focuses on employability skills including CV writing, interview techniques, networking with employers, and building a professional online presence.

Personalised Support:
Each student is assigned a personal tutor to guide them through academic or personal challenges. In addition, a Personal Development Plan (PDP) supports reflection, skill tracking, and career planning across the degree.

Accreditation and Industry Alignment:
This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, ensuring alignment with professional standards. It contributes towards eligibility for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status and can support progression towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) recognition.

Facilities and Resources:
Teaching is delivered in the Llandinam Building, with access to Linux and Mac labs, robotics equipment, and supercomputing infrastructure—providing excellent resources for coursework, research, and final-year projects.

The MEng Software Engineering (with integrated year in industry) at Aberystwyth University is an integrated Master's programme,it is the definitive choice for students who aspire to not just enter the tech industry, but to lead and innovate within it from day one. The MEng graduates are primed for senior technical and leadership roles, distinguished by their advanced design skills, management acumen, and extensive experience with complex, real-world engineering projects. They are the ones shaping the future of technology in top-tier companies and innovative startups alike.

Typical job roles include:

• Senior Software Engineer
• Systems Architect
• Technical Project Lead
• Embedded Systems Engineer

The university's integrated approach ensures your fifth year directly enhances your employability at the highest level:

University Services:
You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree for academic and personal support. A key feature is the unique residential weekends; the first-year event focuses on team-based problem-solving to develop core skills, while the second-year event for industrial year students offers dedicated training in CV writing, interview techniques, and networking with employers to secure a great placement. Furthermore, the university's Careers Service provides exceptional support, helping you source work experience, recognise your skills, and plan your career path.

Employment Stats:
The skills acquired from this BCS-accredited course are specifically sought after by employers in computer science-related industries. For all Computing graduates from Aberystwyth, the average earnings after 15 months are £28,000, rising to £36,000 after five years, demonstrating strong long-term earning potential. An impressive 95% of students are still on the course or have completed it.

Industry Partnerships:
The integrated Year in Industry is a core component, giving you invaluable experience that employers actively seek. The university actively facilitates connections through networking events and placement support, ensuring you gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Graduation Outcomes:
You will graduate with an advanced Master's-level portfolio and a strong understanding of sound design principles. The course emphasizes programming in multiple languages, large-scale software development, telecommunications, distributed systems technologies, and secure data handling. The industrial year means you'll also have nearly a full year of professional experience on your CV.

Further Academic Progression:
An MEng from Aberystwyth is a powerful qualification that opens doors to the most advanced academic opportunities. You will be exceptionally well-prepared to pursue a PhD in a specialised area of computer science, supported by the department's research-led staff. This path is ideal for those aiming for a career in pioneering research, either in academia or within industrial R&D divisions at the forefront of technology. The university also offers a 100% online, part-time MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering) degree for those wishing to specialise further while working.