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The Software Engineering BEng at the University of Southampton is all about learning to design, build, and secure advanced software systems—from mobile banking apps to autopilot controls—backed by hands-on development and core engineering knowledge. It’s ideal for students who want to master the full software lifecycle while honing skills in robotics, cybersecurity, cloud development, teamwork, and project management.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year is engineered to build an unshakeable foundation in the core pillars of computer science. You'll master essential programming paradigms, learning procedural and object-oriented design in Programming I and Programming II using Python, C, and Java. Concurrently, you'll develop the critical mathematical logic for computation in Mathematics I & II, understand hardware interaction in Computer Systems I, and learn to manage data and use professional tools in the Data Management module. This year ensures you have the complete toolkit of a professional developer, from theory to practice.
Year 2
In your second year, you'll elevate your skills from programming to true software engineering, focusing on the methodologies required for building complex, large-scale systems. The centrepiece is the Software Design and Development Project, where you'll apply agile practices in a team to deliver a significant interactive system. Your theoretical knowledge will deepen as you study the mathematical proofs of correctness in Formal Specification and Verification, the principles of Artificial Intelligence, and the low-level interactions between software and hardware in Computer Systems II, preparing you for the sophisticated challenges ahead.
Year 3
Your final year is dominated by a major Individual Project, a substantial piece of independent research and development where you'll tackle a challenging real-world problem from conception to delivery. This is your chance to specialise deeply. You will complement this by choosing from a wide range of advanced options that reflect the forefront of the field, such as developing for the cloud in Cloud Application Development, engineering intelligent systems in Foundations of Machine Learning, ensuring resilience in Web and Cloud Based Security, or designing advanced interactive systems in Game Design and Development.
Focus areas
Formal Methods & Verification, Algorithmics, Secure Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Web & Cloud Architecture, Data Management, Computer Systems.
Learning outcomes
Engineer large-scale, reliable, and verifiably correct software systems using formal methodologies; Apply advanced algorithmic and mathematical reasoning to complex computational problems; Design and manage the full software development lifecycle, from requirement analysis to deployment; Develop secure and efficient software with a critical understanding of underlying computer systems and architectures.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
This degree is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT. This accreditation fully meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partially meets the requirement for a Chartered Engineer (CEng), providing a clear path to the highest levels of professional recognition.
Reputation (employability rankings)
The University of Southampton is a global powerhouse in Computer Science. It is consistently ranked among the elite, placed 6th in the UK for Computer Science by The Guardian University Guide 2024 and 78th globally for Computer Science and Information Systems in the QS World University Rankings 2023, a powerful testament to its outstanding teaching and research excellence that is recognised by employers worldwide.
From the very beginning, you’ll be immersed in a truly hands-on environment—developing secure, robust, and widely used systems, from banking apps to aircraft autopilot software. You won’t just learn concepts—you’ll practice them, backed by top-tier labs, project work, and guidance from world-renowned academics.
Experiential learning opportunities include:
Cutting-edge software and cybersecurity labs: You’ll work in the main computer lab, comprising 100+ high-spec workstations and serving as your social hub. Plus, you’ll have access to specialised spaces like the software projects laboratory, David Barron computing laboratory, cyber security laboratory, and even the Centre for Hybrid Biodevices.
Project-centric learning: You’ll rise to the challenge of real-world software problems—analyzing requirements, designing secure systems, and delivering complete solutions using modern methodologies.
Group development experience: Through modules like Software Engineering Group Project (COMP2211), you'll collaborate in teams and tackle the complexities of large-scale, real-world software development—learning vital communication and project management skills.
Advanced modelling and management training: Modules such as Software Modelling Tools and Techniques for Critical Systems (COMP6226) and Software Project Management and Secure Development (COMP6204) offer hands-on practice in modelling safety-critical systems and managing secure software lifecycles.
Strategic research and industry links: The course is accredited by both the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the department is a member of The Alan Turing Institute—all ensuring your learning is aligned with the latest research and industry practice.
Graduates of the University of Southampton's BEng Software Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as software developer, systems analyst, applications engineer, DevOps specialist, and quality assurance engineer. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, or related fields, or work in sectors including technology, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government.
Here's how Southampton specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers opportunities for an industrial placement year, allowing students to gain valuable professional experience with leading technology companies and software development firms. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, team projects, and individual research, with a strong emphasis on practical software development methodologies, agile practices, and professional standards. The University's Career and Employability Service provides specialist support for computing students, including placement assistance, career mentoring, and connections to a network of employer partners.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The School of Electronics and Computer Science maintains strong industry connections and world-class facilities, including dedicated software engineering labs, collaborative workspaces, and innovation hubs. Students benefit from research-led teaching in areas such as secure software systems, enterprise architecture, machine learning applications, and distributed systems. The program's industrial advisory board ensures curriculum relevance, with graduates valued for their expertise in software design patterns, development methodologies, and systematic approaches to building reliable software systems.
Graduate Outcomes:
Students graduate with advanced technical skills in programming languages, software architecture, systems analysis, and project management, complemented by practical experience from laboratory work and industry-relevant projects. These competencies are highly sought after in technology-driven industries worldwide.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BEng at Southampton, you can progress to an integrated MEng program, pursue specialist MSc degrees in areas like artificial intelligence or cybersecurity, or enter professional roles in software development, technical consultancy, or research and development, supported by the program's strong industry links and research excellence.
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherEnglish test results: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT: 92 including Listening: 21 Reading: 22 Writing: 21 Speaking: 23A-Levels: A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).International Baccalaureate (IB): 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)GCSE: Grade 4/C in GCSE English language and Grade C/4 in GCSE MathematicsCBSE/ CISCE/ Metro State Boards: cumulative score of 75% and aboveUSA curriculum: One of: 3 Advanced Placement (AP) tests with scores of 5, 5, 5. 1300 in SAT Reasoning (combined). 27 (from a single exam sitting) in American College Testing (ACT). 3.2 in an associate degreeYou may be able to enter this programme through Foundation Year pathways if you don’t have the qualifications to enter directlyOffers optional Industrial Placement and Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: 20% and 15% full time rate for Industrial Placement and Study abroad year respectively.Software DeveloperApplications DeveloperWeb DeveloperSystems AnalystIT ConsultantGames DeveloperDevOps EngineerData EngineerCybersecurity AnalystSoftware Quality Assurance Engineer
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