BSc Applied Software Engineering

Studying Applied Software Engineering (BSc) at Cardiff has a refreshingly hands-on focus. You’ll learn by doing—coding real software for real clients, solving real-world problems, and working in a startup-style space designed to nurture your creativity and teamwork. The program’s teaching model, supported by close ties to industry, gives you an edge that's both practical and career-ready.

Experiential Learning continues as follows:

Industry-focused learning within a startup atmosphere
Delivered through the National Software Academy (NSA), this degree is all about applied software engineering. You'll learn in a vibrant, industry-inspired environment in the Julian Hodge Building, designed less like a lecture theatre and more like a dynamic tech startup workspace.

Purpose-built labs and collaborative spaces
You’ll benefit from access to the Abacws building—one of the newest School of Computer Science and Informatics facilities—featuring modern computer labs, a Makerspace, an IT workshop, a cybersecurity lab, and flexible areas perfect for group work and individual study.

Real client-facing, team-based projects every semester
From your first year, teaching is centred around delivering real-life industry projects. You design, code, test, and maintain software for actual business customers, under the guidance of academic and industry mentors.

Year 1 projects that build your practical foundations
In your first semester, you’ll work on a simple web-based project involving dynamic content, user input, data manipulation, and creative presentation—like generating PDFs or interactive maps—to simulate real engineering workflows.

Team projects with individual accountability
Over the first two and a half years, you’ll participate in structured group assignments. In your final year, a large team project gives students the chance to pitch, choose, and execute a significant piece of software—with individual contributions assessed separately.

Summer placements and industry networking
You’re encouraged to complete a summer placement, with the School actively connecting you to industry contacts. On-campus events like “Lunch and Learn” talks, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs all boost your exposure to professionals.

University-provided hardware for seamless learning
Cardiff ensures you’re ready to work from day one—students are supplied with a laptop during induction week, pre-loaded with the tools you need for the programme. You simply return it at the end of each academic year.

Award-winning, industry-recognised teaching quality
The NSA’s BSc Applied Software Engineering was honoured with the Best Academic Programme award in the FinTech Awards Wales for its excellence in delivering work-ready graduates via team-based, client-facing projects. Judges praised its real-life challenges and strong industry partnerships.

Student showcases and real-world feedback
Final-year students present their projects—ranging from mobile apps and AR experiences to security systems—to industry stakeholders. Past work has included pollution monitoring tools, AR guides for anxious dental patients, and app-based prototype security systems. Companies like Red Hat, Cardiff Council, Sony UK, Cisco, and CapGemini have attended and praised the quality of student output.

The Applied Software Engineering (BSc) at Cardiff University programme is specifically designed for students who are passionate about the entire process of building software and want to graduate as a polished, industry-ready professional, not just a graduate. Graduates are highly valued for their practical expertise and systematic approach to software development. They are prepared to immediately contribute to software teams in a variety of sectors, from tech giants to innovative start-ups.

Typical Job Roles

• Software Engineer
• Full-Stack Developer
• Software Consultant
• Systems Analyst

Cardiff University provides a robust and practical framework to launch your career:

University Services
You will be supported by Cardiff's dedicated Careers and Employability Service, which offers specialised workshops and one-to-one advice. A key feature of this course is the compulsory year spent on a professional placement in industry, allowing you to apply your skills, build a professional network, and enhance your CV significantly.

Employment Stats
Cardiff University has a strong reputation for employability. 95% of the School of Computer Science and Informatics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20). This practical degree is designed to meet the high demand for skilled software engineers.

Industry Partnerships
The School has excellent links with over 100 organisations, including major players like HP, IBM, Microsoft, and Red Hat, as well as a vibrant local tech scene in Cardiff. These partnerships feed directly into the curriculum through guest lectures, live project briefs, and provide a pipeline for your professional placement year.

Graduation Outcomes
You will graduate with a substantial portfolio of real-world software projects, a full year of professional experience on your CV, and a proven ability to work collaboratively using agile methodologies and industry-standard tools.

Further Academic Progression
This strong applied foundation opens doors to advanced specialisation. You would be perfectly positioned to pursue a taught MSc in a focused area like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or Data Science. The rigorous practical and theoretical grounding also provides a solid foundation for those interested in applied research, potentially leading to a PhD or a research and development role in industry.