Enter OTP
5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The University of BradfordThe BEng Hons Software Engineering (with Integrated Foundation Year) and Placement Year at the University of Bradford This integrated five-year degree is expertly crafted for students with a passion for technology who need to build a strong academic foundation before embarking on their degree studies. It seamlessly combines a supportive foundation year, a rigorous software engineering curriculum, and a salaried professional placement. You'll graduate not just with a prestigious accredited degree, but with over a year of industry experience, a professional network, and a significant competitive advantage in the job market
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year
Your Integrated Foundation Year is a supportive and carefully structured introduction to the core skills you'll need to thrive. You will build essential Computer Skills and Application proficiency, get a hands-on Introduction to Coding to spark your programming mindset, and explore Introduction to Computer Visualisation. Alongside this, Foundation Mathematics will strengthen your analytical abilities, while The Effective Learner module will equip you with the crucial study strategies and academic skills for success at the university level.
Year 1
You start with essential building blocks of computing: Fundamentals of Programming, Mathematics for Computing, Technical and Professional Skills, Computer Architecture and Systems Software, Internet Technologies, and Software Design and Development. These modules equip you with the core knowledge and collaborative skills you need to excel in software engineering.
Year 2
In your second year, you'll deep-dive into more specialized topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Systems, Computer Communications and Networks, Enterprise-Pro, and System Security Management—each of which sharpens your problem-solving, design thinking, and technical depth.
Placement Year
This year is dedicated to a full-time placement in industry. You’ll gain hands-on experience—and potentially maintain long-term connections with your employer—working in roles where you apply your software engineering knowledge in real-world environments. Organizations range from major companies like HP, Intel, IBM, Rolls-Royce, GE, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan, to local firms and even international opportunities in countries like Germany, Bulgaria, and Estonia.
Final Year
Your final year includes the Final Year Project, Large-Scale Data Driven Applications, and Software Systems Design and Testing as core modules. You also choose from optional areas like Mobile Application Development, Numerical Methods and Computer Graphics, Concurrent and Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, and Principles of Security Technologies, providing rich opportunities to tailor your studies to your interests.
Focus Areas
Programming foundations, systems architecture, AI and algorithms, enterprise-scale software projects, real-world placement experience, and specialist electives in machine learning, mobile apps, graphics, security, and distributed systems.
Learning Outcomes
You’ll complete the program able to design, develop, and deliver robust software systems; tackle real-world engineering challenges; specialize in emerging technologies; and bring practical industry experience through a placement year.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This degree is fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS)—meeting the academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status, and providing partial support toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) qualification.
Reputation and Employability
Bradford is home to one of the UK’s longest-established Computer Science departments, strongly grounded in research-led teaching. Students benefit from live-industry projects via Enterprise-Pro, and the placement year opens doors to major employers like Hewlett-Packard, Intel, IBM, Rolls Royce, GE, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan—bolstering your professional readiness.
At Bradford, the Software Engineering BEng (Hons) degree is designed to bring your learning to life. You’ll dive into programming, systems design, and real-world development—but it’s what happens beyond lectures that really sets this programme apart.
Experiential Learning continues as follows:
Live, industry-shaped projects through Enterprise-Pro:
In the second year, you’ll work in small supervised teams on projects for external clients, whether local businesses or academic collaborators. You're not just coding for coursework—you’re solving actual problems and delivering usable software products. These projects take place in lab sessions and are guided by both academic and industry mentors.
Practical hands-on learning in modern programming labs:
You'll use languages like Java (covering GUI, concurrency, networking), C#, C++, Python, and Ruby in real teaching labs, giving you a taste of practical development across diverse platforms.
Optional “sandwich” placement year for real industry exposure:
Rather than just studying, you can choose to spend your third year working full-time in industry—a real job that boosts your experience and employability. The Careers team supports you with CV sessions, mock interviews, employer presentations, and one-to-one guidance. Recent placements include world-class employers like Intel, IBM, Rolls Royce, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, as well as local organisations. And yes, there are even international placement options in places like Germany, Bulgaria, and Estonia.
Final Year Project to bring it all together:
The final year features capstone-style work such as Software Systems Design and Testing, Large Scale Data-Driven Applications, and your Final Year Project—where you really take ownership of a substantial software challenge.
Curriculum aligned with real-world needs and professional standards:
Your modules move from Fundamentals of Programming into areas like AI, Databases, System Security, Internet Technologies, Mobile App Development, Concurrent/Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, and more—so you graduate ready for current industry demands.
Career support and professional recognition:
The course is BCS-accredited, paving your path to becoming a Chartered IT Professional. Members of the British Computer Society come included automatically, and the Careers & Employability Service helps with part-time work, placements, and graduate opportunities through workshops and advisor support.
Global awareness with study abroad options:
Want an international edge? You can take a study abroad year to widen your cultural experience—and your CV—supporting personal growth alongside your technical skills.
The Software Engineering BEng (Hons) at the University of Bradford programme is an exceptional choice for students who are passionate about building robust, reliable software systems and want to launch a highly successful career as a skilled engineer, not just a coder. Graduates are renowned for their rigorous approach to software design and development, making them highly sought after by leading global employers. They leave here ready to tackle complex engineering challenges and drive innovation in a wide range of sectors, from tech giants to finance and healthcare.
Typical job roles include:
The university provides a comprehensive and supportive ecosystem to ensure you are career-ready upon graduation:
University Services
You will be supported by the university's dedicated Career and Employability Service, which offers everything from CV workshops to interview practice. A cornerstone of this programme is the option to take a compulsory placement year, where you'll receive full support to find a salaried role relevant to your studies, gaining invaluable professional experience.
Employment Stats
The employability focus is outstanding; 87.5% of Computing graduates from Bradford found employment or went on to further study within six months of graduating. The integrated industrial placement significantly enhances your employability and career prospects.
Industry Partnerships
The curriculum is heavily influenced by an Industry Advisory Board, and students get to work on live projects through the flagship Enterprise Pro module. Students have undertaken placements with major companies like IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Rolls Royce, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs.
Graduation Outcomes
You will graduate with a substantial portfolio of practical work, including experience from the Enterprise Pro module where you solve real-world problems for external clients. The programme's focus on both solid theoretical foundations and practical, employer-focused skills ensures you are highly competitive in the job market.
Further Academic Progression:
Completing your BEng (Hons) at Bradford is just the beginning. The university offers a clear pathway for further study, including specialised Master's degrees (MSc) in advanced computing topics. The strong research culture within the Department of Computer Science also provides an excellent foundation for those interested in pursuing a PhD. For those who need it, Bradford also offers International Foundation Year and International Year One pathways to prepare for undergraduate study.
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherUCAS Tariff Points: 64 UCAS tariff points points from a Level 3 qualification English test results: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT: 80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking).A Levels: DDE.International Baccalaureate (IB): 64 UCAS tariff points with Maths at Standard Level grade 5 plus Higher Level grade 3 or Standard Level grade 4 in English.GCSE: Grade 4/C in Mathematics and Grade 3/D in English LanguageSoftware DeveloperApplications DeveloperWeb DeveloperSystems AnalystIT ConsultantDevOps EngineerData EngineerCybersecurity AnalystSoftware Quality Assurance EngineerAI/ML Engineer
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
