BSc Hons Software Engineering

At Salford, your BSc (Hons) Software Engineering degree is all about learning by doing—you’ll dive into real-world challenges, use industry-standard tools, collaborate with local tech communities, and graduate fully equipped for a professional software career.

Experiential Learning continues as follows:

Hands-on learning in cutting-edge, high-tech facilities:
You’ll study in the brand-new Science, Engineering & Environment (SEE) Building—a £65 million, fully electric-powered hub packed with specialist labs for robotics, virtual reality, cyber security zones, and collaborative computing suites. It’s designed to bring students, staff, and industry partners together on innovation-led projects.

Access to advanced maker-spaces and engineering workshops:
The SEE Building includes the Morson Maker Space, equipped with 3D printers (including carbon-fibre and SLA resin), laser and vinyl cutters, electronics assembly zones, and dedicated CAD suites. Adjacent is the Morson Engine Room, hosting heavy-duty machinery like waterjet cutters, electron/optical microscopes, and reverse engineering tools—ideal for prototyping smart hardware or IoT devices.

Real-world problem solving via live projects and community engagement:
The course encourages involvement in local tech initiatives, hackathons, and collaborative briefs that connect you directly with Salford’s thriving tech ecosystem.

Professional development through optional year-long placements:
You can enhance your studies with a fourth-year industry placement, where you'll earn a salary and skip tuition fees. While you're responsible for securing your placement, Salford’s Employability Team supports your CV, application, and interview preparation. Placements are often with companies like IBM, Ernst & Young, the NHS, and local government bodies.

Boosted outcomes and confidence via practical exposure:
Students who complete placements consistently report greater confidence, improved employability, and often achieve higher degree classifications.

Support every step of the way—from CVs to interview readiness:
The Employability Team guides you from day one—through CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer networking events—so you’re ready when real placement opportunities open (typically between October and April).

Strong professional recognition and curriculum quality:
The degree is BCS-accredited, ensuring your education meets the standards required for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

The BSc (Hons) Software Engineering at the University of Salford is a fantastic choice for students who are passionate about the creative and problem-solving aspects of technology and want to build a career developing the robust, high-quality systems that power our modern world. Graduates are highly sought-after for their ability to combine strong technical skills with a methodical approach to robust, error-free software design. They leave here ready to tackle complex software development challenges, making them valuable assets in a host of industries, from established tech giants to innovative start-ups in Manchester's thriving digital sector.

Typical job roles include:

• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Applications Programmer
• Software Architect

The university provides a dedicated and supportive ecosystem, deeply integrated with industry, to ensure you are career-ready upon graduation:

University Services:
You will benefit from the university's new £65 million hub for science, engineering, and the environment, which offers state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. A key feature is the optional industrial placement year between your second and third year. Although you are responsible for securing your placement, you will be assigned a placement tutor to monitor your progress and assess your final report, allowing you to add 'with professional experience' to your degree award.

Employment Stats:
The university has a strong record for graduate employability. Government data shows that 85% of students are still on the course or have completed it. For all software engineering graduates from Salford, average earnings after 15 months are £27,000, rising to £29,500 after five years, demonstrating strong long-term earning potential.

Industry Partnerships:
The course is designed with industry at its heart. You'll have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges through initiatives like the three-week Hackcamp in your second year, where you'll develop a web-hosted dashboard or application for an industry partner. The university is also a co-founding member of the Greater Manchester Cyber Foundry and the Greater Manchester AI Foundry, connecting you to the region's ambitions to be a digital leader.

Graduation Outcomes:
You will graduate with a substantial portfolio of practical work. The course includes a final-year individual project where you can focus on an area of software engineering of your choice, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise to future employers.

Further Academic Progression:
Completing your BSc (Hons) at Salford 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 foundation also provides an excellent base for pursuing a PhD and contributing to cutting-edge research in software engineering. For those who need it, the university also offers a Foundation Year route to prepare for undergraduate study.