BEng Software Engineering
About this course
BEng (Hons) in Software Engineering, a software engineering degree covering the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer systems. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Analysis, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students begin with no prior computing experience required and progress through a structured four-year programme. The first year covers foundational concepts through computer programming and how information can be represented and processed in computer systems. The second year introduces software development, algorithms and data structures, and the internals of computers and/or computer systems. The third year shifts focus to practical work and independent problem solving, featuring modules such as software testing, computer security, and databases.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from A*A*A* to AAB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A) IB: from 43 points with 777 at HL to 34 points with 665 at HL
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 22%: 46 offers from 205 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 71%
- Assessment and feedback: 54%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 64%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 33 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 84%
- Working and studying: 3%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 1%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 80%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 16%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 69%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Modules
- how information can be represented and processed in computer systems
- computer programming
- how to solve problems using computer programs
- an introduction to critical skills and professional practices which will inform your career, including ethics, critical thinking and communication skills
- software development
- foundations of data science
- algorithms and data structures
- the internals of computers and/or computer systems
- the professional, social and ethical context of computing
- practical work
- independent problem solving
- group work
- software testing
- computer security
- databases
- operating systems
- computer networks
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £40,000 after 15 months, £37,000 after 3 years, £55,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £38,500 and £75,000. The £55,500 median after five years is £19,500 more than the UK median for Software engineering.
What do graduates of BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh?
82% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 43 points in the IB. The average entrant had 184 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh?
22% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 46 offers from 205 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Does BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BEng Software Engineering at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.