Software Engineering
About this course
BSc/MSci in Software Engineering, a software engineering degree focused on software design, programming and system construction. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Research Methods. The programme incorporates an industry placement via the Software Engineering Summer Placement module and offers a combined undergraduate and masters route spanning four to five years. The first year establishes computing fundamentals through Computing Science 1P (Standard Route), Computing Science 1F - Computing Fundamentals, Computing Science - 1S Systems, Computing Science - 1CT Introduction to Computational Thinking and Computing Science 1PX (Alternate Route). The second year introduces practical implementation and infrastructure with Introduction to Object Oriented Programming, Object-Oriented Software Engineering 2, Algorithmic Foundations 2, Networks and Operating Systems Essentials 2, Algorithms & Data Structures 2 and Web Application Development 2. Year three advances into theory and collaborative practice via Algorithmics I (H), Data Fundamentals (H), Human-centred Systems Design and Evaluation (H), Systems Programming (H), Professional Software Development (H), Team Project (H) and Software Engineering Summer Placement (H). Year four centers on independent study and professional practice through Individual Project (H) (Single) and Professional Skills and Issues (H). The final masters year concludes with advanced academic training and project work through Research Methods And Techniques (M) for MSci, MSci Individual Project and Project Research Readings In Computing Science (M).
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: AAA or ABB (Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics.) IB: 38 (6,6,6) (Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches).) Scottish Higher: AAABB at S5 will be considered. Typically S6 entrants will have AAAAAA at Higher. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics (AH recommended) and Computing (if Higher Mathematics A grade is not achieved in S5). Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimums from S5 Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : ABBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration) Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics (AH recommended) and Computing (if Higher Mathematics A grade is not achieved in S5). Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 76%
- Learning opportunities: 73%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 76%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 39 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 8%
- Further study: 7%
- Unemployed: 4%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 70%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 12%
- South East: 1%
- Scotland: 77%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 65%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 25%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
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.
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
- Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Modules
- Computing Science 1P (Standard Route)
- Computing Science 1F - Computing Fundamentals
- Computing Science - 1S Systems
- Computing Science - 1CT Introduction to Computational Thinking
- Computing Science 1PX (Alternate Route)
- Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
- Object-Oriented Software Engineering 2
- Algorithmic Foundations 2
- Networks and Operating Systems Essentials 2
- Algorithms & Data Structures 2
- Web Application Development 2
- Algorithmics I (H)
- Data Fundamentals (H)
- Human-centred Systems Design and Evaluation (H)
- Systems Programming (H)
- Professional Software Development (H)
- Team Project (H)
- Software Engineering Summer Placement (H)
- Individual Project (H) (Single)
- Professional Skills and Issues (H)
- Research Methods And Techniques (M) for MSci
- MSci Individual Project
- Project Research Readings In Computing Science (M)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Software Engineering at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £33,500 after 3 years, £46,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £61,500. The £46,000 median after five years is £10,000 more than the UK median for Software engineering.
What do graduates of Software Engineering at University of Glasgow do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Software Engineering at University of Glasgow?
76% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Software Engineering at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 186 UCAS points.
Is Software Engineering at University of Glasgow 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. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer. Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Does Software Engineering at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Software Engineering at University of Glasgow?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.