BSc Software Engineering
About this course
BSc Hons in Software Engineering, a software engineering degree focusing on the practical creation and analysis of digital systems. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Control Systems, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Project Management, Engineering Design, Entrepreneurship, Human Behaviour, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Design & Creative Practice. The three-year curriculum is delivered through dedicated computer laboratories with a strong emphasis on collaborative design projects. The first year covers core foundations through Designing Software Systems, Digital Systems, Fundamentals of Computer Science, and Software Development, with optional choices such as DevOps and Probability and Statistics. The second year advances into specialized study with compulsory modules including HCI: Designing for People, Networks and Systems, Secure Data and Systems, and Software Engineering Studio I, alongside options such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering. The final year centres on team deployment projects via Software Engineering Studio II and Software Engineering Studio III, complemented by optional modules like Embedded Systems, Machine Learning, and Quantum Computing.
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: AAB. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with A level Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer. IB: 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with HL Mathematics or Computer Science will be considered for a lower offer.
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 74%: 59 offers from 80 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 81%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 80%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 90%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 51%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 11%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 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 the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Designing Software Systems
- Digital Systems
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Software Development
- Contemporary Topics in Computing
- DevOps
- Matrices and Calculus
- Probability and Statistics
- HCI: Designing for People
- Networks and Systems
- Secure Data and Systems
- Software Engineering Studio I
- Algorithms
- Applied Security Methods
- Artificial Intelligence
- Concurrent and Parallel Systems
- Data Engineering
- Extended Reality
- Internet Applications
- Operating Systems
- Sustainable Computing
- Software Engineering Studio II
- Software Engineering Studio III
- Advanced Networking
- Advanced Programming
- Computer Science Education
- Computer Vision
- Digital Health
- Distributed Systems
- Embedded Systems
- Languages and Compilation
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Quantum Computing
- Secure Artificial Intelligence
- Secure Cyber Physical Systems
- Secure Distributed Systems
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Software Engineering at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £32,500 after 15 months, £34,500 after 3 years, £45,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,500 and £63,000. The £45,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Software engineering.
What do graduates of BSc Software Engineering at Lancaster University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Software Engineering at Lancaster University?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Software Engineering at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 139 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Software Engineering at Lancaster University?
74% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 59 offers from 80 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Software Engineering at Lancaster University 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 the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
How many students continue on BSc Software Engineering at Lancaster University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.