BEng Computer Science (Software Engineering)
About this course
BEng in Computer Science (Software Engineering), a software engineering degree centred on building secure and dependable computing systems. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Project Management, Engineering Design, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students complete a major individual research project in the final year. The first year covers core fundamentals through Introduction to Software Engineering, Foundations of Computer Science, Java Programming, Practical Algorithms and Data Structures, Systems and Networks, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and First Year Reflection. The second year progresses to Programming Language Principles, Cybersecurity in Action and Professional Issues, Databases and Logic in Computer Science, Automata, Computation and Complexity, Foundations and Applications of Artificial Intelligence, and Software Hut. Optional modules in the final year allow students to explore specialised areas such as Introduction to Speech and Audio Processing, 3D Computer Graphics and Image Processing, Security and Internet of Things, Advanced Algorithms and Programming Semantics, Deep Learning, Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme in Computer Science, Foundations of Natural Language Processing, Mobile Application Development, Nature-inspired Computation and Modelling, Cryptography, and Robotics, alongside the compulsory Dissertation Project and Advanced Software Engineering.
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: A*AA; AAA IB: 38, with 6 in Higher Level Maths; 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Computer Science; 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths, and A in a computer science-based extended essay; 34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and 5 in Higher Level Computer Science, and A in a computer science-based extended essay
What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 97%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 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: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 80%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 75 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 32%
- East Midlands: 9%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 34%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- A degree: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Software Engineering
- Foundations of Computer Science
- Java Programming
- Practical Algorithms and Data Structures
- Systems and Networks
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and First Year Reflection
- Programming Language Principles
- Cybersecurity in Action and Professional Issues
- Databases and Logic in Computer Science
- Automata, Computation and Complexity
- Foundations and Applications of Artificial Intelligence
- Software Hut
- Dissertation Project
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Introduction to Speech and Audio Processing
- 3D Computer Graphics and Image Processing
- Security and Internet of Things
- Advanced Algorithms and Programming Semantics
- Deep Learning
- Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme in Computer Science
- Foundations of Natural Language Processing
- Mobile Application Development
- Nature-inspired Computation and Modelling
- Cryptography
- Robotics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £38,500 after 3 years, £53,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £41,000 and £76,500. The £53,000 median after five years is £17,000 more than the UK median for Software engineering.
What do graduates of BEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield 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 Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 149 UCAS points.
Is BEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield accredited?
Yes. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. 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 Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.