MEng Computer Science (Software Engineering)
About this course
MEng in Computer Science (Software Engineering), a software engineering degree focusing on the analysis, design, and implementation of complex 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. The programme builds upon foundational studies with advanced taught modules and practical engagement with real clients through a student-led software organisation. The first year covers core principles 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 with Programming Language Principles, Cybersecurity Action and Professional Issues, Databases and Logic in Computer Science, Automata, Computation and Complexity, Foundations and Applications of Artificial Intelligence, and Software Hut. Year 3 introduces core independent research via the Dissertation Project and Advanced Software Engineering, alongside optional study in 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. The final year includes compulsory work on Genesys and Self-directed Professional Development, complemented by optional modules covering Cyber Threat Hunting and Digital Forensics, Testing and verification in safety-critical systems, Cybersecurity Team Project, Computer Vision, Human-Computer Interaction and Visual Analytics, Cognitive and Biomimetic Robotics, Parallel Computing with Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), Development of Secure Software, Speech Technology, Software and Hardware Verification, and Reinforcement Learning.
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 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 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 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: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 20%
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 for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning 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 registration as a Chartered Engineer.
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
- Genesys
- Self-directed Professional Development
- Cyber Threat Hunting and Digital Forensics
- Testing and verification in safety-critical systems
- Cybersecurity Team Project
- Computer Vision
- Human-Computer Interaction and Visual Analytics
- Cognitive and Biomimetic Robotics
- Parallel Computing with Graphical Processing Units (GPUs)
- Development of Secure Software
- Speech Technology
- Software and Hardware Verification
- Reinforcement Learning
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MEng 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 MEng 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 MEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield?
82% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 173 UCAS points.
Is MEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield 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 for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning 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 registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Does MEng 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 MEng Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Sheffield?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.