University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash
University degree

Software Engineering

Southampton Solent University
Qualification
Degree
Length
3 yrs
UK fees / yr
£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin · your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Software engineering is the disciplined application of engineering principles to the building, testing and maintenance of software systems, asking not just how to write code but how to design systems that are correct, maintainable, scalable and fit for purpose over time. The field combines computer science theory with project management, testing methodology and the communication skills needed to work effectively in teams and to understand the needs of users and clients. In a world where software is embedded in everything from hospital equipment to financial markets, the ability to engineer software reliably is one of the most important technical skills there is.

At Southampton Solent University this three-year, full-time BCS-accredited programme, which also offers a foundation year for those who need additional preparation, develops your skills in software design, development and maintenance, preparing you to create innovative technology solutions and enhance user experiences. You will study programming, software architecture, user experience, testing and quality assurance, development methodologies, database systems and professional practice, building both technical capability and the professional skills that software engineering roles demand. The programme includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you direct professional experience in a software development environment before graduation.

BCS accreditation means the degree is recognised against professional computing standards.

Software engineering graduates are among the most sought-after in the technology labour market. Careers include software developer, front-end and back-end engineer, full-stack developer, mobile app developer, DevOps engineer, test engineer, software architect and technical team lead across technology companies, financial services, healthcare, retail, defence, the public sector and digital agencies. The professional recognition that BCS accreditation provides is a useful addition to the technical skills the degree develops.

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in computer science, data science, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
<48 pts10%
48-63 pts5%
64-79 pts5%
80-95 pts20%
96-111 pts20%
112-127 pts5%
128-143 pts5%
144-159 pts5%
How they qualified
90% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels90%
no formal qualifications5%
Other5%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
90%
In work or further study after
100%
Continue past first year
86%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
£27,000
After 15 months
£25,000
3 years on
£30,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Elementary occupations10%
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled80%
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled10%
What students say National Student Survey
86%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching89%
Assessment & feedback87%
Academic support90%
Well organised82%
Learning resources85%
Student community88%
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Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on Southampton Solent University's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash · real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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