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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate MEng
Software Engineering
Learn to apply engineering principles to software products and develop digital applications and operating systems on this integrated master’s degree.
Course Overview
-
I102 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
4 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Boost your career prospects
Software engineers are in high demand globally. This integrated master’s degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to work at the forefront of this dynamic sector.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Graduate with a master’s level qualification
- Learn how to develop commercial quality software products, including desktop applications, multi-tier web-based applications, and mobile apps using engineering techniques
- Be exposed to a number of programming languages and environments across the full spectrum of development models
- Be able to explore database design and implementation, machine learning, and computer security issues in the context of software engineering
- Study key STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subject area themes, as outlined by the Government
Mastering your subject
During your final year, you’ll study advanced level material and carry out in-depth research into an area of software engineering that suits your career interests.
Software engineering focused delivery
This course includes modules designed to help you develop the expertise required to become a software engineer, so you’ll be primed to join the workforce when you graduate.
Hands-on learning backed by research
Practical experience will be at the heart of your learning. We have strong connections with industry, and you’ll have the option to do a placement year. Previous students have worked at NHS Digital, Sky and Rolls Royce.
Developing real-life usable software products, team projects, and presentations, will help you link theory to industry practice. Additionally, your master’s level research will equip you with the theoretical knowledge to carry out advanced projects or study in the future.
Specialist facilities
You’ll have access to a range of resources. These will include a wide variety of software engineering tools, languages and environments. You’ll also be able to use our sandbox lab with full administrator rights, giving you the freedom to work on a range of technologies. This will enable you to develop advanced skills using a variety of tools and the possibility of learning systems development with Raspberry Pi and Internet of Things (IoT).
Why study Software Engineering at Leeds Beckett University?
- Gain a master's level degree at the end of your course
- Strong career prospects – the expertise and skills you’ll develop are in high-demand across industries
- Specialist facilities - use our sandbox lab to work on a range of technologies
- Optional placement year in industry - gain real-life experience of software-engineering
- Gain practical expertise and knowledge – you’ll develop real-life usable software products, team projects and presentations to help you link theory to industry practice
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
128
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
128
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 128 points required.
(Minimum 80 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 128 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 128 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
You'll be introduced to the fundamentals of computer programming. This will include variables and data types, understanding sequence, selection and iteration, basic algorithms, and structured programming and reuse.
Discover the stages involved in the development of database systems and acquire database modelling and implementation skills. You'll also examine the ethical and professional issues associated with the database development process.
Develop your core understanding of many aspects of computer science. This will include software engineering, computer networking, digital media, AI, cloud computing, sustainable computing and big data.
Extend the basic knowledge of programming you have gained on the fundamentals module. You'll focus on the concept of object-oriented programming and its associated design techniques.
Develop the underpinning knowledge required to understand the field of software engineering. We'll specifically focus on the underlying theory, supporting tools, techniques and development processes.
Gain an insight into computers, operating systems and networks. You'll discover how they work internally and with each other to provide the common computing experience with which we are all familiar.
What you'll learn
Focus on advanced programming concepts and their underlying principles. You'll also study professional techniques used during development of good quality commercial strength software products.
Explore the design and development of dynamic websites. You'll examine the design process alongside an introduction to server-side web development, enabling you to build a well-designed, interactive site.
Extend your programming capabilities by applying them to systems level programming. We'll focus on how to program in lower-level languages and work directly with operating system interfaces. You'll enhance your understanding of toolchains in support of compilation, linking, and loading.
Develop your knowledge of algorithms and data structures, and the latest development in artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. You'll explore the ways in which they are applied in various contexts for example smart cities, health, business, and manufacturing.
Further your software development skills by working within a small group to design, develop and present a software engineering solution to a case-study based problem.
Option modules may include
Develop your knowledge of operating systems to a level that will enable you to support, administrate and even develop small parts of a live operating system.
Build on your experience of designing and implementing databases. You'll apply your database application development and programming skills to build robust applications.
What you'll learn
Complement your practical programming knowledge with an understanding of software engineering practices in a professional environment. You'll study topics such as system validation and verification, effective requirements elicitation, software quality control, cost estimation models, and risk analysis.
Develop a deep understanding of the technologies and infrastructures that support development of service-based software systems. Learn how to create fully working applications by using a collection of remote independent services.
Enhance your professional and entrepreneurial skills. You'll work in a small development team to identify, research, plan, design, develop, evaluate and present a software-based solution to a real problem.
Option modules may include
Focus on current developments, standards, tools and technologies within the area of internet application systems. You'll learn to build professional web-based systems using a variety of current techniques.
Take a practical perspective on the domain of data and database development and management. You'll seek to justify and implement appropriate modelling, design and programming strategies that satisfy the requirements associated with a range of modern data/database applications.
Examine how to build cloud services and explore the technologies required to provide these to client-side systems. You'll study the established protocols that are used to communicate with server-side software and consider aspects such as security and n-tier systems.
Gain a solid understanding of advanced machine learning techniques and its applications. You'll implement the different advanced algorithms using your programming language of choice.
Investigate the architectures, platforms and techniques available to build applications for mobile devices.
Learn digital image and video processing techniques. You'll explore their applications in embedded systems, intelligent systems, robotics, and the essential hardware for sensing and manipulating the real world. We'll cover concepts including how to apply techniques such as image filtering, de-nosing, enhancement, and restoration methods.
Study a comprehensive and accessible overview of security mechanisms, attacks and defences in modern web applications. This module will extensively cover the OWASP Top 10 Web Application Security Risks from a predominantly practical perspective to enable you to conduct security assessments of your own web applications.
What you'll learn
During this module, you'll reflect critically on your own development. You'll gain an enhanced understanding of the methods and skills required to carry out master’s level research successfully.
Engage in research or advanced scholarship in a subject area related to software engineering that is of particular interest to you. You'll carry out an in-depth research project, which will be discussed in a formal dissertation.
Option modules may include
The module will focus on the principles and the techniques in developing systems for 'Internet of Things'. You'll understand the application of intelligent systems in everyday life and how to automate complex scenarios. You'll look at prototyping smart systems and the tools and techniques used to develop them for a connected world. We'll explore how to program automation features in devices such as wearable technologies, and home-automation technologies. You'll develop a critical understanding of the components and principles that form an IoT system and how to critically analyse a problem, build a prototype and deploy a smart system using appropriate tools and techniques.
Gain an in-depth, systematic and critical understanding of the current research on business intelligence and issues concerning data analysis and knowledge discovery. You'll explore techniques for data analysis and data representation tools from both a theoretical and practical perspective.
Examine fundamental underlying software technologies, such as understanding and debugging C and assembly code, and perform reverse engineering and analysis of malware. You'll carry out a hands-on analysis of binary files using static and dynamic analysis techniques to determine the behaviour of malware.
Study the principles and techniques of advanced database management systems such as data warehouse, data integration, data quality and reporting. You'll build your knowledge of technical and practical development, and of the end purpose of using a data warehouse for decision making support.
Study the techniques involved in assembly language programming. You'll look into the various approaches of design and programming modern day computer systems at a very intricate level.
Learn about fundamental principles and approaches to intelligent systems, autonomous behaviour, sensing and control. You'll use practical examples of simulated robotic systems, open-source robot/A.I. systems and software to drive your learning. You'll also be expected to develop or modify software for simulating simple behavioural and reaction patterns of robotic and other intelligent agents/systems using tools such as ROS, MATLAB, and Simulink.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Facilities
- Software Engineering labs with industry standard software
- Multi-operating system support including Linux, Windows and MacOS
- Data science lab
- Sandbox labs with full administrator access for teaching and research
- Dedicated online security training environment
- Learning systems development using Raspberry Pi and IoT devices
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Completing this course will enable you to gain employment as a:
- Software engineer
- Full-stack web-developer
- Software test engineer
- Mobile application developer
Equipped with master’s level education, you could also go on to work as a research software engineer, or further your study by undertaking a PhD.
This course is specifically designed for students wishing to focus on software engineering type activities within the wider area of computer science. The main emphasis of this course is to provide comprehensive and practical coverage of all aspects related to modern software engineering within the real world. The MEng delivery also incorporates master’s level knowledge and research-based components, preparing students for working within industry, or as a researcher in academia."
Dr Mark Dixon
Course Director
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
