BSc (Hons) Software Engineering Bachelor's degree at Leeds Beckett University
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering at Leeds Beckett University was founded in 1992 and is a nationally recognised UK degree. It received Bronze for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
Study the processes used to design, develop, and test computer software. You’ll build the expertise to become a software engineer and solve real-world problems. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Leeds Beckett University, based in Headingley Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 67% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 88% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 86% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Computing Systems20 credits
Module details
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're all familiar.
- Fundamentals of Computer Science20 credits
Module details
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.
- Fundamentals of Computer Programming20 credits
Module details
Learn how to think like a programmer. This module introduces core programming concepts such as variables and data types, sequence, selection and iteration, basic algorithms, and structured programming. With a focus on traditional procedural type programming, you'll develop problem-solving skills by designing and implementing algorithms to address common computing challenges, building a strong foundation for further programming study.
- Fundamentals of Databases20 credits
Module details
Develop the skills needed to design and build effective database systems. This module introduces database modelling, development and implementation skills. This module equips you with database modelling and implementation, while exploring the organisational contexts in which databases are used. You'll consider ethical, professional, and data protection issues alongside practical development skills. By the end of the module, you'll be able to design and implement a database system to meet the nee
- Object-Oriented Programming20 credits
Module details
Build on your programming knowledge by exploring object-oriented programming and its associated design techniques. You'll study key concepts such as classes, inheritance, and polymorphism, and learn how to implement them using a modern object-oriented language. As the module progresses, you'll develop more complex programs structured across multiple files and classes, reflecting contemporary software architectures. You'll also learn to apply object-oriented design using appropriate modelling not
- Software Engineering Principles & Practices20 credits
Module details
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.
Year 2 7 modules
- Software Systems Development20 credits
Module details
Develop advanced programming skills from both a technical and team-based perspective. This module explores topics such as exception handling, interfaces, collections, and algorithm analysis, alongside collaborative development practices. You'll gain an understanding of algorithm efficiency and problem-solving techniques including searching, sorting, and recursion, preparing you for complex software development challenges.
- Web-Application Technologies20 credits
Module details
Explore the technologies that power interactive websites and web-based systems. This module examines client-side, server-side, and data storage technologies, focusing on the three-tier architecture that underpins modern web applications. Through experimentation and real-world case studies, you'll analyse how data is flows between tiers and how applications manage user interaction. You'll also consider key issues around data validation, performance, and security within contemporary web environmen
- Systems Programming20 credits
Module details
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.
- Machine Learning Techniques for AI20 credits
Module details
Machine learning has become an important tool for data mining and analysis. In this module, you'll gain a solid understanding of how key machine learning techniques work and how to implement them effectively. While the module maintains a strong balance between theory and practice, it places greater emphasis on practical application whenever possible. By the end, you'll have a clear appreciation of the role of models in machine learning, along with key concepts such as learning techniques, featur
- Team Project20 credits
Module details
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.
- Operating SystemsOptional20 credits
Module details
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.
- Database SystemsOptional20 credits
Module details
Extend your database development skills by designing and building more advanced database applications. This module focuses on procedural and non-procedural database programming, reusable code, and appropriate constraints. Working from a case study, you'll identify requirements, design solutions, implement and test database systems. You'll collaborate as part of a data development team, applying organisational models, and demonstrate professional communication, ethical practice, and organisationa
Year 3 9 modules
- Professional Software Engineering20 credits
Module details
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.
- Software Service Architectures20 credits
Module details
Develop a deep understanding of the technologies and infrastructures that support the development of service-based software systems. Learn how to create fully working applications by using a collection of remote independent services.
- Production Project40 credits
Module details
Apply your software engineering skills to develop a professional quality product. You'll research the requirements for the product, synthesise information, ideas, and practices to create a design and then implement the product. You'll then evaluate both the product and your own performance throughout the process.
- Cloud ComputingOptional20 credits
- Advanced Web EngineeringOptional20 credits
- Advanced Database SystemsOptional20 credits
- Advanced Machine Learning for AIOptional20 credits
- Developing Mobile ApplicationsOptional20 credits
- Intelligent Computer VisionOptional20 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course teaches the processes and practices used to design, develop and test computer software. You'll build expertise as a software engineer and apply your knowledge to real-world problems. A course like this typically begins with programming fundamentals and computer systems, learning languages such as Python and Java, how hardware and operating systems work, and the discrete mathematics underpinning algorithms. Year 2 moves into data structures, databases, software engineering principles and machine learning. Year 3 introduces specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, systems and networks, and human-computer interaction, alongside security and networks study. You'll complete an individual software project in which you design, build and evaluate a substantial system.
Who it's for
Most entrants to this course held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with 91% of accepted students coming in with A-levels or equivalent over recent years. The most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 96–111 points.
University & format
This is a full-time BSc (Hons) degree taught in English at Leeds Beckett University, based at Headingley Campus. The course runs for 3 years. Leeds Beckett University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and degrees are nationally recognised. The university holds Bronze for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 91% |
| another higher-education qualification | 3% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| Other | 2% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code I101). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Leeds Beckett University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £27,000 | £23,000 – £30,000 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £21,000 – £34,500 | 260 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £25,000 – £46,000 | 270 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 34% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 140; response rate: 61%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 86.6% · in work or study 88% · continued 86%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Leeds Beckett University
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Headingley Campus
800 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Leeds Beckett University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Leeds Beckett University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Leeds Beckett University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Leeds Beckett University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Leeds Beckett University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
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