BSc (Hons) Software Engineering · LJMUBachelor's degree · 4 years
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Liverpool John Moores University · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Software Engineering Bachelor's degree at Liverpool John Moores University

BSc (Hons) Software Engineering at LJMU is delivered in English at the City Centre Campus. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, the qualification is nationally recognised.

BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Explore hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at LJMU. One course is all it takes to shape your future. Find yours and apply today. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Software Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at LJMU, based in City Centre Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Software engineering graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,000. (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.

8.6
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent84

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100

Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong75

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (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 7 modules
  • Intro to ProgrammingCore20 credits
    Module details

    In this module you will study programming and problem-solving skills with no prior assumptions of programming experience. You will gain an understanding of how software is developed and become familiar with a range of computer programming paradigms.

  • Computer Systems ArchitectureCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module provides you with fundamental knowledge of modern computer architecture and networks. This knowledge forms the core of all computing courses and will be built upon in subsequent modules in Level 5 and 6.

  • Professional PracticeCore10 credits
    Module details

    This module provides you with an opportunity to consider your future role as a computing professional. The seminars will be used to develop strategies that you can use, providing opportunities for you to apply concepts to real-world scenarios. You will develop your understanding of professionalism in computing, of working in the computing industry, and of the ethical frameworks and codes of conduct for a computing industry in which Artificial Intelligence has considerable impact.

  • Data ModellingCore10 credits
    Module details

    The module begins by exploring data and its domain in the context of Computer Science. The students explore the methodology & technology necessary in taking data and deriving info using industry standard tools for BI (Business Intelligence). The module moves on by exploring ERM (Entity Relational Modelling) & Normalisation, ultimately leading towards viable designs for RDBs (Relational Database). This module thusly supports students in further study, most notably in feeding necessary knowledge i

  • Software Engineering PrinciplesCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module provides a strong foundation in the topics underpinning Software Engineering. The module engages you with applying discrete mathematics to problems and how this relates to the production of software. The module facilitates appreciation and understanding of professional software engineering practice. The module develops a logical approach to the construction of quality software using the Software Development Lifecycle in both the context of applying Artificial Intelligence to the deve

  • Software Engineering WorkshopCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module is intended to give you a comprehensive introduction to applied software development on real-world problems, utilising team-working methods and industry-standard practices. In addition to the scheduled contact hours, teams must utilise private study time to research and develop solutions. Teams will have considerable supported study activities to assist them in this - significantly, regular (student-led) team meetings with module staff to update progress and gain assistance.

  • Web Development ICore20 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces the concepts of client-side web development. Students will learn how to create interactive web pages that present a user interface using HTML5 and CSS, processed using custom JavaScript code.

Year 2 6 modules
  • Database SystemsCore20 credits
    Module details

    The module begins by exploring the operation of database systems through a scrutiny of modern RDBMS (Relational Database Management Systems), the SQL (Structured Query Language) along with database connectivity APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The module moves on by exploring some of the managerial considerations of large-scale RDBMS. The module concludes by exploring the operation of emerging NoSQL (Not Only SQL) database systems. This module thusly represents the logical follow-on to

  • Object Oriented SystemsCore20 credits
    Module details

    The module begins by exploring the OO (Object Oriented) paradigm from analysis & design through implementation & testing to maintenance. The UML (Unified Modelling Language) is employed alongside OOP (OO Programming) to demonstrate key concepts, resulting in mature, fully functioning OO systems. The module moves on by applying principles & patterns to OO systems with Unit Testing & Source Control playing a supporting role. This module thusly represents the logical follow-on to NQF4's Introducing

  • Data Structures and Algorithms for Software EngineeringCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces you to the fundamentals of Abstract Data Types (ADTs) and complexity of operations on ADTs. It utilises an implementation-based exploration of common data structures and operations, along with their implementations and application. You will be exposed to the development and optimisation of software based on both theoretical and applied evaluations.

  • Web Development IICore20 credits
    Module details

    This module builds on the topics introduced in the earlier Web Development I module and focuses on building server-side applications. Practical server-side applications will be developed using the Node.js platform, further enhancing the JavaScript skills developed earlier on the programme to build performant and secure web applications and web-based APIs.

  • User Experience DesignCore20 credits
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to enhance your technical knowledge of systems development with an appreciation of the social-technical aspects of design. It covers the evolving area of User Experience (UX) design. This involves you using UX methods to design and prototype an interactive system and then validate your design against user requirements using UX evaluation techniques.

  • Group ProjectCore20 credits
    Module details

    The module has two main purposes. First, you will be equipped with adequate research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics, to lead into your final year project. Second, this module works to enhance your professionalism, including teamworking, which boosts employability and your awareness of what is expected in an employment scenario.

Year 3 7 modules
  • Sandwich Year - Software EngineeringOptional120 credits
    Module details

    The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in l

  • Study Year Abroad - Software EngineeringOptional120 credits
    Module details

    The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be u

  • Artificial Intelligence for Software EngineersCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module uses lectures to deliver core concepts and theoretical underpinnings in Artificial Intelligence. Hands-on activities with AI tools and frameworks are undertaken in the practical workshops.

  • Applied Data ScienceCore20 credits
    Module details

    The module works with a constantly growing area of database systems; that of OLAP (Online Analytical Processing). The module begins by exploring the growth of BI (Business Intelligence) along with Multi-Dimensional Modelling. ETL (Extract, Transform & Load) becomes the temporary focus of the module's syllabus. The module moves on by exploring the various platforms for reporting of BI, be they proprietary or bespoke Web Portals / Services & Dashboards.

  • Virtualisation and Cloud ComputingCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module works with two constantly growing areas of computing; that of Virtualisation and that of Cloud Computing. The module begins by exploring the technology that supports Virtualisation by way of Hypervisors and of Containers. Containers become the temporary focus of the module's syllabus, culminating in the coursework deliverable. The module moves on by exploring a major Cloud Computing platform, experimenting with the various service models available including IaaS, PaaS & FaaS (Infrast

  • ProjectCore40 credits
    Module details

    This module presents you with the opportunity to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to your programme. The scope of what is an appropriate artefact varies between programmes and you will discuss this with your programme teams. This module will enable you to use rigorous development or scientific methods to produce an artefact, resulting in an oral and written report.

  • Embedded SystemsCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module provides a software engineering-focused review of Embedded Systems. You will look at system and software development for embedded systems, with consideration of the Internet of Things.

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

You'll study the theory and practice of designing, building and maintaining software systems. A course like this typically moves from programming fundamentals, usually in languages such as Python and Java, through computer systems architecture, discrete mathematics and algorithms, then into databases, software engineering practices and artificial intelligence. In Year 2, you'll progress to more advanced topics such as data structures, machine learning and systems design. Year 3 focuses on specialist options, such as cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, systems and networks, and concludes with an individual project in which you design, build and evaluate a substantial software application. Throughout, you'll work in teams and apply industry-standard practices to real problems.

Who it's for

This course suits those with strong interest in software development and computing. Most recent entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; accepted students typically had a UCAS tariff between 144 and 159 points. You should be prepared for a demanding, practically-focused programme that combines theory with hands-on project work. The course is full-time only, so you'll need to commit to study on campus throughout the year.

Careers & job market

Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and 75% of working graduates are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Starting salaries for Computer Science graduates range from £25,000 to £35,000 nationally. After five years, earnings typically reach £29,750 to £42,000. These figures reflect national graduate outcomes data and are not university-specific guarantees. The software engineering field remains in steady demand across UK employers.

University & format

This is a 4-year full-time BSc (Hons) degree taught in English at Liverpool John Moores University, a public university founded in 1823, based at its City Centre Campus. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; your qualification will be nationally recognised. Teaching quality has been rated Silver in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Bursaries and scholarships are available, consult the university's funding pages for details.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
79%
Learning opportunities
79%
Assessment and feedback
80%
Academic Support
94%
Organisation and management
79%
Learning resources
88%
Student voice
86%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

AccreditationBCS

Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysOpen days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 144 - 159 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check LJMU's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent95%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Competitive entry

Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesA*AAA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask LJMU whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at LJMU →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All LJMU funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

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.

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£29,000£26,000 – £34,00015
3 years after£32,000£23,000 – £40,00070
5 years after£41,500£30,000 – £58,50065

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

100%
in work or further study 15 months on
90%
in highly skilled work or study
75%
continue past their first year
75%
find their work meaningful
90%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
  4. 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£29,000
£25,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£32,000
£23,375 – £33,000
After 5 years LEO
£41,500
£29,750 – £42,000
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,000 – £43,500

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.

100 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

90% working10% working and studying0% in further study90% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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.

This course £41,500Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £29,000–£43,000
74th percentile

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 · 70% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
  • Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
  • Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824

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: 15; response rate: 75%. 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.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Computer Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Tech companies
  • Banks & fintech
  • Consultancies
  • Government (GDS) & startups

Is 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

100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,000. 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 8.6 out of 10: NSS 83.6% · in work or study 100% · continued 75%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Liverpool John Moores University

All students25,650
International8.3%
Aged 25+23.8%

Computing across the UK

Students205,990
Aged 25+31.2%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around City Centre Campus

5,301 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 1579Drugs 980Shoplifting 562Anti Social Behaviour 514Public Order 476

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 LJMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by LJMU; 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 LJMU’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 LJMU and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is competitive. Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 144 - 159 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by LJMU. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Software engineering graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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