BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with a Year In Industry Bachelor's degree at the University of Kent
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with a Year In Industry at University of Kent is recognised as a nationally accredited UK degree. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
Software Engineering is an incredibly exciting field which is valuable for many areas of business. This programme offers you a solid base of computing skills, equipping you for a wide range of future careers from programmer to systems analyst, software developer to computer scientist.You have the opportunity to put you From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with a Year In Industry is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Kent, based in Canterbury. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £35,000. (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: 40; 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 85% (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.
Stage 1 6 modules
- Programming ICompulsory
Module details
What are the foundational principles and practices that all programmers need to know? Designed for beginners and assuming no experience, this module equips you with essential programming concepts and skills. The module is a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on exercises with the Python programming language. The skills you acquire will help you learn other programming languages such as Java and C++, to name a few. Practical assignments and projects enable you to apply and hone your skill
- Programming IICompulsory
Module details
Valued by employers Our lives are completely dependent on the correct operation of software: healthcare systems, banking and university student data systems, to name just a few, are all dependent on it. Writing code is relatively easy, but writing code accurately and well requires the ability to solve problems and understand how the code we write is often just a small part of a bigger system. In this module, you'll learn how an object-oriented approach to software development allows us to think
- Internet TechnologiesCompulsory
Module details
We use large-scale web applications every day in our lives. How much do we understand about how they are structured and deployed, and how they operate? Web development technologies and frameworks change every year, while new ones are constantly proposed. As web developers, how do we cut through the marketing hype to evaluate what these really provide? In this module you'll examine the fundamental technologies that make modern web applications work. You'll learn to use operating and cloud systems
- Human Computer InteractionCompulsory
Module details
Student favourite We use a variety of physical, digital, and virtual interfaces every day. How many of these do we find easy, effortless, and pleasurable to use? How many of these do we find frustrating to use? Some interfaces are well designed and provide a good user experience, but many are poorly designed. Throughout this module, you will learn about design quality and the need for a professional, integrated, and user-centred approach to interface design and development. You'll explore variou
- Foundations of ComputingCompulsory
Module details
Mathematical reasoning underpins most aspects of computer science. Knowing and understanding the mathematical methods, techniques and abstract reasoning skills required to solve problems and analyse data is vital for moving on to other modules in our computing degree courses. This module demonstrates the role of mathematics in Computer Science with relevant examples. Starting with algebra, reasoning and proof, set theory, functions, statistics and computer arithmetic, you'll progress to the more
- Computer SystemsCompulsory
Module details
In-demand skills When we write software, it will eventually run on a computer system. How does this influence what software is and how software works? You'll learn about the fundamental hardware and software components of a computer system, and how these components cooperate to execute software programs. You'll deepen your knowledge of computer systems from the lowest level of abstractions in hardware to the highest level of abstractions of modern programming languages. For example, you'll explo
Stage 2 7 modules
- AlgorithmsCompulsory
Module details
Algorithms are the most essential concept in computer science. They are what allow Google to search the entirety of human knowledge in nanoseconds, answering a query for millions of users worldwide simultaneously. Algorithms are behind GPS routing software and every successful rocket launch. Algorithms are what allow our DNA to be replicated and passed on through generations. Understanding algorithms and how to analyse them–both for correctness and efficiency–and learning how to develop new algo
- Database SystemsCompulsory
Module details
Database systems are a cornerstone of most software. The contact list of your phone is managed by a database, as are the custom-made applications used by small and midsized enterprises, as well as the large-scale databases of internet platforms with their billions of users. This module introduces you to the theory and practice of database systems. You'll model, design, implement, and use database systems, gaining valuable skills you will need in your career as a software developer. By the end of
- Web DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
Embark on a transformative journey into the dynamic world of web development with this intermediate module covering internet technologies. Designed to empower aspiring developers with the skills needed to thrive in today's digital landscape, this module offers a deep dive into the foundations of both front-end and back-end web development. From crafting captivating user experiences with the latest browser technologies to mastering server-side programming, databases and sound design principles, t
- Software ProjectCompulsory
Module details
Becoming a professional software engineer requires a mix of technical and problem-solving skills, not all of which can be covered in taught modules. In this module you will be able to practise those skills by undertaking a software project of medium complexity, in which you will develop and evaluate a software solution to an agreed problem. You'll be supported by a member of academic staff who will supervise and monitor your work. Your supervisor will meet with you regularly to review your progr
- Software DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
Software is everywhere you look, and modern software systems need to adapt to changes quickly. Software teams release new versions of their software frequently to keep up with changing requirements. You will learn about the best practices for developing such software within a team using the agile methodology. You'll discover the importance of customer involvement for identifying requirements, writing automated tests for verifying functionality, and code reviews for improving the quality of the c
- Fundamentals of AIOptional
Module details
The omnipresence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniable; it is not merely a futuristic concept but a current reality that permeates almost every facet of our lives. As we witness AI's pervasive influence, it becomes evident that it is destined to be an integral part of our everyday existence. In this dynamic module, you will be introduced to the essential concepts of AI, setting the stage for a profound exploration into more advanced realms such as machine learning and bio-inspired comput
- Fundamentals of Cyber SecurityOptional
Module details
In today's interconnected world, cyber security is not just important – it is essential. From businesses to schools, homes, personal devices, and even vehicles, everything is connected! This module dives deep into the fascinating realm where cyber security – including general topics and specialist areas such as cryptography – take centre stage. Get ready to explore how these fields shape the modern technology landscape, from fundamental security principles to the intricate dance between risk man
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 programme equips you with computing skills for careers ranging from programmer to systems analyst and software developer. A course like this typically begins with programming fundamentals in languages such as Python and Java, alongside computer systems architecture and discrete mathematics. In Year 2, you'll usually move to algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering practice, and artificial intelligence foundations. Year 3 focuses on specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, systems and networks, and human-computer interaction, alongside security and networks study. You'll undertake a substantial individual software project before completing your degree. The course structure builds progressively from foundational concepts to applied, specialist work.
Who it's for
This course suits those with strong A-level qualifications or equivalent. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. The typical UCAS tariff band among recent entrants was 144–159 points. The course is taught in English and delivered full-time over four years.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 4 years at The University of Kent, a public university in Canterbury. The fourth year is spent in industry placement. Instruction is in English. The degree is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body, and the university holds Silver 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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Year in industry. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
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 | 95% |
| a foundation course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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 I103). 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Kent →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 | £35,000 | £25,000 – £40,000 | 40 |
| 3 years after | £36,500 | £27,000 – £47,500 | 255 |
| 5 years after | £46,500 | £34,500 – £64,000 | 275 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 40; 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: 40; 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 · 51% 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: 155; response rate: 59%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with a Year In Industry worth it?
Yes, for most students BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with a Year In Industry is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£185,840 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 10.7. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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 £35,000. 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 8.0 out of 10: NSS 67.7% · in work or study 88% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Kent
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 Canterbury
318 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 University of Kent from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £23,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 University of Kent’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 University of Kent and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Kent
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)BSc (Hons) · University of KentBSc (Hons) Computer ScienceBSc (Hons) · University of KentBSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security) with a Year in IndustryBSc (Hons) · University of KentBSc (Hons) Computer Science with a Year in IndustryBSc (Hons) · University of Kent
Common questions
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