BSc (Hons) Software Development (with a placement year) Bachelor's degree at Staffordshire
BSc (Hons) Software Development (with a placement year) at Staffordshire includes a placement year, giving you practical experience alongside academic study.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Software Development (with a placement year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Staffordshire, based in Stoke on Trent Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Software engineering graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 85% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (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
- Algorithms And Programming Conceptscompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for both your academic and professional career. You will focus on designing and developing programs in Python. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modeling solutions, and testing programs.
- Cloud And Cybercompulsory20 credits
Module details
Computing infrastructure and the data which is stored upon this is essential to businesses from the smallest through to global enterprises. In this module we will be looking at how corporations have adapted to this changing landscape with the increased reliance on the data which is stored. As data is becoming more important, we need to ensure that everything is stored in a manner which makes it accessible within the timeframe defined by the company and to ensure that it remains secure from peopl
- Computer Architecture And Operating Systems Designcompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module explores the different areas of technology within computing and identifies core elements within the field to make an informed choice for purchasing, designing, and developing systems. In addition to these core skills you will consolidate your understanding of an operating system and will be able to commission and program typically Windows and Unix derivative OS as used within your chosen field. Considering Operating Systems outside of traditional x86 computing is also a key skill for
- Data And Distributed Systemscompulsory20 credits
Module details
Relational databases are extremely common in the IT industry. This module will teach students how to manage a relational database and will provide and discuss issues relating to the management and control of replicated and distributed databases. This module will take both a theoretical and practical focus with assessment requiring you to work on two case studies to explore problems and identify solutions.
- Networks And Communicationscompulsory20 credits
Module details
In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. OSI/TCP suit, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the module, you should become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.
- Software Developmentcompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module, you will continue your journey to build your software development skills by learning more about programming in languages such as Java, as well as designing and developing web applications with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You will also look at how APIs are created and how they can be consumed by web applications. As part of the whole process, you will create and follow a test-and-deploy strategy to ensure the quality of your application.
Year 2 6 modules
- Advanced Programmingcompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module, you will build on the foundation laid in Level 4 of your award by learning some of the advanced features of programming. This will add a degree of sophistication to the coding skills you have already gained. You will also learn how to use these skills in a server-based application development scenario.
- Cloud Infrastructure And Designcompulsory20 credits
Module details
The world of computer operations and networking is an ever-evolving field with new technology being developed and rapidly introduced into corporations. One of the disruptor technologies is the introduction of Cloud computing into the cooperate environment. Initially we will teach concepts of on-site infrastructure using VMWare and Open-Source Software, grounding your knowledge in infrastructure before introducing Amazon Web Services (AWS) as an environment to further your understanding. The deve
- Interface Design And User Experiencecompulsory20 credits
Module details
Within this module you will explore what makes a good user experience, and how that experience differs depending on the device and the user. Furthermore, you will discover usability testing methods and design guidelines used within the creation and design of applications, as well as any ethical, legal and social impacts of ubiquitous applications. You will use current technologies to design and create interface prototypes for mobile phones, smart watches, and smart home devices.
- Mobile Application Developmentcompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module, you will be introduced to mobile app development using a variety of technologies, considering different approaches to app development, including native and hybrid approaches. You will consider issues and techniques specific to the delivery of content and applications for mobile platforms and build mobile applications which will run across multiple operating systems.
- Professional Practice And Project Managementcompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides an opportunity for students to take part in a collaborative project during which you will be expected to work professionally and develop your professional practice. You will learn to use project management tools and techniques as well as developing other transferable skills. You will also gain an appreciation of legislation and standards applicable to ICT projects. The module also takes an extensive focus on careers and career pathway planning.
- Web Developmentcompulsory20 credits
Module details
In choosing this module you will further your existing knowledge in web design and development by using current technologies such as HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. You will be introduced to current development environments and frameworks on the clientside. You will also use the latest API's and other emerging web technologies.
Year 3 8 modules
- Developing With Frameworkscompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will show you how to use current client and server frameworks to build applications. You will evaluate the most appropriate framework for a given situation and assess the impact this has on developers and end-users. You will also look at how frameworks and libraries can help you access data from a variety of sources.
- Dissertationcompulsory40 credits
Module details
This is your opportunity to create something totally unique as the culmination of your course. It is your chance to define your difference, no two projects are ever the same. You will begin by developing an idea into a proposal, outlining the intention of the work. You will then develop this into an artefact suitable for your course, such as a piece of software, a specification or a code of practice by undertaking rigorous, professional academic research techniques and applying the summation of
- Software Development And Artificial Intelligencecompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will allow you to research the latest cutting-edge methods, tools and techniques in software development. It will also introduce you to the world of AI and how you can implement AI artefacts. In relation to assessment you will write a brief research report related to cutting edge software development, and complete a presentation related to how Artificial Intelligence can work alongside to create beneficial technology based solutions.
- Clean Codingoptional20 credits
Module details
In this module, you will learn and practice the principles of clean code, clean testing and clean architecture. This will add a degree of professionalism to the coding and testing practices you have already gained during your studies. You will also experience industry-standard methods, tools, and frameworks to develop server-side web applications.
- Cloud Based Software Developmentoptional20 credits
Module details
In this module you will learn Cloud Computing is an area of increasing importance for software applications. This module will look at the usage of Cloud Computing using Amazon Web Services (AWS) or other suitable cloud solutions as a base for the practical work. You will also learn how to create software applications on the cloud. You will learn the benefits and pitfalls of this approach compared to traditional approaches. You will also learn the benefits and limitations of serverless computing
- Developing Distributed Applicationsoptional20 credits
Module details
In this module you will further your programming skills to include concurrent programming. You will write client-server applications that are distributed over a network. You will also look at consuming data from real time and other APIs in a secure manner. The applications you write will be distributed across different tiers, and will be available to many users at the same time.
- Media For The Weboptional20 credits
Module details
This module will enhance students knowledge of media and its use in web applications. You will look at the use of video, audio and graphics in web applications and how to use the correct media formats for different target audiences and devices. This will include scripting to increase the performance and user experience of media.
- Negotiated Studiesoptional20 credits
Module details
This module provides an opportunity for you to extend your studies in a direction chosen by you. You will identify whether to study some skills based training, another Level 6 module, or undertake some teaching support of a relevant Level 4 module. You will negotiate a learning contract with a designated supervisor which will then be formally ratified by a panel before you start your study.
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 software development from first principles through to specialist practice. Year 1 introduces programming fundamentals (typically in Python and Java), computer systems and architecture, and discrete mathematics for computing. Year 2 progresses to algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. Year 3 shifts towards specialisation and independent work: you'll usually choose options such as cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, systems and networks, or software engineering, alongside core modules in security and networks. You'll complete a substantial supervised individual project where you design, build and evaluate a software system. Throughout, a course like this typically moves from foundational theory to applied problem-solving and professional practice.
Who it's for
This course suits those with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent (83% of recent entrants). The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 144–159 points. If you're interested in software development, systems thinking, and practical problem-solving, this degree offers a structured pathway into the field. The placement year allows you to test your skills in a real working environment before graduation.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Staffordshire's Stoke-on-Trent Campus, taught in English. The course includes an integrated placement year, allowing you to gain professional experience. The University of Staffordshire is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; your degree is nationally recognised. The course holds a Silver award for teaching quality from 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.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
With a placement. 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 | 83% |
| another higher-education qualification | 7% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 6% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| Other | 1% |
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 I106). 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 Staffordshire →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 | £25,000 | £24,000 – £27,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £33,500 | £28,500 – £37,000 | 25 |
| 5 years after | £46,500 | £40,000 – £56,000 | 20 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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 · 50% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
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: 35; response rate: 60%. 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. 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 8.1 out of 10: NSS 78.6% · in work or study 85% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Staffordshire
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 Stoke on Trent Campus
1,636 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 Staffordshire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Staffordshire; 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 Staffordshire’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 Staffordshire and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Staffordshire
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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