MSci Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Core units

• Computer Fundamentals: Understand the concepts and terminology of computing, networking, communications, security and virtualisation
• Data Management: Develop practical expertise in database querying and the application of the database design techniques.
• Mathematics for Computing: This unit will equip you with the mathematical knowledge for modelling and solving real-world computing problems.
• Programming: develop the skills and understanding to implement software solution to different problems whilst gaining hands-on experience in programming and testing.
• Introduction to Reliable Computing Systems: Gain an introduction to the concepts of modelling and systems analysis in a team approach.
• Computing and Society: Learn about mapping computer techniques, concepts and principles in line with sustainability 

Core units

• Machine Learning: This unit will help you develop and demonstrate an understanding of underlying theory and application of data analysis, data processing and machine learning techniques.
• Software Engineering: Learn about the theory and practice of software engineering such as software development process. 
• System Analysis and Design: Explore the nature of software development with an emphasis on 'upstream' development and discover the challenges associated with the process.
• Technological Innovations in Computing: Gain practical knowledge of current and emerging technological innovations, building on previous programming knowledge in a team approach. 
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Learn about the theory and applications of fundamental data structures and algorithms, implementing them in real world applications. ​
• Software Business: Gain a deeper understanding of the unique aspects of software business, the various business models and innovations. Suited to those interested in setting up a software business.

You'll complete a minimum 30-week industrial work placement which can be carried out anywhere in the world. The placement year offers a chance to gain experience and make contacts for the future. Students who successfully complete the one year placement will be awarded a degree in sandwich mode.

Core units

• Systems Development: Gain a critical understanding of the design, development and deployment of enterprise grade applications to allow organisations to scale their IT provisioning in an agile way

• Software Quality Assurance: Learn about software quality assurance (SQA) and the techniques for appraising software quality so that you can construct software to the required quality.

• Individual Project: The individual project is an opportunity to pursue a topic of your choice. You'll identify a problem and them select and implement a solution to solving that problem.

• Digital Futures: Drawing from technical, legal and social disciplines, learn about the role of digital technology in society and how it affects the individual

Option units

• Deep Learning and Applications: Gain an introduction into Deep Learning approaches and their applications for Machine Learning tasks
• Data Visualisation and Storytelling: Develop the skills of data/information visualisation and visual analytics so that you can design efficient and effective data visualisations. 
• Digital Innovation and Transformation: Learn the skills, techniques and technologies that are necessary to develop a digital portfolio based on digital transformation in business innovation efforts. 
• Internet and Wide Area Networks: Investigate the networking aspects such as design principles, implementation in practice, analysis and evaluation of large-scale networked systems.     

Core Units

• Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
• Computational Modeling  
• Quantum Computing 
• Network Science 
• Integrated Masters Teamwork     

With practical learning being integral to your degree, we provide industry standard specialist facilities. 
 
We continue to invest in our campuses so all our students can maximise their talents today and into the future. 
 
Visit our virtual tour to find out more and get a feel for where you’ll be studying while you’re based on our Talbot Campus. 

The placement is a valuable opportunity. With the combination of a vocational/professional degree and relevant work experience to offer to an employer, you can be one step ahead in the job market.

The benefits to you as a placement student are many. You will have the chance to:

• Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
• Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
• Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem solving and team work (transferable skills are important to succeed in any career)
• Make contacts - it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
• Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider
• Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

Placements Abroad

Employment prospects are now truly international and BU encourages students to consider an international work placement or volunteering experience during their degree. One way could be through the EU funded Erasmus mobility programme which supports placements or study exchanges in Europe. Students can also participate in international placements outside of Europe. There are opportunities to engage with summer schools and volunteering projects. These experiences help students to enhance their global employability skills. The following clip shows BU students talking about the benefits of their international experiences to their future employability.

You will begin your placement after your second year of study and you must complete a minimum of 30-weeks. We have a dedicated placement support team to to ensure you achieve a rewarding and satisfying placement.

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Co-ordinator.  

Through timetabled sessions and one-to-one appointments, they’ll help support you in your placement search including advice on finding a placement, information and advice on all aspects of job searching and job applications, as well as ensuring your proposed placement meets the requirements of your course.  

Our CareersBU service is also available throughout your time at BU, offering services like CV checking and careers fairs to meet employers.  

Placement Development Advisors will support you once you have started your sandwich placement – so you will be able to maintain contact with the university throughout.

Intel
IBM
American Express
NHS
Barclays Bank
Microsoft
The Walt Disney Company
Adobe Systems Europe Ltd
Panasonic
BMW Mini
The Football Foundation
Cyprus Police, Astrobank, Dept of Information
HoiPoi Development (Japan)
Axenic (New Zealand)

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website. 

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

We select candidates for this course by looking at your application; there are usually no interviews or selection activities needed. For that reason, make sure your application really stands out from the crowd, and leave us in no doubt as to why you should be joining BU. You can find some handy hints about filling in your UCAS form on our how to apply web pages.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, we may be able to make you an offer through AccessBU if you meet certain criteria e.g. you have been in care or live in an area where fewer people typically progress to Higher Education. If you don't meet our published tariff, we will accept you at least 8 points below if your personal circumstances match our AccessBU criteria. 

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

App Designer
Configuration specialist
Developer/support adviser
IT solution analyst
Software developer.

• Business
• Computing
• IT
• Software development
• Management.

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

• Materials for laboratory and mandatory field-based teaching activity
• A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
• The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
• Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features
• Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study
• IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
• Free software download to your personal device of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus while you are studying, as well as access to applications provided on AppsAnywhere, subject to licensing and compatibility restrictions
• Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
• Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances
• The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
• 24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

• Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds
• Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website 
• Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shop stocks a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses
• Travel costs to and from the university campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately
• Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. Placement year funding information can be found on our website
• Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable)
• You will need to meet the cost of any Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if required by your placement setting, including any Post Office verification charges. 
• Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study
• SportBU membership

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

If you need to repeat one or more units during your studies (with or without attendance) the pricing will be pro-rata of the full-time fee.

Prof Nan Jiang is the Head of Computing and Informatics and Professor in Human Computer Interaction. He joined BU as a Lecturer in 2010. Prior to this, Nan was an Open Distance Learning (ODL) tutor at Queen Mary, University of London, where he also received his PhD in Web Usability and MSc in Advanced Methods.