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This degree in software engineering includes an industrial placement, equipping you with practical work experience and boosting your CV.

Course overview

You will study a broad curriculum for two years, before learning about the development of embedded software systems that are fundamental to almost all our use of technology.

Explore different aspects of computing science – such as games design, bioinformatics, and security – in your first two years.

Spend a year on an accredited, paid industrial placement between Stages 2 and 3.

Study specialist modules in Stage 3 – such as software verification technology and real-time and cyber-physical systems – to develop skills and knowledge for your chosen career.

About Software Engineering

Reliable software is fundamental to almost all of our use of technology, from the embedded systems that make a washing machine work to the flight controllers on a passenger jet.

Working alongside programmers who have in-depth knowledge of writing code, software engineers understand and oversee the development of these systems, requiring strong computing science, project management and problem-solving skills.

Professional accreditation

Following a curriculum review, we are seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for our degrees so you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standard set by the IT industry.

BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for a chartered IT professional, engineer or scientist.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods include:

• lectures – including guest lectures by visiting IT professionals
• tutorials – from our expert staff
• supervised practical work – which accounts for a significant amount of your time
• project work – to help you develop real-world business skills such as teamworking and project management

Project work includes a team project in Stage 2 to develop a substantial software product and a major individual project in Stage 3.

Industrial placement year

Your paid placement year takes place in Stage 3 and provides you with the experience of seeking and securing a job. You'll also gain practical experience, key business skills and industry contacts that will benefit your academic study and longer-term career.

We assess your placement by a short report and presentation, though the assessment will not count towards your final mark.

Preparing you for career success

In the present job market, computing science graduates are better placed than many others to obtain employment in a challenging and fulfilling career, and the employability of Newcastle graduates is particularly high.

An increasing number of employers require digital skills, meaning our graduates are highly sought after. They move into bespoke software development roles in software houses and computer manufacturers and also into corporate organisations that use computers on a larger scale, such as banking, insurance and manufacturing companies and public sector institutions.