Software Engineering (MEng)

You'll take compulsory modules in the first 2 years. In years 3 and 4 you’ll complete individual and group design projects and choose from a range of optional modules.

Our flexible learning programme lets you take interdisciplinary modules or modules from other subjects. There’s also the opportunity to broaden your studies beyond Software Engineering. For example, you could:

• study a language

• take modules from other disciplines, such as management or law

• choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules

Year 1 overview

You’ll study core topics such as:

• programming

• data management

• software modelling and design

You’ll also cover the foundations of computer science to underpin your studies.

Year 2 overview

You’ll deepen your understanding of software engineering by studying topics, like:

• intelligent systems

• software design

• interaction design

A group project will let you work as a team to design, create and test a software system. It will give you practical experience and an awareness of technical, teamwork and project management challenges.

Year 3 overview

You’ll carry out an individual project in an area of software engineering that interests you. An academic, who is conducting research in that field, will provide support throughout.

A compulsory module in engineering management and law will teach you important skills for the successful operations of an organisation.

You’ll choose from a range of specialist Software Engineering modules, from across computer science and electronics. These will give you a deeper knowledge and let you explore topics such as:

• robotic systems

• machine learning

• cyber security

• computer vision

Year 4 overview

The group-design project is a fantastic opportunity to put your skills into practice, working for a real industry or academic customer. Past students have worked on:

• low-cost networking for small cabinets or backplane circuit boards, for Schneider Electric

• a long-range boat tracker for a sailing club

• a dashboard that monitors the condition of industrial printers linked to the 'internet of things'.

You’ll choose 2 advanced modules from a wide range of specialist options. They include topics such as:

• automated code generation

• e-business

• web development

• biometrics

• deep learning

You can also choose to study abroad for a semester.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Gary Wills is the course leader.

Software engineers are in demand in a wide range of sectors, especially those that rely on IT. This gives you plenty of career opportunities, so you could work in:

• technology companies

• consultancies

• healthcare

• government intelligence

• financial services

You’ll graduate with the technical and transferable skills needed for roles such as:

• software engineer

• software developer

• app designer

• web developer

• IT solutions analyst

You could work for a technology firm, become an IT consultant, or take forward IT developments within companies and organisations across the private and public sector.

You could also continue your studies at PhD level.

Most of our graduates go straight into jobs in high-tech companies. Electronics and Computer Science students have secured roles at companies including:

• Apple

• BAE Systems

• BBC

• Google

• Huawei

• IBM

• Microsoft

• Samsung

• Sony

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes

• CV and interview skills and workshops

• networking events

• careers fairs attended by top employers

• a wealth of volunteering opportunities

• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

We offer this degree with a year in industry, which is a great way to gain substantial industry experience, boost your professional skills and grow your networks. For international students, it is the only way to spend a year working in the UK and build contacts that could lead to employment here when you graduate.

We can help you find placements and employment with local, national and international employers.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £21,580.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: G600
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2020 entry now

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.