About this course
Explore the life cycle of software engineering projects and study exciting, specialist topics. On this 4-year master's, you'll learn how to analyse a company’s software needs, then design, test and build a system that meets them. You’ll also develop the problem-solving, planning and teamwork skills that are essential for successful software engineers.
This MEng Software Engineering degree combines hands-on software development with a core knowledge of software engineering. You'll study cutting-edge areas like:
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programming
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software modelling
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distributed systems and networks
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automated code development
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e-business strategy
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web development
You don’t need any previous experience in computer science to join the course. For the first programming module you can choose your own level, and if you are a beginner, we can help you get up to speed.
Our main computer lab has over 100 high-spec computer workstations and acts as the department’s social hub. You'll have access to our dedicated facilities, including:
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software projects laboratory
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David Barron computing laboratory
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cyber security laboratory
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centre for hybrid biodevices
Our academics are recognised internationally as leaders in their fields of expertise.
You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code II30 for the Industrial Studies option.
You can also choose to spend a single semester studying abroad.
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
We are also a member of The Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
A*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*)
or
AAAA including mathematics
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAA including mathematics
or
A*AB including mathematics (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall, with 18 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A in two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-levels including mathematics.
D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics
or
DD in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level Maths.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
BTEC additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2, to include mathematics at H1
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1
Irish certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
There are no additional requirements
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A), and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
or
A*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*)
or
A*A* from two A-levels including mathematics, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 9/10 in mathematics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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study a language
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take modules from other disciplines, such as management or law
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choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules
Year 1 overview
You’ll study core topics such as:
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programming
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data management
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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:
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intelligent systems
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software design
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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:
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robotic systems
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machine learning
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cyber security
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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:
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low-cost networking for small cabinets or backplane circuit boards, for Schneider Electric
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a long-range boat tracker for a sailing club
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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:
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automated code generation
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e-business
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web development
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biometrics
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deep learning
You can also choose to study abroad for a semester.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This is a core module for computer science and software engineers. It teaches the basic data structures and algorithms which underpins modern software engineering. Without these algorithms most software would be hopelessly slow to the point of unusability...
This module aims to give students an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware and of the principles of operation of computers and peripheral devices. In addition, the module aims to give an overview of the main families of microprocessors an...
This module aims to: - Explain the role of database systems in information management - Introduce students to standard UNIX tools and techniques (e.g., vi editor, ed, sed and awk) - Develop the student's skills in the effective use of Unix tools for do...
The aim of this module is to help students develop an understanding of the fundamental professional, ethical, and legal issues and how they are being developed and applied. The lectures and associated courseworks will involve an active approach to the ...
The aim of this module is to teach the students advanced programming techniques using Java in order to support its use on other modules. C will also be taught in order to introduce explicit memory allocation and the use of pointers.
This module aims to introduce students to the principles of programming using an object oriented approach, and to provides them with the programming skills necessary to continue the study of computer science. Java is used as the introductory language.
This module aims to introduce students to the software engineering process, its tools, skills, and techniques, particularly modelling, validation and design. The focus will be on a principled, object-oriented process from requirements modelling and analys...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module builds on the Part 1 Software Modelling and Design Course by looking at structured requirements engineering in more detail, by addressing scaling of formal modelling with Event-B through refinement and also looking at verification techniques f...
The networking aspect of this module will expose students to the principles of layered communication protocols, the architecture of the Internet, and the principles of how the components of the TCP/IP layered model are designed and operate. The distribute...
This module aims to give a broad introduction to the rapidly-developing field of artificial intelligence, and to cover the mathematical techniques used by this module and by other artificial intelligence modules in the computer science programme
This module aims to introduce students to recursion and to the principles of recursive, applicative and functional programming. In it, they will use various functional abstractions to control the complexity of programming, and will use abstraction mechani...
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts underlying all programming languages, to introduce a broad range of programming language styles and features, and to provide the theoretical foundation that they will need in orde...
This module aims to give students experience of working in a team, and of the problems of communication and scale in software engineering. It will consolidate and integrate the techniques and concepts introduced in earlier courses (principally COMP1216 So...
This module aims to provide a broad and stimulating introduction to the theory of computing
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module will provide students with an introduction to management and law – knowledge and skills which can be applied to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. The learning outcomes address: managerial decisions, commercial aspects of eng...
The individual project gives students the opportunity to gain both detailed knowledge and practical experience in a more focussed area than generally possible elsewhere in their degree programme. Most projects are in the nature of a challenging enginee...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
This module covers the development of modern computer architectures for servers, workstations, hand-held devices, signal processing and embedded systems from the introduction of the four-stage RISC pipeline to the present day.
This module is designed to be a follow-up module to the computer Science or ITO second year introductory networking module.The wireless networking part reviews wireless technologies and their application in areas such as IoT and sensor networks. The modu...
This module builds on the first year Data Management module to give students a deeper and broader view of the issues involved in database management systems, some of the most complex software in common use.
During the first two years of the degree students gain experience in a variety of 'traditional' programming languages in procedural, functional and object-oriented flavours. This module addresses the design and use of scripting languages for a contemporar...
Modern biology poses many challenging problems for the computer scientists. Rapid growth in instrumentation, and our ability to archive and distribute vast amounts of data, has significantly changed the way we attempt to understand cellular function, and ...
The challenge of computer vision is to develop a computer based system with the capabilities of the human eye-brain system. It is therefore primarily concerned with the problem of capturing and making sense of digital images. The field draws heavily on ma...
Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...
Games design and development is an increasingly important and sophisticated topic, that draws together many of the core aspects of Computer Science and Software Engineering. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of game design, gives them pr...
Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The module will cover the practical basis of how learning algorithms are can be applied. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory-bases sessions. Exclusions...
This module gives students an introduction to natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and an understanding of how to implement NLP applications.
The module introduces the operational research approach for modelling and solving engineering and management problems.
This module gives a broad introduction to development of real-time and embedded systems
The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).
This module will teach the principles of security in web and cloud based systems and how these principles apply in a range of different applications.
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
This module provides an introduction to intensive group project work in collaboration with an industrial or academic customer. Students work in groups of at least four people on a project typically based on an idea from an industrial partner, or from an a...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
- To introduce key concepts in pattern recognition and machine learning; including specific algorithms for classification, regression, clustering and probabilistic modeling. - To give a broad view of the general issues arising in the application of algor...
Increasing numbers and kinds of computationally-driven systems require engagement with human beings. While some examples are obvious, from apps to social media to social computing, some are perhaps less obvious such as secure systems, autonomous vehicles,...
This module: - Introduces the students to the key issues of interaction of multiple self-interested parties (a.k.a. agents) and gives a broad survey of topics at the interface of theoretical computer science and game theory dealing with such interactions...
This module aims to cover the topic of production of code via automated means. This topic incorporates the different approaches to metaprogramming that are available in mainstream languages and also touches on issues such as automated generation of testin...
This module aims to train students in both the principles and the practice of software verification. A range of verification approaches, including both testing and formal verification, will be covered. The use of logic as a specification language for prog...
This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...
Biometrics is about how we can recognise people automatically, by personal characteristic. We all have fingerprints and faces - and they are unique. We have to sense the information, process it and then deliver an assessment of the identity associated wit...
Financial markets form the source of a vast number of challenging computational problems. These are not only intellectually challenging from the point of view of computational modelling, but the financial sector is also an employer of a significant fracti...
This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...
The challenge of data mining is to transform raw data into useful information and actionable knowledge. Data mining is the computational process of discovering patterns in data sets involving methods at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine...
Welcome to the Data Visualisation module! In this course, you would learn about the terminology, concepts and techniques behind visualising data, and will get to use a range of tools to get experience of creating visual representations of data. You will g...
Deep learning has revolutionised numerous fields in recent years. We've witnessed improvements in everything from computer vision through speech analysis to natural language processing as a result of the advent of cheap GPGPU compute coupled with large da...
This course exposes students to the problems and methods of strategic management of large scale e-business systems. These are systems whose continuing operation and evolution is vital for the business or organisation that they serve. IT managers and CIOs ...
Evolution by natural selection has created amazingly complex and sophisticated solutions to some very difficult problems - how exactly does it achieve this, and how can we harness this capability for engineering artificial systems and computational proble...
This module is useful to introduce: - Image processing and its relation to signal processing. - Image transformations for filtering, coding and etc. - Histogram processing algorithms to enhance image qualities and visibility. - Theories analysing and ...
The Individual Research Project is a 7.5 ECTS credit masters level module undertaken by independent study that allows students to demonstrate mastery of an advanced aspect of their discipline, including critical evaluation of current research and research...
This module gives a broad introduction to the new and rapidly expanding field of agent-based computing. It introduces the key concepts and models of the field, dealing both with the individual agents and with their interactions. Particular emphasis is pla...
Open data, pitched as the raw material of the new industrial revolution, holds great promise, but how do you exploit this new resource? This course is specifically designed to give students a greater understanding on how to innovate with open data. This ...
The last decade and a half have seen the Web move away from a purely document-centric information system to one in which hypertext techniques are applied to the sort of data found in databases; the term “Semantic Web” is used to refer to this Web of linke...
The second generation of web sites that came along in the mid 2000's included many of the social media sites that are now household names (YouTube, Flickr, Wikipedia, Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, etc.) These sites (known at the time as Web 2.0) focused on ...
This module is to prepare students for undertaking large software projects. It introduces the students to the high-level strategies required for managing projects from their genesis to completion. The module also introduces the students to secure enginee...
This module focuses on both theoretical and practical perspectives in the security of software and software systems, by exploring software analysis and reverse engineering. The aims of the module at a high level are to: - Explore common threats to ...
This course is intended to give students an outline of how wireless communication and computer networks work "above the physical layer". This includes the interoperability of wireless networks such as WiMax/GPRS and WiFi to provide WiFi on trains etc. How...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Corina Cirstea is the course leader.
Careers
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:
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technology companies
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consultancies
-
healthcare
-
government intelligence
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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:
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Apple
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BAE Systems
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BBC
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Google
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Huawei
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IBM
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Microsoft
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Samsung
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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.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: G600
- UCAS institution code: S27
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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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