BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (International)

Computers are an integral part of modern society, with technology touching all aspects of life including commerce, industry, healthcare, communication and recreation. The pace of change and innovation is rapid, and shows no signs of slowing down. Companies of all sizes have an urgent need for people who can create software systems that are usable, robust and maintainable. A degree in Software Engineering will provide you with the practical skills you need to be able to do useful things when you start your career, and with the theoretical knowledge you need to be able to adapt your skills as programming languages and techniques evolve.

You will learn the foundations of programming; Java is our main language (you will also cover Javascript, PHP and C++), but the important thing is to understand the principles of programming that can be applied to any language you need to learn. In industry it is far more common to maintain and enhance existing systems than to create new systems, and you will understand the issues and techniques for doing this.

You will also learn the latest professional techniques and tools such as agile methodology, design patterns, test driven development, HCI and security. You will complete group and individual projects addressing real world problems.

This course will provide you with a broad understanding of computer programming. You will develop an in-depth understanding of methodical approaches to the analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance of object-oriented systems using the Java language. You will graduate with a range of programming skills and a critical awareness of how to select the appropriate skill for a particular task.

Some programming languages have been around for many years, while new languages are appearing and evolving. These days there is a trend for ͞software frameworks͟ to help programmers by providing reusable components for common activities, and these evolve particularly quickly. Keeping up with changes in languages, tools and techniques will require you to keep learning throughout your career. Salford’s degree course will set you up for this by providing strong foundations in how things work, and in how you learn, to help you understand new ideas and adapt to new techniques.

You will develop an awareness of the differences between a professional and amateur approach to carrying out IT projects (both short and long term). Furthermore, we ensure that you are aware of the laws that apply to the IT profession, and that there must be a point when a professional will move outside their competence and need to work with other professionals with other expertise. You will look at the wider social impact of technology, both positive and negative, and we encourage an ethical awareness that not everything that can be done should be done.

On this course, as well as gaining and developing a wide range of computer science knowledge and skills, you have the option to spend a year in industry between the third and fourth year of the course. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your CV and will give you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and interpersonal skills in a real-world environment, and to reflect on your own personal development and career choices.