Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Keele University

For those who want to shape the way people interact with technology, our BCS accredited Computer Science (Software Engineering) programme combines a solid foundation in computing, mathematics, and programming, with training in managing software engineering activities, including team-based agile development techniques and processes. Through real-world challenges, placement opportunities and professional development, you’ll graduate with the practical, analytical and technical skills employers seek.

From the start of your journey, you will gain a robust grounding in computational problem-solving skills, programming and fundamental mathematics, to equip you with the skills required for further study. Building on these foundational topics, you will explore current and emerging areas in the field, including data science, artificial intelligence and software engineering.

By following the Software Engineering pathway you will learn the effective management of software engineering activities including the techniques and processes to undertake team-based agile development of software systems, based on the needs of clients and users.

Throughout the programme, you’ll engage with real-world scenarios to enhance your learning. You can spend time in industry on a year-long or modular placement, develop professional, and employability skills and even pursue a personal interest in computer science by proposing a project that showcases your knowledge and skills. To align your learning to areas you are passionate about, you can personalise your degree, by choosing from a variety of optional modules.

In your final year you will unleash your creativity and undertake a substantial piece of research, applying theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a software engineering-related technical, software, research or business problem. Your final year project is an excellent opportunity for you to draw together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, presentation and project management. You will also deepen your understanding in your specialism, whilst choosing optional modules in subjects that are aligned to your interests.

You will graduate with a wide variety of subject specific and transferrable skills across many areas including problem solving, computational thinking, team working, management and modelling.

By choosing to specialise in the software engineering pathway, you will also gain skills in team-based development, agile methods, and hands-on experience with self-organising teams, reflecting on modern commercial practices.

The opportunities for graduates with computing skills are continuously growing. Many of our graduates move into employment that is directly computing-related, for example as systems analysts, software engineers and consultants. A number of graduates go on to study for higher degrees in a wide range of subject areas.

Jobs that a graduate of this course may pursue include:

DevOps engineer

Software engineer

Information systems manager

Systems analyst

UX designer

Foundation year

Studying a Foundation Year, for whatever reason, offers an alternative route to Keele, and provides a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree. That extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, build your confidence.

Duration of study

3 years or 4 years with international or placement year