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Software engineers design and develop large, complex systems. These include the systems used in vehicles, phones, large-scale financial systems and secure web and medical applications.

As a software engineer, you’ll need a good understanding of software, hardware, communication technologies and strong design and team skills. You’ll also need to understand the impact of the development strategies of different systems.

On the BSc Software Engineering degree you’ll learn foundation skills such as programming and in later years, subjects will include algorithms, databases and logic.

In Year 3, you’ll study more specialised areas such as new programming languages and in your final year, you’ll undertake a practical computing project.

You’ll secure and undertake a 12-month paid industrial placement between Years 3 and 4, typically within a software development team. The placement may be in the UK or abroad.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 or 5 Highers at AAAB or AABBB including Maths plus English at National 5. Higher English and Computing Science preferred.

Widening access entry:
4 or 5 Highers at ABBB or BBBBB including Maths plus English at National 5. Advanced Highers at B/C count as A/B in grade pattern. Higher English preferred.

For entry to year 2 you would require Advanced Higher Maths and Computing Science at AB or BA plus 3 other Highers at ABB.

A Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a non-essential Higher.