Software Engineering (with Industrial Experience) Lancaster University

From video game designers to hardware engineers and website developers, software engineers are the architects of our digital world. They are essential for building and maintaining the infostructure that upholds the digital tools, platforms, and entertainment systems we use in our everyday lives. As a software engineering student, you will gain hands-on experience with a range of software development and design tools and programming languages used across different industries.

What to expect

Our four-year MSci Software Engineering (Industrial Experience) degree begins by introducing you to fundamental principles and concepts in computer science and how they are applied. You will explore key topics such as software development, digital hardware, the fundamental underpinnings of computer science, and professionalism in practice. And, with this knowledge you will design and analyse systems and software, as well as work with end user feedback to debug and test computer programmes.

Going into Year 2, you will be able to delve deeper into what intrigues you most and specialise your studies towards a specific career path. You will build and analyse systems and software, as well as work with end user feedback to refine and adapt solutions in a range of programming languages. This includes exploring a range of optional topics including concurrent and parallel systems, extended reality, internet applications, and artificial intelligence. You will also undertake design studio modules that will familiarise you with team-based software development, allowing you to gain skills in data analysis, graphical report writing, and presentation skills.

In Year 3, you will continue to focus on collaborative design studio projects to enhance your software engineering skills. Alongside this, you will also learn a range of enriching topics through a selection of optional modules including languages & compilation, embedded systems, a range of AI and cyber security topics, digital health, and computer science education.

Master’s-level training

In Year 4, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to thrive in your future career, whether in industry or research. You will spend 10-15 weeks in industry, gaining valuable real-world experience. To complement this, you will study a range of modules, advancing your academic knowledge with a focus on independent and critical study.

Personal development

Throughout your degree, you will develop valuable transferable skills such as analysis, problem-solving, and communication, which make you highly desirable to future employers. The practical skills you gain in software development, design, and testing prepare you for applications in the real world, and your insight into sustainable computing and AI will make you a unique candidate prepared to face the challenges of the future. You will also learn how to collaborate, research, and present your findings, developing solutions as part of a team and as a leader. With industrial experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

3 things our software engineering students want you to know:

• We have a thriving community that engages in a range of extra-curricular societies and groups. Current groups include LU Hack, the Lancaster University Ethical Hacking Group who practice safe (and legal!) hacking; FemTech, a group aimed at empowering non-male-identifying students in a male-dominated discipline; and the Computer Science Society, who facilitate talks and guest lectures to help you learn from and engage with experts within and beyond our staff.

• We tackle the important considerations of ethics, sustainability, and AI as we learn.

• Our campus is a fantastic place to learn! We each have our favourite place to study: in the SkyLounge with amazing views, in our brand new high-end computer labs or in the Science and Technology Building's collaborative and creative labs.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAA. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with A level Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer.

Access to HE Diploma

45 Level 3 credits at Distinction

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade A plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AA plus BTEC at D. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with A level Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer.

International Baccalaureate

36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. Though not an essential subject entry requirement, applicants with HL Mathematics or Computer Science will be considered for a lower offer.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.