Newcastle University Undergraduate programs
Computer Science (Software Engineering) BSc
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,600 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
As a software engineer, you’ll oversee the development of reliable software systems in modern technology.
Reliable software is essential to modern technology, from the embedded systems that make a washing machine work to the flight controllers on a passenger jet.
In this course, we’ll focus on the design and development of embedded software systems, including:
- Software verification systems
- Real-time and cyber-physical systems
Professional accreditation and recognition
British Computer Society (BCS)
Our degrees are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) so that you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standard set by the IT industry and provides a strong foundation for a career in computer science.
BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT. Studying for a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for a chartered IT professional qualification.
Stage 1
Learn about the fundamentals of Computer Science. There’s an emphasis on developing your skills in program design and implementation.
You'll get experience in Java programming, develop your problem-solving skills, and get a broad view of hardware and software architectures.
Compulsory Modules
- Fundamentals of Computing
- Computer Systems Design and Architecture
- Foundations of Data Science
- Programming Portfolio 1
- Programming Portfolio 2
Stage 2
You'll study modules in software engineering, algorithm design and the fundamental principles that govern the operation of the Internet.
We'll introduce you to requirements analysis and databases, and the formal specification of software systems.
Compulsory Modules
- Security Programming
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Software Engineering Team Project
- Introducing Contemporary Topics in Computing
- Software Systems Design and Implementation
Stage 3
In your final year, you’ll start to specialise in Software Engineering. You'll study specialist modules and learn to manage large-scale software projects.
You'll also complete a major project and dissertation. For this, you’ll need to research and plan a solution to a real-world software engineering problem.
Compulsory Modules
- Major Project and Dissertation in Computer Science
- Distributed Systems
- Fault Tolerant and Cyber-Physical Systems
Optional Modules
- Graphics for Games
- Gaming Technologies and Simulations
- Introduction to BioDesign and Natural Computing
- Biomedical Data Analytics and AI
- Cryptography
- System and Network Security
- Human-Computer Interaction: Interaction Design
- Computer Vision & AI
- Data Visualization and Visual Analytics
- Career Development for final-year students
- Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 140 for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Join a network of successful graduates
Recent graduates have taken the following roles after graduation:
- software developer
- software engineer
- data scientist
Preparing you for career success
In the present job market, computing science graduates are better placed than many others to obtain employment in a challenging and fulfilling career, and the employability of Newcastle graduates is particularly high.
An increasing number of employers require digital skills, meaning our graduates are highly sought after. They move into bespoke software development roles in software houses and computer manufacturers and also into corporate organisations that use computers on a larger scale, such as banking, insurance and manufacturing companies and public sector institutions.
Benefit from strong industry links
You'll also benefit from our well-established links with organisations within the industry. Our placement students and graduates are regularly recruited by companies such as:
- Nissan
- Waterstons
- Accenture
- IBM
- P&G
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
- Sage
- DWP
- GCHQ
You can also gain work experience with local businesses. Many local businesses approach our School to advertise short, part-time or voluntary work opportunities.
Teaching methods include:
- lectures, including guest lectures from visiting professionals
- tutorials from our expert staff
- supervised practical work, which will account for most of your time
- project work to help you develop real-world business skills, such as teamwork and project management
During your project work in Stage 2, you'll work as a team to develop a software product.
In Stage 3, you'll work on a major individual project and a dissertation.