Software Engineering (faster route) BSc/MSci
Software Engineering is wide-ranging: from programming and engineering large software systems, to the design and evaluation of human-computer interfaces, algorithms, machine learning, parallel and distributed systems, artificial intelligence and data science.
The Computing Sciences and Software Engineering programmes have consistently been designed to teach fundamental principles of computation and computing systems (eg modelling and abstraction, problem-solving, analysis of algorithms, etc), principles that are likely to endure. At the same time, our students gain experience of state-of-the-art computing technologies through practical and project work, and placements where available; but, more importantly, you learn how to adapt to the rapid rate of technological change.
- September start
- Session dates
- Software Engineering (faster route) BSc (Hons): 0P31 3 year degree
- Software Engineering (faster route) MSci: 0VB3 4 year degree
Programme structure
Year 1
Students on the Software Engineering faster route do not undertake Year 1.
Year 2
You will study object-oriented programming, object-oriented software engineering, data structures and algorithms, algorithmic foundations, computer networks, operating systems and web application development. We also provide a broad introduction to other key areas of the subject, including computer systems, databases, and human-computer interaction.
Years 3, 4 and 5
At honours (years 3, 4 and 5), you will study courses which present a practical, design-oriented approach to computing, also covering topics such as databases, software project management and real-time systems.
Year 3 covers a broad range of topics and emphasises the skills needed for team-based software development when working with real-world customers. You will take part in a software engineering team project.
Between years 3 and 4 you will spend the summer working paid year in industry gaining real world skills and experience.
Year 4 will offer advanced courses on software engineering and a substantial individual project, frequently in collaboration with employers.
Software Engineering can be taken as an MSci, which includes an additional year. Students on the MSci programme follow the BSc Honours degree programme, followed by an additional year studying advanced modules and a substantial software engineering research-oriented project.
Course details
Year 1
Students on the Software Engineering faster route do not undertake Year 1.
Year 2
Core courses:
- Computing Science 1F - Computing Fundamentals
- Computing Science - 1S Systems
- Succeeding in University Study in Computing Science [COMPSCI2023]
- Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
- Object-Oriented Software Engineering 2
- Algorithmic Foundations 2
- Networks and Operating Systems Essentials 2
- Algorithms & Data Structures 2
- Web Application Development 2
Optional courses:
- 40 credits of electives from any Level 1 subject
Year 3
Core courses
- Introduction to Gnu/Linux [COMPSCI9001]
- Professional Software Development (H)
- Algorithmics I (H)
- Data Fundamentals (H)
- Human-centred Systems Design and Evaluation (H)
- Systems Programming (H)
- Team Project (H)
- Software Engineering Summer Placement (H)
Optional courses
- Computing Science Education Theory and Practice (H)
- Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Cyber Security Fundamentals (H)
- Database Systems (H)
- Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (M)
- Networked Systems (H)
- Operating Systems (H)
- Programming Languages (H)
- Quantum Computing H
- Robotics Foundations (H)
- Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (H)/Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (M)
Year 4
Core courses for all students
Additional core courses for MSc students
Optional courses
- Advanced Networked Systems (H)
- Advanced Systems Programming (H)/Advanced Systems Programming (M)
- Algorithmics II (H)
- Artificial Intelligence (H)
- Big Data: Systems, Programming, and Management (H)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Coaching Software Teams (H)/Coaching Software Teams (M)
- Computational Game Theory (M)
- Computational Social Intelligence [COMPSCI4080]/Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Computer Architecture (H)
- Computer Vision Methods and Applications (H)
- Computing Science Education Theory and Practice (H)
- Constraint Programming (M)
- Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Cryptography and Secure Development (M)
- Cyber Security Fundamentals (H)
- Data Product Engineering H
- Database Systems (H)
- Deep Learning (M)
- Distributed and Parallel Technologies (H)/Distributed and Parallel Technologies (M)
- Extended Reality Interaction (M)
- Forensics (M)
- Functional Programming (H)
- Human-Centred Security (M)
- Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Human Computer Interaction (M)
- Information Retrieval (H)/Information Retrieval (M)
- Machine Learning (H)/Machine Learning (M)
- Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (M)
- Modelling Reactive Systems (H)/Modelling Reactive Systems (M)
- Networked Systems (H)
- Operating Systems (H)
- Patient Centred Health-Technologies
- Programming Languages (H)
- Quantum Computing H
- Recommender Systems (H)/Recommender Systems (M)
- Research Methods And Techniques (M) for MSci
- Robotics Foundations (H)
- Secured Software Engineering (M)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Startup Growth Engineering (H)
- Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (H)/Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (M)
- Theory of Computation [COMPSCI4072]
- Web Science (H)/Web Science (M)
Year 5 (MSc students only)
Core courses
Optional courses
- Project Research Readings In Computing Science (M)
- Advanced Networked Systems (H)
- Advanced Systems Programming (H)/Advanced Systems Programming (M)
- Algorithmics II (H)
- Artificial Intelligence (H)
- Big Data: Systems, Programming, and Management (H)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Coaching Software Teams (H)/Coaching Software Teams (M)
- Computational Game Theory (M)
- Computational Social Intelligence [COMPSCI4080]/Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Computer Architecture (H)
- Computer Vision Methods and Applications (H)
- Computing Science Education Theory and Practice (H)
- Constraint Programming (M)
- Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Cryptography and Secure Development (M)
- Cyber Security Fundamentals (H)
- Data Product Engineering H
- Database Systems (H)
- Deep Learning (M)
- Distributed and Parallel Technologies (H)/Distributed and Parallel Technologies (M)
- Extended Reality Interaction (M)
- Forensics (M)
- Functional Programming (H)
- Human-Centred Security (M)
- Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Human Computer Interaction (M)
- Information Retrieval (H)/Information Retrieval (M)
- Machine Learning (H)/Machine Learning (M)
- Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (M)
- Modelling Reactive Systems (H)/Modelling Reactive Systems (M)
- Networked Systems (H)
- Operating Systems (H)
- Patient Centred Health-Technologies
- Programming Languages (H)
- Quantum Computing H
- Recommender Systems (H)/Recommender Systems (M)
- Research Methods And Techniques (M) for MSci
- Robotics Foundations (H)
- Secured Software Engineering (M)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Startup Growth Engineering (H)
- Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (H)/Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (M)
- Theory of Computation [COMPSCI4072]
- Web Science (H)/Web Science (M)
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Summary of entry requirements for Software Engineering (faster route)
SQA Higher entry requirements
- Advanced Highers – AAA including Computing and Mathematics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
Applicants must also meet the standard offer threshold (see Software Engineering) with S5 grades to be considered for faster route.
A-level entry requirements
- Three A-levels at Grades A*AA which include Computing and Mathematics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
IB entry requirements
- 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Computing Science and Mathematics.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
Our graduates are employed by worldwide names as well as local and international startup companies. We actively support our graduates in creating their own startups. We encourage you to explore our LinkedIn Channel for a flavour of where our graduates work and the DiscoverUni platform to explore our impressive graduate employment and salary statistics.
Accreditation
BCS & IET accreditation.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc (Hons)
MSci
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level.
World Changers RUK Access Bursary
The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and paying full annual tuition fee.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Computer Science]
Related programmes
Undergraduate events
