Software Engineering (in partnership with BUiD) BSc/MSci
Software engineers develop and maintain large-scale complex software infrastructures. Our programme combines theoretical computing science with the principles and practices used in the modern software industry and gives you real-world experience.
- September start
- Session dates
- Software Engineering (in partnership with BUiD) BSc 4 year degree
- Software Engineering (in partnership with BUiD) MSci: 5 year degree
You may apply for transfer to the MSci mid-BSc.
Programme structure
Years 1 and 2
Students follow the curriculum of the BUiD programmes of
- BSc in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence; or
- BSc in Computer Science – Software Engineering
Students should consult with staff at BUiD to ensure they take appropriate modules.
Years 3, 4 and 5
Year 3 covers a broad range of topics and emphasises the skills needed for team-based software development when working with real-world customers. After Year 3, BSc students spend their summer on a paid placement in industry. This placement lasts a full year for MSci with work placement students.
The final year (4 or 5) includes advanced courses on software engineering and a substantial individual project, frequently in collaboration with employers. BSc students can extend their degree by an additional year and graduate with an MSci. A decision regarding whether a student can transfer to the MSci will be taken by the University at the end of Year 3.
Course details
Years 1 and 2
Students follow the curriculum of the BUiD programmes of
- BSc in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence; or
- BSc in Computer Science – Software Engineering
Students should consult with staff at BUiD to ensure they take appropriate modules.
Year 3
Core courses:
- Algorithmics I (H)
- Data Fundamentals (H)
- Human-centred Systems Design and Evaluation (H)
- Systems Programming (H)
- Professional Software Development (H)
- Team Project (H)
- Software Engineering Summer Placement (H)
Year 4
Core courses:
Year 5
Core courses:
- Research Methods And Techniques (M) for MSci
- MSci Research Proposal and Project
- Project Research Readings In Computing Science (M)
As an Honours student (years 3 and 4), 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. In year 3 you will take part in a software engineering team project.
After year 3, BSc students spend their summer on a paid placement in industry. This placement lasts a full year for MSci Work Placement students.
The final year (4 or 5) includes advanced courses on software engineering and a substantial individual project, frequently in collaboration with employers. BSc students can extend their degree by an additional year and graduate with an MSci.
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
For entry to the University of Glasgow at Level 3 BUiD students should obtain a mid 2:1 classification (65%) in their first two years of study on the programmes shown above.
There are a maximum of 10 places guaranteed for BUiD students.
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 in such companies as Codeplay, JP Morgan, Amazon and HP. We also actively support our graduates in creating their own startups.
Accreditation
Honours graduates are eligible for membership of the British Computer Society and, after relevant work experience, they can apply to become full Chartered IT Professionals (CITP) and partial Chartered Scientists (CSci)/Chartered Engineers (CEng). MSci graduates are eligible for full CITP and partial CSci. Honours degrees hold the Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality label; MSci degrees hold the Euro-Inf Master Quality Label.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
In years 1 and 2 students will pay their tuition fees to BUiD. Please consult the BUiD website for details on tuition fees for the first two years of the programme.
Fees for the University of Glasgow part of the programme can be found on the Tuition fees pages.
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.
University of Glasgow – BUiD Scholarship
This scholarship is for students transferring to the University of Glasgow from the British University in Dubai as part of our articulation agreement.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Students should consult the BUiD web-pages for applying to year 1 of the programme.
Students intending to transfer to this programme from BUiD from Level 3 may apply directly to the University of Glasgow.
You will require a copy of your transcript showing courses already taken and in progress in the first two years of your degree; a copy of your English language test result and a copy of the photo page of your passport.
We would encourage students to apply in January/February for September start.
- Application form: coming soon
- Application deadline: 30 June
Students who have yet to complete year 2 of their programme at BUiD, or to obtain the necessary English language qualification may receive an offer of a place conditional on meeting these two requirements. There is no need to wait to obtain these to submit an application.
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Computer Science]
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