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Software Engineering (MEng)

Award
Master of Engineering
Typical Offer
A*AA View full entry requirements
Duration
4 years
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Highfield
UCAS Course code
G600

Software Engineering (MEng) startingSeptember 2023 for4 years

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About this course

Explore the life cycle of software engineering projects and study exciting, specialist topics. On this 4-year master's, you'll learn how to analyse a company’s software needs, then design, test and build a system that meets them. You’ll also develop the problem-solving, planning and teamwork skills that are essential for successful software engineers.

This MEng Software Engineering degree combines hands-on software development with a core knowledge of software engineering. You'll study cutting-edge areas like:

  • programming
  • software modelling
  • distributed systems and networks
  • automated code development
  • e-business strategy
  • web development

You don’t need any previous experience in computer science to join the course. For the first programming module you can choose your own level, and if you are a beginner, we can help you get up to speed.

Our main computer lab has over 100 high-spec computer workstations and acts as the department’s social hub. You'll have access to our dedicated facilities, including:

  • software projects laboratory
  • David Barron computing laboratory
  • cyber security laboratory
  • centre for hybrid biodevices

Our academics are recognised internationally as leaders in their fields of expertise.

As part of this course, you can choose to spend a singlesemester studying abroad.

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

We are also a member of The Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial studies placement year.

Apply using:

  • Course name: Software Engineering with Industrial Studies
  • UCAS code: II30

You'll spend this extra year at one of our partner companies, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected.Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based atHighfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

For Academic Year 2025/26
For Academic Year 2026/27

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or
Access to HE Diploma
Irish Leaving Certificate
Scottish Qualification offers
Cambridge Pre-U
Welsh Baccalaureate
T Level

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2, to include mathematics and applied mathematics

Irish certificate additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Irish Offer Contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A. Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Welsh Baccalaureate

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) or A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A), and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T-Level

A Distinction* overall, with A* in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics.

The following T levels are accepted:

  • Digital Business Services
  • Digital Support Services
  • Science
  • Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing


The following Occupational Specialisms are required:
  • For the T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Electrical and electronic engineering” or "Control and instrumentation engineering".
  • For the T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Maintenance engineering technologies: Electrical and Electronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Mechatronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Control and Instrumentation" or "Light and Electric Vehicles".

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require.Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

IELTS score requirements
overall score
6.5
reading
6.0
writing
6.0
speaking
6.0
listening
6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of ourpre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

Find out more about ourAdmissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

  • have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
  • have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
  • have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
  • are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
  • are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows:
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics.

D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or
Access to HE Diploma
Irish Leaving Certificate
Scottish Qualification offers
Cambridge Pre-U
Welsh Baccalaureate
T Level

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2, to include mathematics and applied mathematics

Irish certificate additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Irish Offer Contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-Us can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B.

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Welsh Baccalaureate

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T-Level

A Distinction* overall, with A* in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics.

The following T levels are accepted:

  • Digital Business Services
  • Digital Support Services
  • Science
  • Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing


The following Occupational Specialisms are required:
  • For the T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Electrical and electronic engineering” or "Control and instrumentation engineering".
  • For the T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Maintenance engineering technologies: Electrical and Electronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Mechatronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Control and Instrumentation" or "Light and Electric Vehicles".

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require.Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

IELTS score requirements
overall score
6.5
reading
6.0
writing
6.0
speaking
6.0
listening
6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of ourpre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

Find out more about ourAdmissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

  • have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
  • have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
  • have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
  • are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
  • are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

You'll take compulsory modules in the first 2 years. In years 3 and 4 you’ll complete individual and group design projects and choose from a range of optional modules.

Our flexible learning programme lets you take interdisciplinary modules or modules from other subjects. There’s also the opportunity to broaden your studies beyond Software Engineering. For example, you could:

Year 1 overview

You’ll study core topics such as:

  • programming
  • data management
  • software modelling and design

You’ll also cover the foundations of computer science to underpin your studies.

Year 2 overview

You’ll deepen your understanding of software engineering by studying topics, like:

  • intelligent systems
  • software design
  • interaction design

A group project will let you work as a team to design, create and test a software system. It will give you practical experience and an awareness of technical, teamwork and project management challenges.

Year 3 overview

You’ll carry out an individual project in an area of software engineering that interests you. An academic, who is conducting research in that field, will provide support throughout.

A compulsory module in engineering management and law will teach you important skills for the successful operations of an organisation.

You’ll choose from a range of specialist Software Engineering modules, from across computer science and electronics. These will give you a deeper knowledge and let you explore topics such as:

  • robotic systems
  • machine learning
  • cyber security
  • computer vision

Year 4 overview

The group-design project is a fantastic opportunity to put your skills into practice, working for a real industry or academic customer. Past students have worked on:

  • low-cost networking for small cabinets or backplane circuit boards, for Schneider Electric
  • a long-range boat tracker for a sailing club
  • a dashboard that monitors the condition of industrial printers linked to the 'internet of things'.

You’ll choose 2 advanced modules from a wide range of specialist options. They include topics such as:

  • automated code generation
  • e-business
  • web development
  • biometrics
  • deep learning

You can also choose tostudy abroad for a semester.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

Youmust study the following modules in year 1:

Algorithmics

This module teaches the basic data structures and algorithms which underpins modern software engineering. Without these algorithms most software would be hopelessly slow to the point of unusability. The course also teaches the principles behind the algori...

COMP Part I Laboratory Programme

This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on the Computer Science or Software Engineering degree programmes. Structurally, the Part I Laboratory Programme organises all practical, professional and laboratory-based work in Part ...

Computer Systems I

This module aims to give students an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware and of the principles of operation of computers and peripheral devices. In addition, the module aims to give an overview of the main families of microprocessors an...

Data Management

This module aims to:• Introduce students to the UNIX operating system, to the UNIX command line, and to standard UNIX tools (e.g., vi editor, ed, sed and awk)• Introduce students to version management systems• Provide a grounding in the use of datab...

Mathematics I

This module aims to:- Introduce the logical and mathematical foundations of computer science.- Illustrate the use of formal languages in computer science, including in algorithms and programming.- Extend students' mathematical sophistication and ski...

Mathematics II

This module aims to cover the continuous mathematics that's required for the computer science and software engineering programmes.

Networks and Security

This module introduces students to the principles of layered communication protocols, the architecture of the Internet and the TCP/IP model. This is complemented with a multi-disciplinary overview of cyber security, which considers not only technical meas...

Programming I

This module introduces students to the principles of programming, and provides them with the programming skills necessary to continue the study of computer science. Python and C are used as the introductory languages.

Programming II

The aim of this module is to teach the students object-oriented programming techniques using Java.

Year 2 modules

Youmust study the following modules in year 2:

Artificial Intelligence

This module aims to give a broad introduction to the rapidly-developing field of artificial intelligence.

Computer Systems II

This module aims to introduce students to operating system internals and the general principles and practices of developing low-level software that interacts directly with hardware.

Formal Specification and Verification

This module aims to give a broad introduction to the use of formal methods for proving program correctness.

Programming III

This module aims to introduce students to recursion and to the principles of recursive, applicative and functional programming. In it, they will use various functional abstractions to control the complexity of programming, and will use abstraction mechani...

Programming Language Concepts

This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts underlying all programming languages, to introduce a broad range of programming language styles and features, and to provide the theoretical foundation that they will need in order to be a...

Software Design and Development Project

This module gives students experience of working in a team to design and develop a significant interactive software system. This practical activity is balanced with taught material to give students a theoretical understanding of the supporting disciplines...

Theory of Computing

This module aims to provide a broad and stimulating introduction to the theory of computing.

Year 3 modules

Youmust study the following modules in year 3:

Youmust also choose from the following modules in year 3:

Advanced Computer Architecture

This module covers the development of modern computer architectures for servers, workstations, hand-held devices, signal processing and embedded systems from the introduction of the four-stage RISC pipeline to the present day.

Advanced Computer Networks

This module is designed to be a follow-up module to the computer Science or ITO second year introductory networking module. The wireless networking part reviews wireless technologies and their application in areas such as IoT and sensor networks. The mod...

Advanced Databases

This module builds on the first year Data Management module to give students a deeper and broader view of the issues involved in database management systems, some of the most complex software in common use.

Causal Reasoning and Machine Learning

The broad educational goal is to enhance students' ability to reason about data generating processes, and extract, interrogate and evaluate patterns in the data. The focus on methods of causal analysis overlaps with the objectives of ``explainable AI." St...

Cheminformatics

This course is an introduction to the use of computers in chemistry, commonly referred to as cheminformatics. A number of aspects will be covered, with the aim of giving a firm basis to continue with research in cheminformatics in industry or academia. Th...

Cloud Application Development

During the first two years of the degree students gain experience in a variety of 'traditional' programming languages in procedural, functional and object-oriented flavours. This module addresses the design and use of scripting languages for a contemporar...

Computational Biology

Modern biology poses many challenging problems for the computer scientists. Rapid growth in instrumentation, and our ability to archive and distribute vast amounts of data, has significantly changed the way we attempt to understand cellular function, and ...

Computer Vision

The challenge of computer vision is to develop a computer based system with the capabilities of the human eye-brain system. It is therefore primarily concerned with the problem of capturing and making sense of digital images. The field draws heavily on ma...

Foundations of Machine Learning

Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...

Game Design and Development

Games design and development is an increasingly important and sophisticated topic, that draws together many of the core aspects of Computer Science and Software Engineering. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of game design, gives them pr...

History of Computing

Our modern world has been profoundly shaped by the availability of cheap and reliable computers, but the ubiquity of this technology has led many to overlook the rich history of its development.In this module, we will study the evolution of technologi...

Machine Learning Technologies

Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The module will cover the practical basis of how learning algorithms are can be applied. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory-bases sessions.Exclusions...

Natural Language Processing

This module gives students an introduction to natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and an understanding of how to implement NLP applications.

Operational Research

The module introduces the operational research approach for modelling and solving engineering and management problems.

Optimisation

The module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of optimization techniques. It covers linear programming as well as nonlinear programming. This module is suitable to those who want to apply computational optimization methods to their proble...

Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems

This module gives a broad introduction to development of real-time and embedded systems

Robotic Systems

Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems.This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...

Security of Cyber Physical Systems

The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).

Social Computing Techniques

The aim of this module is to introduce the fundamental concepts and computational techniques used in social computing. In a broad sense, social computing is about building computational systems that harness the collective intelligence of people, using tec...

Web Architecture and Hypertext Technologies

The World Wide Web is a global information infrastructure that underpins the digital economy, our own social interactions and the world's cultures. It is built on a simple model of information exchange (the original Web architecture) that has evolved and ...

Web and Cloud Based Security

This module will teach the principles of security in web and cloud based systems and how these principles apply in a range of different applications.

Year 4 modules

Youmust study the following modules in year 4:

Group Design Project

This module provides an introduction to intensive group project work in collaboration with an industrial or academic customer. Students work in groups of at least four people on a project typically based on an idea from an industrial partner, or from an a...

Industrial Studies

This Industrial Studies module is part of our MEng programmes with “Industrial Studies” in the title, and allows students to go on to a one-year placement in industry in Part III of their programme. Students are normally expected start their placement...

Youmust also choose from the following modules in year 4:

Advanced Games Design and Development

This module extends the topics covered in the Game Design and Development module by looking at games design that uses more complex technology, or is situated in novel contexts. Students will get further practical experience of developing games within an i...

Advanced Machine Learning

- To introduce key concepts in pattern recognition and machine learning; including specific algorithms for classification, regression, clustering and probabilistic modeling.- To give a broad view of the general issues arising in the application of algor...

Advanced Programming Language Concepts

This module covers concepts in programming languages that go beyond those typically seen or are new to mainstream languages. The goal is to encourage students to look beyond traditional programming practice by introducing new tools and techniques inspired...

Algorithmic Game Theory

This module:- Introduces the students to the key issues of interaction of multiple self-interested parties (a.k.a. agents) and gives a broad survey of topics at the interface of theoretical computer science and game theory dealing with such interactions...

Automated Software Verification

This module aims to train students in both the principles and the practice of software verification. A range of verification approaches, including both testing and formal verification, will be covered. The use of logic as a specification language for prog...

Bayesian, Active & Reinforcement Learning

To gain an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of Bayesian inference and active learning, and their applications.

Biometrics

Biometrics is about how we can recognise people automatically, by personal characteristic. We all have fingerprints and faces - and they are unique. We have to sense the information, process it and then deliver an assessment of the identity associated wit...

Cryptography

This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...

Data Economy

This module studies how data is generated, valued, and monetised within digital ecosystems, as well as the ethical, legal, and technical challenges surrounding data ownership, privacy, and regulation. For example, how can we manage a music dataset pro...

Data Mining

The challenge of data mining is to transform raw data into useful information and actionable knowledge. Data mining is the computational process of discovering patterns in data sets involving methods at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine...

Data Visualisation

Welcome to the Data Visualisation module! In this course, you would learn about the terminology, concepts and techniques behind visualising data, and will get to use a range of tools to get experience of creating visual representations of data. You will g...

Deep Learning Technologies

Deep learning has revolutionised numerous fields in recent years. We've witnessed improvements in everything from computer vision through speech analysis to natural language processing as a result of the advent of massively parallel compute coupled with l...

Differentiable Programming and Deep Learning

Deep learning and differentiable programming has revolutionised numerous fields in recent years. We've witnessed improvements in everything from computer vision through speech analysis to natural language processing as a result of the advent of cheap GPGP...

Digital Forensics

We will study the tools and techniques used in digital forensics and its relevance to incident responses and criminal investigations. This will include: Network Traffic, Disk and Memory Forensics, Hardware Architectures, Forensics frameworks, Attributions...

Evolution of Complexity

Evolution by natural selection has created amazingly complex and sophisticated solutions to some very difficult problems - how exactly does it achieve this, and how can we harness this capability for engineering artificial systems and computational proble...

Image Processing

This module is useful to introduce:- Image processing and its relation to signal processing.- Image transformations for filtering, coding and etc.- Histogram processing algorithms to enhance image qualities and visibility.- Theories analysing and ...

Individual Research Project

The Individual Research Project is a 7.5 ECTS credit masters level module undertaken by independent study that allows students to demonstrate mastery of an advanced aspect of their discipline, including critical evaluation of current research and research...

Intelligent Agents

This module gives a broad introduction to the new and rapidly expanding field of agent-based computing. It introduces the key concepts and models of the field, dealing both with the individual agents and with their interactions. Particular emphasis is pla...

Intelligent Mobile Robotics

This module teaches the theory and practice of robotic perception and reasoning needed for mobile autonomous vehicles to operate in dynamic, unstructured environments across land, sea and air. You will learn probabilistic methods so that robots can self-l...

Knowledge Graphs for AI Systems

The last decade and a half have seen the Web move away from a purely document-centric information system to one in which hypertext techniques are applied to the sort of data found in databases; the term “Semantic Web” is used to refer to this Web of linke...

Probability in Computing

Computer Science has evolved significantly over the past decades, and various subfields require a strong foundation in probability. Such fondation is important in studying randomized algorithms, algorithm analysis, approximation algorithms and artificial ...

Simulation Modelling for Computer Science

Simulation modelling plays an increasingly significant role across modern science and engineering, with the development of computational models becoming established practice in industry, consulting, and policy formulation. Computer scientists are often em...

Social Media and Network Science

The second generation of web sites that came along in the mid 2000's included many of the social media sites that are now household names (YouTube, Flickr, Wikipedia, Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, etc.) These sites (known at the time as Web 2.0) focused on ...

Software Project Management and Secure Development

This module prepares students to develop an understanding of the critical issues and application of software project management. It introduces the students to the tools, techniques and body of knowledge involved in each stage of the project management lif...

Software Security

This module focuses on both theoretical and practical perspectives in the security of software and software systems, by exploring software analysis and reverse engineering. 
The aims of the module at a high level are to:
- Explore common threats to ...

Wireless Networks

This course is intended to give students an outline of how wireless communication and computer networks work "above the physical layer". This includes the interoperability of wireless networks such as WiMax/GPRS and WiFi to provide WiFi on trains etc. How...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

  • lectures
  • classes and tutorials
  • coursework
  • individual and group projects
  • independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

Year 1

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

30%
Scheduled learning & teaching
70%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
  • coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • design and problem-solving exercises
  • individual and group projects
  • oral presentations
  • written exams
Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

54%
Written exam
37%
Coursework
9%
Practical exam

Year 2

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:

29%
Scheduled learning & teaching
71%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
  • coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • design and problem-solving exercises
  • individual and group projects
  • oral presentations
  • written exams
Your assessment breakdown

Year 2:

50%
Written exam
47%
Coursework
3%
Practical exam

Year 3

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:

21%
Scheduled learning & teaching
79%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
  • coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • design and problem-solving exercises
  • individual and group projects
  • oral presentations
  • written exams
Your assessment breakdown

Year 3:

18%
Written exam
82%
Coursework

Year 4

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:

23%
Scheduled learning & teaching
77%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
  • coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • design and problem-solving exercises
  • individual and group projects
  • oral presentations
  • written exams
Your assessment breakdown

Year 4:

33%
Written exam
64%
Coursework
3%
Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Nicholas Gibbins is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

  • Research
  • Critical thinking
  • Commercial awareness
  • Self-management
  • Confidence
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Networking
  • EDI leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Problem solving
  • Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview
Women discussing in library tablet

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Information and Communication,

Manufacturing,

Education,

Finance and Insurance,

Public Administration and Defence,

Scientific and Technical.

Wider career opportunities:
  • Software developer
  • Data scientist
  • IT project manager
  • University lecturer
  • Patent attorney
  • IT consultant
See more
Example job titles of Southampton MEng Software Engineering graduates*:
  • Software engineer
  • Software developer
  • Computer scientist
  • Technical consultant
  • Data scientist
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Game programmer
  • Business development engineer
  • Cyber security consultant
  • Process engineer
See more

Job prospects for MEng Software Engineering graduates

£40k
Average professional salary
98%
In a skilled profession or further study
99%
Graduate employment rate
Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes: 

  • work experience schemes
  • CV and interview skills and workshops
  • networking events
  • careers fairs attended by top employers
  • a wealth of volunteering opportunities
  • study abroad and summer school opportunities 

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter,Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

  • UK students pay £9,535.
  • EU and international students pay £29,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under£36,200 a year, you may be able to get aUniversity of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out aboutbursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get aspecific bursary.

Get in touch foradvice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

TheStudent Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access ourStudent Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out aboutfunding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

  • UCAS course code: G600
  • UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

  • predicted grades
  • academic achievements
  • personal statement
  • academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Software Engineering (MEng) is a course in theComputer science and software engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area: