University course Β· real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni Β· part of Careermash
University degree

Software Engineering

University of Glasgow Β· Glasgow
Qualification
Degree
Length
4 yrs
UK fees / yr
Β£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin Β· your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Software engineering is the discipline of designing, building, and maintaining the complex software systems on which modern organisations and societies depend. It goes beyond programming to encompass the principles of large-scale system design, software architecture, quality assurance, project management, and the professional practices needed to deliver reliable software in real development teams. The word 'faster' in this degree title indicates an accelerated pathway through the content, completing the equivalent of a standard programme at an intensified pace.

At the University of Glasgow this four-year full-time programme combines theoretical computer science with the principles and practices of the modern software industry, giving you both the intellectual foundations and the practical experience needed to work at a high level in software development. Glasgow is a research-led university with strong connections to the technology sector, and the programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study in a different academic and technical environment. The typical entry tariff of 200 points reflects the demanding nature of entry to a software engineering degree at Glasgow.

You will develop rigorous programming skills, an understanding of algorithms, data structures, and computational theory, and the professional practices of software development including testing, version control, agile methods, and team-based project work. The faster pathway means the pace is demanding, and you will need to engage with the material with commitment and discipline throughout.

Graduates go on to work as software engineers, backend and frontend developers, systems architects, DevOps engineers, and technology consultants across a wide range of industries. The combination of Glasgow's academic reputation and a well-rounded software engineering education provides an excellent foundation for competitive roles in the technology sector. Postgraduate study in computer science, software engineering, or AI is also a natural next step.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
128-143 pts10%
144-159 pts5%
160-175 pts5%
176-191 pts15%
192-207 pts15%
208-223 pts15%
224-239 pts10%
240+ pts5%
How they qualified
63% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels63%
another degree13%
an Access course10%
other higher education6%
the IB4%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
100%
In work or further study after
85%
Continue past first year
83%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£33,500
3 years on
Β£46,000
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled80%
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled5%
What students say National Student Survey
83%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching80%
Assessment & feedback74%
Academic support64%
Well organised82%
Learning resources87%
Student community87%
In students' own words
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Genuinely worthwhile
Coming here has changed how I think. The best part: the opportunity to do independent research in the final year is a highlight. If I'm honest, a few modules feel under-resourced compared to the flagship ones. On the city β€” local cost of li…
Class of 2022 Β· Full-time
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Exceeded expectations
Honestly, one of the best decisions I've made. The best part: the lecturers include people actively shipping research to industry. If I'm honest, admin can be slow to respond, especially at start of term. On the city β€” good transport links …
Third year Β· Full-time
More courses like this
Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on University of Glasgow's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash Β· real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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