Software Engineering
Software engineering is the systematic, disciplined approach to the design, development, testing and maintenance of software systems. Where computer science focuses on the theoretical and mathematical foundations of computation, software engineering is concerned with the practical engineering processes and principles needed to build large-scale, reliable software on time and within resource constraints. It encompasses requirements engineering, software architecture, design patterns, quality assurance, testing, project management and the professional practices of software teams working in real commercial and organisational contexts.
At Manchester Metropolitan University you will study software engineering over three years of full-time study, developing the essential skills needed to work with complex software systems and pursuing the methodical, robust approach to design and development that defines the discipline. A sandwich year is built into the programme, giving you substantial professional experience in a software engineering role before you return for your final year, significantly strengthening both your technical competency and your graduate employability. Work placement is also integrated throughout the programme, maintaining your connection to professional practice across your studies.
The typical tariff of 136 reflects the analytical and technical demands of a programme at a well-connected urban university with strong industry links.
Software engineering graduates work across virtually every sector as software developers, software architects, quality assurance engineers, DevOps engineers, technical project managers, systems analysts and technology consultants. The combination of technical engineering skill and understanding of software development processes is valued in organisations that need to build, maintain and evolve complex systems reliably. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in software engineering, computer science or related fields, and the sandwich year experience provides a significant advantage in competitive graduate recruitment.
The breadth of application, from financial services and healthcare to gaming and aerospace, means that software engineering graduates have genuine flexibility in the direction their careers take.