Thinking about a career in computing? With a software engineering degree from UEL, the future's bright!

All types of computer systems are now an important part of our lives, with well-engineered, reliable and usable systems crucial to the survival of most organisations. People, who can design, implement and maintain these ever-evolving systems are in constant demand. Studying in the field of computing is challenging and enjoyable, and can lead to a rewarding career. At UEL you can study the Software Engineering degree which provides the option of developing knowledge in such specialised areas as Business Information Systems, Computer Networking, Internet Technologies, Software Engineering and Communications Systems Security. This wide coverage area is provided by the number of options uniquely available only to students on the Software Engineering.

The Software Engineering at UEL allows you to study a variety of subjects, including the development of information systems, programming, computer architecture, operating systems, networking and the business contexts in which computer-based information systems are used. In addition the programme also offers students the option of gaining knowledge or specialise in such areas as Computer Networking Communications Security and Surveillance, and Project Management. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical-based skills, including the opportunity for one year's work experience (for London campus students only), which provides a solid foundation for a career in computing.

Software engineering programmes are three or four years in length, as the sandwich degrees include a one-year work placement. If you want to change to one of our specialised degrees, rather than the Computing degree, this is easy to arrange. Students are able to work in groups to develop computer-based solutions to real-life situations, often in co-operation with local companies.

In addition to the usual teaching and learning facilities such as laboratories, lecture and seminar rooms and a well-resourced library, students have access to a wide range of computing resources. Specialised labs are used for study of networking and operating system environments such as Windows and Unix. Students are provided with software tools for programming, database development, computer-aided software engineering, Internet access and Web-based development. The virtual learning environment UELPlus is used to give extra support to students and allow easy communication between students and staff. The placement year (which can take place abroad) is the ideal opportunity to add to the skills gained during the first two years of the programme.

A variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are entirely assessed by coursework, although most modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. Coursework assessment can take a number of different forms, including presentations, software demonstrations, research-based assignments and practical exercises involving system or program specification, coding and testing. Examinations might be multiple choice tests or more traditional unseen questions.

On our sandwich programmes (if you are a London campus student), students have the option to undertake a 48 week industrial placement during their third year. This placement is normally paid. The university has long-standing links with a large number of well-known employers who can provide UEL students with worthwhile work experience. Many students are offered permanent employment by their placement organisation when they graduate. In addition to enhancing employment prospects, the placement provides a valuable learning experience, the results of which feed into our students' final year of study.

This does not apply to our collaborative franchise programmes as many of these have local arrangements.  

Students complete a project in their final year. This is a major piece of work that allows students to choose the direction of their study, to develop their own ideas and to integrate the various subjects studied.

In addition to the IT-related skills and knowledge acquired during the programme, you will develop a wide range of personal and professional skills including communication, presentation, negotiation, team working and time management skills. These sought-after skills will be useful throughout your working life and will increase your chances of finding a well-paid and interesting job after graduation.

• Gain appropriate knowledge and skills base to pursue a career managing and developing information systems in a contemporary business context
• Gain an understanding of the operational, strategic and practical issues in information systems currently relevant to small, medium and large enterprises
• Learn and work both independently and within groups
• Be aware of the management, economic, legal, social, professional and ethical issues relating to information systems
• Develop the necessary study skills and knowledge to pursue further study

All learning outcomes are covered in the programme’s single honours route and where Maj, J and/or Min is shown against a learning outcome, this confirms that the learning outcome is covered in the Major, Joint and/or Minor routes offered.

Knowledge

• How to design and implement information systems (Maj, J)
• How computer hardware and software work together to provide a platform for information systems
• How information systems can be used in a business context (Maj, J and Min)
• How IT projects can be strategically managed and developed (Maj)

Thinking skills

• Problem solving (Maj, J and Min)
• Evaluation and critical analysis (Maj, J)
• Self-appraisal and review of personal practice (Maj)

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Use of range of specialised computer technology, such as: databases (Maj), web site and other development packages (Maj, J and Min)
• Preparation of essays, reports and presentations (Maj, J and Min)
• Production of major self-directed project (Maj)

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Communication skills (Maj, J and Min)
• Time management (Maj, J and Min)
• Learning and working both independently and in groups (Maj, J and Min)

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time, four years sandwich or five years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year (2 modules in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year in level 1, six 20 credit modules per year in level 2 and four 20 credit modules plus one 40 credit module per year in level 3. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and five at level 3. The university offers Subjects in a variety of combinations:

Single 120 credits at levels one, two and three
Major 80 credits at levels one, two and three
Joint 60 credits at levels one, two and three
Minor 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

Core Must be taken
Option Select from a range of identified module within the field
University Wide Option Select from a wide range of university wide options

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree)

Knowledge is developed through

• Participation in lectures, tutorials and workshops
• Directed and general reading
• Primary and secondary research, e.g. using the Internet or Learning Resource Centre

Thinking skills are developed through

• Successful completion of set assessment tasks
• Self-appraisal and self-evaluation
• Critical evaluation of concepts, assumptions, arguments and data

Practical skills are developed through

• use of general IT applications such as word processors and spreadsheets
• use of specialised IT applications such as program development environments and CASE tools
• investigation website development

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• working in groups to complete work set, such as presentations
• working during sandwich year as placement student
• managing time to complete assessments by deadlines

Knowledge is assessed by

• examinations, both unseen and based on previously supplied case studies
• multiple choice tests
• extended essays and reports

Thinking skills are assessed by

• all assessment tasks set, particularly those requiring critical evaluation
• self-appraisal of performance
• use of appropriate problem solving skills

Practical skills are assessed by

• assessment tasks requiring use of general and specialised IT applications
• use of equipment in practicals and presentations

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• evidence of group and team working
• completion of placement year
• ability to work to time constraints