UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Computing Informatics and Media
Department of Computing
Programme/course title: Software Engineering
Awarding and teaching institution University of Bradford
Final award:
BEng (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level H]
Programme title:
Software Engineering
Programme accredited by:
British Computer Society
Duration:
BEng: 3 years full time; 4 years sandwich; 6 years
part-time
UCAS code:
G601 BEng/SE (3-year) G602 BEng/SE4 (4- year),
Subject benchmark statement:
Computing, Engineering
Date produced:
April 2003
Last updated:
July 2011
Programme Aims
Software Engineering is concerned with building computer systems that are error
free and totally reliable, such as the safety critical systems in aircraft or industrial
plant. The general principles of engineering are applied to the production of software
that meets these stringent requirements. The early part of the course concentrates
on the theoretical foundations of computation and computer technology.
It
incorporates ideas from many other disciplines, including mathematics, engineering,
psychology and graphical design and has a close affinity with electronic
communications as illustrated by the Internet and World Wide Web. The term
‘convergence’ is often used to describe how these two disciplines are coming
together. Later the emphasis moves to the design and implementation of large
software engineering projects.
The aims of the course are to provide you with a sound grounding in the
fundamentals of computer software development (programming) and the tools and
applications used by software engineers, and to provide the skills needed to enable
you to practice as a professional software engineer. These aims will be achieved by:

Providing you with a core of fundamental modules, in stages 1 and 2 that are
essential to all computer scientists, plus a wide range of options, particularly in
the final stage, so that you may choose the particular area in which you are
strong or wish to specialize, building on the knowledge and understanding gained
earlier.

Providing the support in the form of lectures, labs and tutorials that will enable
you to develop your personal portfolio of skills. The School of Computing,
Informatics and Media is committed to providing a very high standard of up-todate computing facilities to support the practical hardware and programming
requirements of the courses.

Developing discipline skills and personal transferable skills so that on graduation
you may move directly into responsible positions in industry or commerce, or may
pursue further programmes of study.

Promoting educational opportunities for ethnic minorities, women, mature and
alternatively qualified students, as well as for school-leavers and traditionally
qualified students.
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The BEng Software Engineering is offered by the Department of Computing, part of
the School of Computing, Informatics and Media (SCIM) in the University of
Bradford, which includes a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate
courses concerned with the understanding, design, and exploitation of computation
and computer technology. The Department places great emphasis on both teaching
and research, and there are opportunities for you to join one of our research teams
and progress on to postgraduate taught courses or research degrees on completion
of your first degree. Note that the British Computer Society (BCS) for computing
professionals, the route to further professional qualifications, accredits
undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the Department. Its
accreditation of our courses, including the BEng Software Engineering, also means
that successful honours graduates are exempted from further examinations for BCS
membership. Employment prospects for graduates of the BEng Software
Engineering should be excellent. Our current BCS-accredited courses currently
enjoy a 91% graduate employment rate, and we expect similar success for the BEng
Software Engineering.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes indicate what you should know, understand and be able to do on
successful completion of your course. Software Engineering is a subject where
current practices in the field are changing rapidly as technologies evolve and new
programming languages emerge. However the underlying theory and principles do
not change rapidly. You will study these fundamentals and learn how to apply them
to the analysis of problems and how to plan, implement and evaluate the solutions.
You will learn about new technologies and languages required to implement
solutions.
In order to achieve the learning outcomes you will develop the following:

Knowledge and Understanding: a systematic understanding of the fundamental
concepts and theories of computer science including detailed knowledge of
hardware, computer architecture, information and communication technologies; a
firm grasp of the mathematical foundations of computing and how they underpin
the formal specification and design of commercial applications; knowledge of the
engineering principles associated with large software projects; an awareness of
and concern for the need for software reliability, correctness and safety, such
concern being the hallmark of a professional software engineer; ability to
comment on aspects of current research in the discipline.

Discipline Specific Skills including; how to analyse problems and develop
solutions using leading edge ideas and techniques; how to develop computer
programs using object oriented programming languages; how to choose which
programming languages to use for specific applications; ability to manage and/or
contribute to a team approach to software engineering projects; an ability to read
and make use of research articles in journals and research literature; the ability to
complete a major individual software engineering project; competence in the use
of major software application packages.
Personal and Transferable Skills: exercise of initiative in information management,
interpretation and presentation; ability to make decisions in a variety of contexts;
application of IT and communications skills to management problems; report writing
and presentation skills; creative and systematic problem solving; teamwork and
leadership; project management; and personal management.
The Curriculum
The map of your studies is detailed below showing core(C) and optional (O) modules. Each
year, or stage, of an Honours course comprises two semesters with 60 credits being studied
2
in each semester. For 10 credit modules and 20 credit double modules (last character in
module code is a ‘D’) all of the teaching and assessment is undertaken in the same
semester. For 20 credit linked modules (last character in the module code is an ‘L’) and the
30 credit project there is teaching and assessment in both semesters.
Although the University does not recruit directly to Ordinary degrees this route is available to
students for whom a less intense course of study is appropriate. Ordinary degrees comprise
100 credits in stage 1 and 80 credits in stages 2 and 3. For entrants 2011/12 onwards
placed on ORDINARY after level 1, in addition to meeting the requirements for Stage 1,
students must study units amounting to 100 credits in stages 2 and 3 respectively.
Diploma of Industrial Studies
Diploma of International Studies
You have the option to undertake an industrial placement, or of studying or working abroad
for a year between stages 2 and 3; this option is strongly encouraged. SCIM has an
industrial training tutor who has contacts with a large number of outside organizations and
who assists in helping you find a placement. Successful completion of the industrial year
qualifies you for the award of the Diploma of Industrial Studies in addition to your degree.
The university’s International Office provides a wide range of opportunities and support for
students to gain international experience. Successful completion of the international year
qualifies you for the award of the Diploma of International Studies in addition to your
degree. Both options provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience, and are viewed
favourably by prospective employers.
Unit Code
Cr
Se
m
L
e
v
e
l
Module Title
H
o
n
s
O
rd
Stage 1
CM0113L
20
CM0107L
20
CM0111L
20
CM0211M
CM0116D
CM0202M
CM0117D
10
20
10
20
1,
2
1,
2
1,
2
1
1
2
2
1
Developing Professional Skills
C
1
Computer Architecture and Systems Software
C
1
Formal Foundations
C
1
1
1
1
Introduction to Web Technologies
Software Development (Part 1)
Foundations of Human Computer Interaction
Software Development (Part 2)
C
C
C
C
2
2
2
User Interface Development
Database Systems
Software Engineering with Group Project
C
C
C
2
Data Structures and Algorithms
C
2
Computer Communications and Networks
C
O
2
Information Systems Analysis and Design
C
O
2
2
Network Business/Distributed Information Management OR
Computer Architecture and System Software 2
C
C
3
Final Year Project
C
3
3
3
W:Mobile Systems (after CM0315L and CM0414L)
X: Information Systems (after CM0305L and CM0414L)
Y: Internet Systems (after CM0315L and CM0414L)
Z: Real Time Systems (after CM0315L and CM0415L)
Information Engineering
Formal Methods
Decision Support Systems
Stage 2
CM0312M
CM0307M
CM0304D
10
10
20
CM0316L
20
CM0315L
20
CM0305L
20
CM0414L
OR
CM0415L
20
20
1
1
2
1,
2
1,
2
1,
2
1,
2
1,
2
C
C
C
Stage 3
CM0347K
40
1,
2
Honours and Ordinary
CM0504D
CM0332D
CM0606D
20
20
20
1
1
1
3
W X
Y
Z
C
O
O
O
O
O
C
O
CM0616D
EM0359D
CM0602D
CM0615D
CM0328D
EM0361D
CM0518D
CM0348D
CM0331D
CM0506D
CM0333D
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
M
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Deploying Web Technologies
Design for Mobile Content
Networks Performance Modelling and Analysis
Advanced Database Systems
AI for Games
Multimedia Systems
Concurrent and Distributed Systems
Foundations of Cryptography
Human Computer Interaction (Design and Development)
Real Time Systems
Web Engineering
O
C
O
O
C
O
O
O
C
O
C
C
C
O
O
O
C
O
O
C
Please note that, while every effort will be made to accommodate your choices, it may not be
possible to permit every possible combination of optional modules, due to timetabling constraints.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review
procedures.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
You will experience a wide range of teaching and learning environments. Concepts,
principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, practiced in
associated tutorials and seminars, and demonstrated in laboratory classes. Practical
skills are developed in laboratory sessions. Professional and personal skills are
developed through the Developing Professional Skills module which involves
communications skills, library skills, group work and presentations. The Software
Engineering Group Project develops an appreciation of how to manage group
dynamics in whilst working on a substantial software engineering exercise. Honours
students undertake a major individual project in their final year, drawing together the
knowledge and experience gained throughout the course. The project provides the
opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to solve problems using current ideas
and techniques that are at the forefront of computing and information systems
disciplines. Students who achieve an Ordinary degree may be given the opportunity
to ‘top-up’ to a classified Honours degree at a later stage at which time they will
undertake the individual project.
Each 10-credit module on the course requires you to commit 100 hours of study.
Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars
and tutorials – and others will involve you in carrying out private study. The balance
between these forms of study changes as you pass through the three years of the
course. There are a lot of “contact hours” (time spent with tutors) in the earlier stages
of the course; in the final year you will be expected to manage your own learning,
under the general guidance of your tutors.
Methods of assessment are similarly varied and your progress will be assessed
using a mix of formal examinations, presentations and seminar papers, reports,
laboratory tests, essays, coursework assignments, and projects. The appropriate
method is chosen so that you may demonstrate the particular learning outcomes of
each module.
Admissions Criteria
In addition to a degree, successful completion of the Honours degree course will give
candidates a qualification that is recognized by the British Computer Society.
Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most
important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential
to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular course.
Entrance requirements will vary but are set after consideration of each applicant’s
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academic background and achievements and all other relevant experience. A typical
offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be CCC or 240
UCAS tariff points. Applications are welcome from candidates with non-standard
qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant
experience.
Progression Criteria and Exit Points
To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a
classified Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in
the other 20 credits.
The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the
overall weighted marks that you receive for each stage. Stage 2 contributes 30% and
stage 3 70%. The classes and divisions of the Honours degree are awarded on the
basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70.0% or above:
60.0% or above:
50.0% or above:
otherwise:
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours – First Division
Second Class Honours – Second Division
Third Class Honours
If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher
Education; if you complete stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of
Higher Education. The learning outcomes for these awards and the final award are
consistent with those of the national qualifications framework for England.
The progression and award regulations for Ordinary courses are similar to those for
the Honours courses except 40% must be achieved in 80 credits at Stage 1 and 60
credits at subsequent Stages.
Regulations Summary
Comprehensive information on the University’s Regulation Governing Undergraduate
Awards is at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html
Student Support Arrangements
All students admitted to SCIM go through a process of induction that includes
detailed talks by the Dean and Head of Department.
Afterwards, ongoing support for students is provided in the form of one-stop facilities
located at the SCIM Student Support Office (SSO) in Horton Building, open all day
during term time, with limited daily opening hours during non-term time.
Support for registered students also is provided 24/7 via the SCIM intranet. This
includes the SSO website at http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/internal/sso/ which contains
the following information:







SCIM Student Handbook
SCIM Learning & Behaviour Agreement
Course Timetable
Examination timetable
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Coursework submission record
E-mail Archives
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The SCIM intranet also includes the Computing department website at
http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/internal/computing/ which offers further information to
support students and includes the following:
 Student Staff Liaison Minutes
 Courses and modules
 Course Tutors contact information
 Equipment Loans Service
The SCIM intranet includes the Technical Support website at http://ts.inf.brad.ac.uk/
which supports students by offering detailed information on all the technical and
services offered by the School, including:
 Equipment Loans Service
 IT suites
 Hosting
All students on the BEng Software Engineering are allocated a personal tutor who
will provide both academic and pastoral support. There are also a number of named
individuals within Computing who have specialist responsibilities, and are able to
deal with specific issues relating to factors such as disability, equal opportunities and
gender.
The Staff Student Liaison Committee gives the opportunity for students to give
formal feedback to the Course Tutor and/or Department about curricular issues and
the general running of the programme.
The School also uses the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Blackboard to support students via their individual modules
The University of Bradford provides important facilities such as extended access to
library and computing services, counselling and welfare services, and careers
advice. The Disability Office provided targeted support for all students with known
disabilities and routinely arranges dyslexia assessments and appropriate support
(i.e. reasonable adjustment) for disabled students.
Further Information
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The Recruitment and Marketing Office
The University of Bradford
School of Computing, Informatics and Media
Richmond Road
The University of Bradford
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Horton Building
UK
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 235963
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
ugadmissions@scim.brad.ac.uk
http://scim.brad.ac.uk/courses/ug/
Disclaimer
The details of this Programme Specification and information contained therein are
subject to change in accordance with the University of Bradford’s course approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
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