Software Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng
Department of Computer Science
Explore this course:
This course is no longer taking applications for 2022-23 entry. View 2023-24 entry or find another undergraduate course.
Key details
- A Levels BBB; BBC
Other entry requirements - UCAS code G651
- 5 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- FY Foundation year
Course description
If you want to study software engineering but don't meet our standard entry requirements, our foundation year could be for you.
You'll learn the fundamentals of maths, physics and engineering in a variety of innovative ways to prepare you for your degree.
Our software engineering degree focuses on the art of engineering complex software systems. The course not only teaches you state-of-the-art software design and programming technologies, but also lets you practise your skills in project management, teamwork and working with customers - skills expected by employers.
You'll get a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer science and the opportunity to explore aspects of artificial intelligence. In the second year, you'll develop software for real companies. In the third year you'll carry out an individual research project, giving you scope for creative and intellectual input.
This BEng course is accredited by the British Computer Society. The courses fully meet the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional and partially meet the requirements for Chartered Engineer.
The MEng courses is accredited by the British Computer Society. The courses fully meet the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional and Chartered Engineer.
Modules
UCAS code: G651
Years: 2022, 2023
Core modules:
- Core Foundation Mathematics
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The syllabus for MAS003 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.
40 credits - Introduction to Engineering
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This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of engineering activities across the faculty and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to their development and be successful. It will also help create links with departments and draw on the other modules that students will take in the foundation year especially maths and physics.
40 credits - Foundations of Physics with Computing
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This module will introduce essential concepts in mechanics and electronics in the context of computer science, to develop an understanding of real world interactions with electro-mechanical devices and producing simplified programming code.
30 credits
- Further Foundation Mathematics
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The syllabus for MAS004 covers important material which appears on the A level maths and further mathematics A Level curriculum. The module is for students who are taking MAS003 and need a deeper background in mathematics for their degree course. The module covers advanced principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the problem classes with tutors and in their own time.
10 credits
After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start your BEng or MEng degree.
Explore software engineering courses
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, tutorials and seminars. You will also learn important group work skills and will have the opportunity to work with clients to solve real-world problems. As well as formal teaching you will be expected to undertake independent study.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work. The proportions for each will vary depending on the modules you choose.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB; BBC
BBB (any A Level); BBC, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
International Baccalaureate 32 + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in Engineering or IT + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
Scottish Highers AABBB (any subjects) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; ABBBB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + BB (any A Level subjects) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Access to HE Diploma 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 credits at Distinction (including at least 12 credits in Maths) and 21 credits at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A. Applicants are considered individually
Other requirements-
If you are not studying Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at A Level (or equivalent), you will need GCSE grade 6/B in Science and 7/A in Maths
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Computer Science
We're the first computer science department in the UK to launch its own student-run software company, Genesys. Choose Sheffield and you'll develop skills in programming, teamwork, communication, systems design, problem solving, and learn about current software engineerng industry practices.
Our courses are designed to challenge you and prepare you for a career in industry, commerce, research, teaching or management. Our inspirational staff are experts in their fields of research and we are ranked 5th out of 89 computer science departments in the UK for research excellence. What we teach you is relevant today and tomorrow.
During your degree you'll work on real projects for real clients as part of core and optional modules.
As well as lots of practical experience, we'll give you the first-rate scientific grounding you'd expect from a leading Russell Group research university. You can specialise in areas including computer security, web development and mobile apps, robotics and machine learning, speech and language technology, or 3D graphics and virtual reality.
Take one of our four-year MComp degrees and you can participate in Genesys as part of your course. Genesys was the first student-led software development organisation in the UK and will give you the opportunity to gain real industrial experience with a great deal of personal responsibility.
Your lectures, practical classes, tutorials and seminars are usually held on the University campus. The Diamond is a world-class building, home to all engineering undergraduates and where most of your practical sessions will take place. Our investment of £81m in the building and £20m for lab equipment is helping us to develop innovative teaching and learning experiences.
Dedicated teaching staff will support you and assist your development into a computer scientist of the future. We regularly host guest lectures from industry, with recent guests including Microsoft, Google, GitHub, IBM and ARM.
Facilities
You will have access to cutting edge facilities in The Diamond including virtual reality facilities, high-spec graphics PCs and a robot arena. Our computer suites are equipped with the latest hardware, software and operating systems.
Science and Engineering Foundation YearWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A top 100 university 2022
QS World University Rankings
92 per cent of our research is rated in the highest two categories
Research Excellence Framework 2021
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Computer Science
National Student Survey 2021
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Student profiles
Graduate careers
Department of Computer Science
Some of our graduates have gone on to become IT consultants, software engineers, software developers, project managers, and data scientists in companies such as Amazon, ARM, BT, Bank of America & BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs, Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Plusnet. Others have begun their research careers by starting a PhD.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've made an application to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
This course is no longer taking applications for 2022-2023 entry. View 2023-2024 entry or find another undergraduate course.Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 7870
Email: sefy@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.