Without software engineering, you wouldn’t be reading this page. Software innovation has transformed the way we think about, and interact with, technology. In fact, all the forms of communication, interaction and access that we take for granted today are made possible by software in some shape or form. Which is why there still a demand for software engineers.

From improving the efficiency of the apps we use in order to make them more sustainable, to developing scalable and secure app infrastructure, Software Engineers have skills that drive innovation. In essence, they are problem solvers with the ability to take an existing software system and creatively refine, enhance and transform it into something even better.

This higher level apprenticeship programme is designed to equip you with the analytical, reasoning and practical skills you will need to design, develop and deploy large software systems. Plus, our project-based learning approach throughout the course enables you to benefit from your experience in your employer.

As an apprentice employer experience is embedded into this course and allows apprentices to engage and learn from their employer from day one. Through real-world experience gained from employment and learning from what you are taught on the course you will have the best opportunity to develop your skills to have a successful career.

Course highlights

Industry Links

Our apprentices are constantly given the opportunity to put theory into practice through project-based learning throughout the entire course. This leverages their experience with their employers. We regularly consult a large number of employers, who offer apprenticeships, in our Professional Advisory Board. Therefore, the course is refined and kept up to date.

Career Development

Apprentices will be working with an employer for the duration of this course, gaining valuable experience. This will set them up for future career success.

Student Experience

The course offers flexibility. After the first year if you would prefer to study part-time instead, this can be accommodated in consultation with your employer. This allows you to study at a pace that suits you best to ensure that you succeed.

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Introduction

This apprenticeship course teaches the fundamental principles of Software Engineering, together with the necessary skills, tools and techniques to enable our graduates to embark on careers as professional software engineers. Special emphasis is placed on individual and team-based software development projects in preparation for industry and utilising employer experience.

The programme contains the following themes which may change due to the nature of the IT Industry and keeping up with industrial trends:

Level 1

Reasoning for Problem Solving
Introduction to Software Engineering
Foundation of Computing Systems
Databased Design

Level 2

Stage 2 themes build on Stage 1 to include core aspects of Software Engineering. Topics may include:
Professional Computing Practice
Introduction to Cloud Computing
Networks
Introduction to Machine Learning
Introduction to Cryptography
Data Structures Algorithms and Programming Languages

Level 3

Along with working on a software engineering project these advanced topics permit each student to increase their knowledge and skills.

Topics may include:
Secure Software Development
Video Analytics and Machine Learning
Concurrent Programming
Formal Methods
Software Design Principles and Patterns
Advanced Computer Architecture

• People Teaching You
• Learning and Teaching

  The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major research centres. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.
  
  At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
  
  On the Software Engineering HLA, we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our apprentices to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  Additional Information

  Students have access to a wide range of computers in world class laboratories (equipped with several hundred PCs) and specialised software packages.
  
  The course emphasises the professional and practical application of software engineering. As such, students are encouraged to build strong links with local software engineering companies through employer involvement within projects, lectures and other forms of teaching contact.

  Employer Experience

  As an apprentice taking this programme spend the duration of the course working for an employer gaining professional experience in industry in a paid post.

  Lectures

  Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

  Peer Mentoring

  Queen’s runs a peer mentoring scheme for Computing students – a group of students from all year groups (except first year) are trained to provide support for the 1st year students, in terms of offering advice and guidance, organising social events etc. The School also has a Computing Society (QCS – Queen’s Computing Society) who organise a range of activities, including social events and more formal activities such as industry lectures, for all Computing students.

  Personal Tutor

  Apprentices are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

  Practicals

  Where you will have significant opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Comprehensive demonstrator support is provided.

  Projects and teamwork

  A number of modules throughout the course will use supervised projects as a means of enabling you to put your technical understanding into practice. The use of team-based projects will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills widely used by employers.

  Self-directed Study

  This is an important part of life as a Queen’s apprentice when important private reading, engagement with virtual learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

  Virtual Learning Technologies

  The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is called CANVAS and may be associated with communication relating to lectures and assignments. A range of virtual learning experiences are also embedded in the apprenticeship course through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.

• Assessment

  Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed is provided at the beginning of each module.

A-level

BCC including at least one preferred A-level at grade B (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4;
OR
BBC including at least one relevant A-level at grade B (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award (or equivalent as deemed by the University) will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level and a Merit being equated to a grade C at A-level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H3H4H4 including at least one preferred Leaving Certificate subject at grade H3 (see list below) + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level
ORH3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H4 including at least one relevant Leaving Certificate subject at grade H3 (see list below) + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

A relevant computing QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with DMM + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
A relevant computing RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with DMM + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
A relevant engineering or scientific QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with DDM + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
A relevant engineering or scientific RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with DDM + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 60% in a computing or mathematical Access Course + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course
OR
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65% in a scientific Access Course + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.

BTEC Higher National Certificate

For applicants offering a relevant HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits.

BTEC Higher National Diploma

For those offering a relevant Higher National Diploma, there may be the possibility of entry to depending on relevance of the HND and is reviewed on an individual basis.

Foundation Degree

• For those offering a relevant Foundation Degree, there may be the possibility of entry to depending on relevance of the HND and is reviewed on an individual basis.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Preferred subjects: Mathematics, Computing or Software Systems Development

Relevant subjects: Chemistry, Digital Technology, ICT, Physics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied ICT

• How we choose our students

  Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Application for the BEng Applied Software Engineering, (part-time), Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), is by Direct Entry and prospective applicants can access the application via the Apply tab.
  
  In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your application.
  
  Applicants admitted to the BEng Applied Software Engineering (part-time), Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) must secure remunerative employment prior to admission. Applicants are required to provide details of their employer and a scanned copy of their letter from the employer detailing the offer of employment as soon as possible but no later than 31 August 2026 prior to admission.
  
  The application should be accompanied by:
  • copies of all qualification certificates/transcripts, for qualifications already completed;
  • copy of your letter from the employer detailing the offer of employment;
  
  Time limited application - Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and not later than Friday 31 July 2026 at 4.00 pm. However, in the event that the BEng Applied Software Engineering (part-time) HLA receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close applications earlier than advertised. When capacity is reached, eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list and should places become available, they will be notified. In these circumstances it may be necessary to consider applications in date/time order of receipt. Applications received after the closing date will be regarded as late and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by the closing date have been processed.
  
  Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your application, which is considered by an Admissions Manager/Officer from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Academic Selector from the School. Therefore, it is important to include all required information.
  
  If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions.hla@qub.ac.uk) providing full details of your enquiry.

• International Students

  Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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  International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

  For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

  If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.