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Undergraduate 2027
BEng | Postgraduate Taught

Software Engineering With Placement

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Start Date
September 2027
Duration
4 years (Full-time)
Entry requirements
BBB/ABB

Course Overview

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 the demand for software engineers has never been greater.

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 degree 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 enables you to craft a degree pathway that fits your own areas of interest. You could find yourself working on anything from apps to virtual and augmented reality; lifesaving smart medical implants to consumer space travel or automated intelligence.

Employer experience is embedded into this course and allows students to engage and learn from prospective employers from day one. Through placements, sponsored projects and hackathons, you will engage with employers and begin making a difference to real world problems.

Course highlights

Industry Links

Our students are constantly given the opportunity to put theory into practice. We regularly consult a large number of employers including, for example, Civica and Sensata Technologies, who provide sponsorship for our students as well as Kainos and Liberty IT who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course.

Career Development

Students taking this programme may spend a year gaining professional experience in industry in a paid full-time post. Students are helped to obtain suitable places and the School has excellent links with over 500 local, national and international employers such as Citi, BT, Liberty IT, and Kainos in Belfast, IBM in England, Microsoft and Sun Microsystems in Dublin, Fujitsu in Japan and Siemens in Germany.

Rebekah Kane (Computer Science /Software Engineering)

Attraction to QUB
I went to secondary school in Belfast and we had an open day at QUB in sixth year, which really opened my eyes to how many opportunities are available to you when you study at Queen’s, especially for students like myself who have an interest in studying abroad.

I was also really impressed with the development plans for the Computer Science Building, which opened at the start of my second year of uni. The resources available within the building are fantastic and events run weekly which allow students to connect with future employers.

Positive experience during studies
Personally, my placement year stands out as the most positive experience I have had throughout my degree. I worked with the Renault Formula One Team in Oxfordshire for nine months within their IT department, and it was a fantastic opportunity to network within an industry I would like to work in once I graduate. Through studying at QUB I also had the opportunity to partake in a two month placement in Zhuhai, China, which was an amazing experience and makes me stand out to perspective employers.

Placement
My placement was with the Renault F1 Team in Enstone, Oxfordshire. I spent nine months there working as an IT analyst, helping users with various tech problems they were experiencing. My placement year was probably the highlight of my time at Queen’s, as it has opened doors for me within an industry that many believe to be out of reach. I was lucky enough to work alongside some of the best minds in the business, as well as the F1 drivers and the media.

Engaging in extracurricular activities
I studied French at A-Level but had forgotten much of it by the time I finished my first year of university, so this year I signed up for post-GCSE and A-Level French classes. Through this I have met so many people who have the same interests as me and I feel not only much more confident at the language but also more involved in the wider QUB community.

One piece of advice for EEECS applicant
I wasn’t entirely sure whether or not I should study Computer Science at university, but it has opened more doors for me than I could have imagined. If you are the kind of person who is good with numbers and logic but also likes to be creative, then this is the course for you. I didn’t study IT based subjects at GCSE or A-Level – my A-Level subjects were Maths, Chemistry, Biology and French – but by approaching concepts like programming with an open mind and using the support systems within the EEECS community that are available, I am on course to graduate with a 2.1 in a highly desirable degree.

Going forward
Once I graduate in June, my plan is to travel for a few months before returning to the world of F1 for the 2021 Season.

If you had a time machine, and could go back to your first day at Queen’s, what would you do differently? (if anything!)
The best bit of advice that I can give to freshers is to talk to people at your induction – making friends on the first day is the easiest way to do it as everyone is in the same boat. I didn’t know anyone on my course on that first day, but it’s been four years and I still sit with the same girls I befriended on day one.
Start Date
September 2027
Duration
4 years (Full-time)
Places Available
tbc (Full Time)
Placement
Yes

Course Structure

0

Introduction

These degrees teach 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.

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

Stage 1

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

Stage 2

Stage 2 themes build on Stage 1 to include core aspects of Software Engineering such as database design and networking.

Students taking the Single Honours BEng spend a year on a paid full-time placement. The School has links with over 500 local, national and international employers eg BT, Liberty, Asidua, Kainos (Belfast), IBM (England), Microsoft, Sun Microsystems (Dublin), Fujitsu (Japan) and Siemens (Germany), and students are assisted in obtaining placements. It is expected that students would gain a Licentiateship of the City & Guilds from this period of work experience.

Topics may include:-

Professional Computing Practice
Software Engineering
Software Development
Information Modelling
Data Structures Algorithms and Programming Languages
Architecture and Networks

Stage 3

Placement Year

Stage 4

Along with working on a software engineering project these advanced topics permit each student to tailor their skills towards one or more areas of software engineering specialism.

Topics may include:

Concurrent Programming
Agile & Component Based Development using NET
Information System Security
Formal Methods
Software Design Principles and Patterns
Advanced Computer Architecture

  • People Teaching You

    EEECS
    T: +44(0)28 9097 4669 E:eeecs@qub.ac.uk

  • Contact Teaching Hours
    Large Group Teaching

    9 (hours maximum)
    9 hours of lectures

    Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

    6 (hours maximum)
    6 hours of practical classes, workshops or tutorials each week

    Personal Study

    24 (hours maximum)
    Neil is a Lecturer (Education) in Computing. He specialises in the areas of databases, data management and semantic understanding. He has an interest in the development of novel teaching methods.

  • Learning and Teaching

    The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts. 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 degree we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students 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. Networks link the School and university computers to powerful machines in Great Britain.

    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.

    E-Learning technologies

    The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is called CANVAS and may be associated with communication relating to lectures and assignments. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree 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.

    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 has an active body of EEECS Student Mental Health Ambassadors. 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. Charity games evenings are open to all computing students in the School.

    Personal Tutor

    Undergraduates 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 degree will use supervised projects as a means of enabling you to put your technical understanding into practice. The extensive use of team based projects will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills widely used by employers. In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you.

    Self-directed study

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

    Work placements

    A student taking this programme can spend a year gaining professional experience in industry in a paid full-time post. Students are helped to obtain suitable places and the School has excellent links with over 500 local, national and international employers such as Microsoft, Liberty IT, Kainos, IBM,Deloitte, BT, Citi Group, SAP and Dell.

  • Assessment

    Details of assessments associated with this courses 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 are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction
Apply via UCAS

Modules

The information provided in this Course Finder reflects the module details for the current year of study (2025/26). Please note that modules are subject to annual review and changes may occur in response to various factors, including student feedback and academic developments. Prospective students will be notified of any significant changes to module offerings before the start of the new academic year.

Entrance requirements

A-level

BBB including at least one preferred A-level (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
ABB including at least one relevant A-level (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 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
OR
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including at least one relevant Leaving Certificate subject at grade H3 (see list below) + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65% 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 70% in a scientific Access Course + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course

International Baccalaureate Diploma

32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one preferred Higher Level subject (see list below)
OR
33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one relevant Higher Level subject (see list below)

If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in English and Mathematics would be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

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

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.

Applicants are also required have GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.

BTEC Higher National Diploma

For those offering a relevant Higher National Diploma, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the HND. Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve 4 Distinctions, 8 Merits and 4 Passes. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 on an individual basis.

For those offering a relevant Foundation Degree, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the Foundation Degree and first year results (an average of 60% with no less than 55% in any module). Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve an average of 65% in final year modules and no less than 60% in any final year module. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 on individual basis.

Applicants are also required have GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided that subject specific requirements are met

Note

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

Computer Science, Computing Information Technology and Software Engineering share a common core of modules in the first year, so students may therefore transfer between these degrees at the end of first year, subject to meeting the normal progression requirements.

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

    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 UCAS application.

    Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

    Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS. These decisions can only be made on the basis of the information given and applicants must show due care and diligence when completing their applications. In particular, full details must be included about qualifications completed or still to be completed.

    For entry last year, applicants must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

    Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered.

    The offer for repeat candidates is normally the same as the offer for first time applicants. For repeat applicants acceptable grades may be held from the previous year.

    A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not normally considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

    Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC National and Higher National Certificates/Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or an Access course, will also be considered. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates offering other qualifications.

    For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied

    The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

    Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

    If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open Day, which is usually held during the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice; the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

    If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

  • 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.

    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.
Apply via UCAS

Fees and funding

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Northern Ireland (NI) 1
£4,985
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2
£4,985
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1
£9,535
EU Other 3
£26,600

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

  • Additional course costs

    Students may wish to become a student member of BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT - at an annual cost of £20, or £30 for four years (subject to change).

    Students undertake a placement in year 3 and are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students may receive payment from their placement provider during their placement year.

    All Students

    Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

    Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

    Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

    If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

    Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

    There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

  • How do I fund my study?

    The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

    A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

    More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

  • International Scholarships

    Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

Studying for a Software Engineering degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers (local, national and international).

Consultations

We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Civica and Liberty IT, who provide sponsorship for our students as well as Citi and Kainos who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course.

Employment Links

The School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad. We benefit from the fact that there are more software companies located in N Ireland than any other part of the UK, outside of London. This offers benefits on many levels for our students, from industrial input to the content of our courses, through to year long and summer placements as well as activities such as competitions organised by the companies etc.

Northern Ireland has an excellent international reputation for the quality and supply of its software engineers. Indeed many companies, both national and international, have opted for Northern Ireland as a base for their computing divisions in recognition of the high quality of graduates produced by the local universities.

Given this situation, it is not surprising that our graduates have had unparalleled job opportunities over the years, both locally and internationally. Because of the achievements of Queen's graduates already in the software engineering profession, a Software Engineering degree from Queen's is a highly respected qualification.

Employers, from large multinational firms to small local organisations, actively target our students, recognising that Queen's Software Engineering graduates are equipped with the skills they need. On graduating the majority of graduates take up posts associated with software design and implementation. Opportunities exist in fields as diverse as finance, games, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research, consumer products, and public services - virtually all areas of business. Some of the employers include BT, Liberty IT, Kainos, Accenture, Citi, Wombat Financial Software.

The types of career open to Software Engineering graduates include: Software Developer; Systems Analyst; Web Designer; Games Developer; Programmer; IT Consultant; Project Manager.

What employers say

“We’ve been recruiting QUB students for many years now. The reason why we do is that the students who join us have always bowled us over with their enthusiasm, can-do attitude and how quickly they can learn the skills required to work in Kainos. They fit in quickly to our team environments, and add a huge amount of value in terms of the work they do here.”
Kainos
“The students who join PwC NI from Queen's University Belfast EEECS not only come with a great academic record but also portray the key skills, we as a firm seek. Skills such as teamwork, good communication, willingness to learn and develop and reimagine the impossible. This I feel is due to a strong focus on both academics and the importance of the careers services during their university degree.”
PwC
“Every year, Liberty IT employs about 20 placement students, many of whom come from Queen’s. The standard of these students is very high, which is evidenced by the conversion rate to Graduate Software Engineers within the company once they graduate – this year it was 100%.”
Liberty IT
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How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply via UCAS

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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