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Software Engineering with a Foundation Year

Study level:
Undergraduate

Course options

Study mode:
Full-time
Qualification:
Master of Engineering (with Honours) - MEng (Hon)
Duration:
5 Years
Start date:
29/09/2025
Campus:
Main Site
20242025
Apply

Course summary

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.

Learn the art of engineering complex software systems, and how to apply that knowledge to this ever-expanding industry.

If you don't have the scientific or mathematical background for our engineering courses, this degree with a foundation year is for you. The foundation year will build your skills and knowledge in related areas to ensure you're ready to move on to your degree.

Sheffield’s software engineering BEng gives you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of software engineering, as well as computer science and the opportunity to explore aspects of artificial intelligence.

The course not only teaches you state-of-the-art software design and programming technologies, but also lets you practise skills that employers want in every candidate – project management, teamwork and working with customers.

The main focus of your final year is a dissertation project, where you’ll enjoy scope for creative and intellectual exploration. You'll take a specialist module on software testing and analysis giving you the skills to create robust software systems. Optional modules which cover topics such as software re-engineering, cybersecurity, and software for mobile devices give you the scope to tailor your degree to your interests.

Why study this course?

  • Professional skills and group work - professional, communication and presentation skills help to create more employable computer scientists and software engineers.

  • Specialist teaching facilities - you'll have access to the latest hardware, software and operating systems, plus high-spec graphics computers and a robotics arena in our dedicated computer labs in The Diamond.

  • Support throughout your degree - our dedicated student welfare advisor is available to provide support, for example, if you are feeling down, overwhelmed or struggling to adjust to student life.

Apply by
29 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
G651
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University of Sheffield has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G651
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BBB - BBC

BBB (any A Level); BBC including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

in Engineering or IT + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A

Access to HE Diploma - D: 24 credits M: 21 credits P: 0 credits

Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units), and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A

Scottish Higher - AABBB - ABBBB

AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

in Engineering or IT + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or IT + B in an A Level science subject (Physics, Chemistry or Biology) + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or IT + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 31 - 32 points

32 (any subjects); 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at either Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - B

+ BB at A Level (any subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology at A Level

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 (any subjects); H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology

GCSE/National 4/National 5

If you are studying both Maths and a science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology) at A Level or equivalent, we have no additional GCSE requirements. If you are studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A.

T Level - D

The Digital Production, Design and Development T Level is acceptable with Distinction overall and B in the core component + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A

To find out if you're eligible for additional consideration or an alternative offer, visit: ww.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/access-sheffield

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Other
Due to the competitive nature of applying for the course, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer. All applicants up to the 25th January 2023 will be considered, ranked and offers made after this date. Late applications will not be considered.

English language requirements

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

English language requirements for undergraduates https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/english-language

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Tuition fees for 2025 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2024-25 information as a guide.

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