Computing - Software Engineering
The Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (validated by Ulster University) has been designed to help you develop the skills you need to start your career in the software engineering field, whether you are interested in Software Development, Data Analytics or Software Testing, this course will give you an excellent start on your chosen career path. You will be taught by highly experienced staff in our computing labs which come fully equipped with industry standard hardware and software.
| Award Name | Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Ulster University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 | Ulster University |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Higher Education Entry Criteria
Each Higher Education programme has its own distinctive entry requirements. This is set as a minimum UCAS points for entry. On some programmes, applicants must also hold subject specific qualifications to gain a place. Therefore, it is essential that you check entry requirements for each programme you are applying for. Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have completed and certified to gain entry onto the respective programmes.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in both English Language and Mathematics. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number and Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths and English.
We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.
Please also note: The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision based on demand and required academic standards, as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation.
Applicants applying to programmes validated by university partners (UU, QUB and OU) who hold international qualifications must provide certificates to determine equivalence before an offer can be made.
64 UCAS tariff points, as well as GCSE Mathematics (grade C or above) and GCSE English language (grade C or above).
English Language equivalents are permitted, such as Essential Skills Literacy (level 2).
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Careers / Further progression
Careers
Successful completion based on overall grade and performance offers direct entry to second year of the BEng Hons in Software Engineering or BSc Computing Science at Ulster University (Belfast Campus). Additional progression routes are available through Ulster University. Alternatively, you can progress onto second year entry for software engineering/computer science based degrees at other universities. There are also employment opportunities within local / global software companies.
Possible jobs are: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Software Tester, Cyber Security Engineer, Data Analyst, App Developer.
Our courses will get you ready to kickstart your career in the exciting world of IT and Software Engineering!
Further information
Start Date: 02/09/2024. End Date: 31/05/2026.
Millfield
Academic period 2024:
Tuition Fee = £3050.00
Academic period 2025*:
Tuition Fee = £3050.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees for 2024 and 2025 have not been finalised and will be updated as soon as agreed.
Entry Year: 02/09/2024.
How to Apply
Make sure you apply as early as you can to increase your chance of getting onto your first choice course. Remember, you can apply for up to five courses!
Ready to make your application? Please click on "Application Weblink".
Overview
In Northern Ireland, the Software and IT industry has continued to develop at an astonishing rate and there is currently a massive shortfall in the number of skilled Software Engineers and Software Developers. This is predicted to continue. The Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (validated by Ulster University) has been designed to help you develop the skills you need to start your career in the software engineering field, whether you are interested in Software Development, Data Analytics or Software Testing, this course will give you an excellent start on your chosen career path. You will be taught by highly experienced staff in our computing labs which come fully equipped with industry standard hardware and software. You will also be given opportunities to gain additional industry qualifications, such as IT Specialist, Microsoft Technical Associate and ISTQB qualifications.
The course includes a module in work based learning which is usually carried out in one of the many industries in Northern Ireland, or beyond.
For those who want to go straight into work after successful completion of this course, graduates will often accept job offers from their work placement employer, even choosing to top-up their degree part-time while working. Students have acquired employment in a number of companies such as Citigroup, Liberty IT, Kainos Allstate, Endeavour, Allsop and Civica.
This course, validated by Ulster University, offers a clearly defined progression route to university. The aim of the course is to provide you with the academic and vocational knowledge and skills necessary for progression to employment in the software engineering industry or to an honours degree at university.
The course provides an opportunity to gain entry into the exciting and well-paid IT industry, both locally and worldwide. Many assessments in the course are based on actual industry scenarios and there are opportunities to meet software professionals, with regular industrial visits and guest speakers. This programme of study is likely to include enrichment components which are aimed at enhancing your employability.
Year 1
In year 1 you gain an overview of the main computing areas, this includes:
Programming
Initially in Python and then Java
Interactive Web Design
Computer Hardware & Operating Systems
Database development using SQL Server
Mathematics for Computing
Year 2 – Semester 1
In year 2 you cover cyber security and UX Design, along with two elective modules. The topics covered are:
Core:
Cyber Security
Elective:
Software Testing
Big Data Analytics
Mobile App
IoT Development
Year 2 – Semester 2
In year 2, semester 2 you cover a UX Design module and then complete a work-experience period (approximately 12 weeks) in a local company.
The modules are assessed by class tests and coursework. The course provides an opportunity to gain entry into the exciting and well-paid IT industry, both locally and worldwide. Many assessments in the course are based on actual industry scenarios.
Contact Us
Tel: 028 9026 5321
Email: creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk