Key information
- Duration:
- 1 year full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- ABB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- G600
- Start date:
- September 2026
- 100% of our research impact in Computer Science and Informatics was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
- =1st in the UK for spend per student in Computer Science and Information Systems (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
There is a demand for skilled software engineers who can design, build and maintain computer systems. Our Software Engineering BSc will give you the skills needed to meet this demand.
This course is for anyone pursuing computer science or IT degrees who wants to specialise in software development. The course is also a good choice if you have a strong interest in problem-solving, but it does not matter if you are a beginner with basic coding knowledge.
On this course you will learn:
- multiple programming languages
- how to design, build, and maintain complex software systems
- web and mobile development, database management, and software testing
- development methodologies, version control, and project management.
Beyond technical skills, you will enhance your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, teamwork and ability to present your ideas. We emphasise practical application, so you'll work on real-world projects that simulate industry scenarios. You'll graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience to tackle diverse software engineering challenges.
We have connections with regional, national and global employers who promote their internship, placement and graduate vacancies on our student jobs board, attend our recruiter events, and/or host internships through our award-winning Career Lab Programme.
The Department of Informatics at Sussex has a long history of innovation in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. You will be taught by enthusiastic, research-active academics. You will also join a thriving student community with computing-related societies and regular student events such as game jams and hackathons.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Course content
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
Your degree
Practical and study skills will be included within and alongside your modules.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars and practicals.
64%: Lecture
6%: Seminar
30%: Practical
Assessment
Assessment methods typically involve exams.
100%: Examination
Contact hours and workload
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 269 hours of contact time and about 931 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Introduction to Programming
- Mathematical Concepts
- Programming Concepts
- Introduction to Multimedia
Spring teaching
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Further Programming
- Professional Skills
Your degree
Practical and study skills will be included within and alongside your modules.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars and practicals.
65%: Lecture
7%: Seminar
28%: Practical
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include exams and coursework.
44%: Coursework
56%: Examination
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 269 hours of contact time and about 931 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Compilers and Computer Architecture
- Introduction to Data Science
- Databases
- Program Analysis
Spring teaching
- Software Engineering
- Operating Systems
- Applied Machine Learning
- Computer Networks
Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
Recent students in the Department of Informatics have gone on placements at:
- Curo Talent
- Master of Malt
- Feral Interactive.
You develop your technical, team-working and transferable skills, and apply what you have learnt in your studies to a business environment.
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Your degree
Practical and study skills will be included within and alongside your modules.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars and practicals.
56%: Lecture
3%: Seminar
41%: Practical
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include exams and coursework.
62%: Coursework
38%: Examination
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 200 hours of contact time and about 1,000 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn and winter teaching
- Individual Project
Autumn teaching
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Advanced Software Engineering
Spring teaching
- Web Applications and Services
- ESRS Project
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
- Comparative Programming
- Introduction to Computer Security
- E-Business and E-Commerce Systems
Spring teaching
- Entrepreneurship
- Web 3D Applications
- Limits of Computation
This course is currently subject to validation, in line with our procedures for assuring the quality of our degrees. This means that some course detail and content may change as we develop this new course. The validation process will be finished before your course starts. Keep an eye out for exciting developments to this course.
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
Dr Dmitrijs Dmitrenko
Assistant Professor in Computer Science & AI
Dr Charlotte Robinson
Assistant Professor in Ergonomics, Human Factors and Design
Careers
of Sussex undergraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course (University of Sussex Career Readiness data at point of graduation 2023/24)
We aim to provide you with the practical foundations in computer science to enable you to start a career in computing. Our researchers' specialisms include software systems, networks, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, natural language processing and digital media.
Examples of careers you might pursue after graduating include:
- software development roles like software developer, software engineer or full-stack developer
- front-end or back-end web development
- mobile app development
- iOS or Android Developer
- e-commerce roles such as developing online retail platforms and payment systems.
Our Industry-aligned curriculum reflects current industry trends and technologies, ensuring you learn skills that are in high demand. You will work in specialised computing labs, gaining practical experience with industry-standard tools and software. The course covers areas of rapid growth, including AI and machine learning, preparing you for future trends in the field.
Software is a crucial part of almost every industry, including healthcare, finance, entertainment, and transportation. Moreover, the skills you learn in this course, including problem-solving, logical thinking and teamwork are valuable in many careers.
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
- one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024
Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024
Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards
A-level - contextual offer
BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade B in A-level and Merit, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BC in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer
DMM
T Level - contextual offer
Merit overall with a grade B in Core Component