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BEng|Undergraduate

Software Engineering with Digital Technology Partnership

Entry year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry requirements
BBB/ABB
Duration
4 years (Full-time)
UCAS code
G606

This is a degree apprenticeship. Those applying to the programme will be employed as an apprentice with PwC, a leading technology employer and will combine traditional university study with work-based learning.

On completion of our exciting four year programme you’ll be awarded a BEng degree in Software Engineering with Digital Technology. As part of the programme, you’ll have gained extensive on-the-job training with PwC. Through this training you’ll have the opportunity to gain an insight into a variety of teams across the technology spectrum whilst developing your technical specialism as you progress through the apprenticeship.

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 required to design, develop and deploy large software systems. It blends the best knowledge and skills from both Software Engineering and Computer Science. Apprentices could find themselves working on a wide variety of technology projects and systems supporting PwC internal and external clients solve important problems.

Developed through very close partnerships with PwC, the degree apprenticeship is designed to combine the analytical, reasoning and practical skills learnt in a typical university degree combined with key industry attributes like collaboration, teamwork and workload management which you will need to succeed as a professional software engineer.

As a degree apprentice, you will be employed as an apprentice at PwC for the duration of your traditional University based study and will complete your work based learning at one of their local offices. During your placements, you'd work on a variety of exciting client projects, alongside our highly skilled teams. During your time at university you’ll get to experience the full time student lifestyle. But as the placements are paid you’ll have some money to enjoy it too. You’ll gain a degree, and at the end of the apprenticeship, you'll continue your career at PwC as a graduate and beyond, using the skills, network and experience you've gained.

Software Engineering with Digital Technology Partnership highlights

Industry Links

PwC has a client base ranging from local businesses and the public sector, through to to multinational and global companies spanning across all sectors and industries. During your placements you will be a core and valued member of the team and you’ll make meaningful contributions to these real client projects. You will have the opportunity to apply your learning in a challenging but fully supported environment and will have a career coach, buddy and lots of support from PwC’s dedicated Technology Degree Apprenticeship team.

Student Experience

Other than providing a high-quality education, we also run a wide range of extra-curricular events that expose our students to emerging technologies and provide an opportunity to explore how technology can be used to tackle important problems.

World Class Facilities

Our courses are delivered within a recently constructed, start-of-the-art facility that provides access to hundreds of modern computers alongside a diverse and flexible range of individual and group study spaces.

Career Development

As a degree apprenticeship, this programme provides the opportunity to get ‘hands on’ experience from day one. Students will develop close working relationships with their employer and have the opportunity to assist on and lead projects within their specialism.

With a wide range of teams, you could gain exposure into Cyber Security, Data and Analytics, Technology Consulting as well as our internal central Technology teams

Pathways include Cyber Security, Data Analyst, Technology Architect, "Develop, Build, Test", Tech Compliance, Tech Strategy and Tech Delivery.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

Course content

The degree teaches the fundamental principles of Software Engineering together with the necessary skills, tools and techniques to enable our graduates to succeed as professional software engineers. In the first two years of the programme, apprentices will develop a broad technology foundation that will underpin later learning. During the third year of the programme, apprentices will complete a year of work-based learning at PwC, before returning to campus for their final year of study.

In Year 3 of the programme, apprentices work full time on projects from PwC’s Belfast office. Apprentices will be working across a range of teams from Technology Consulting, Deals and in PwC’s leading Operate business.
Apprentices will use their technical skills to solve business problems for PwC’s clients and will benefit from coaching, support and extra training. Apprentices are encouraged to immerse themselves in the PwC community, and get involved in socials, volunteering and office networks.

People teaching you

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

Contact Teaching Hours

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

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

Large Group Teaching

9 (hours maximum)
hours of lectures

Personal Study

24 (hours maximum)

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 with Digital Technology Partnership 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 (laboratories are 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

    Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics 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 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. A games club also meets once a week and this is open to all computing students in the School (not just those studying for the games degree).

    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 – typically one demonstrator per 8-10 students.

    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 from first year 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.

    Seminars/tutorials

    A number of modules will make use of seminars/tutorials (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

    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. It is expected that students will gain a Licentiateship of the City and Guilds from this period of work experience.

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.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.

    Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.

    Placement employer comments or references

    Online or emailed comment

    General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.

    Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time

    Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.

    Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

    Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Databases (20 credits)

    Optional Modules

    Web Technologies (20 credits)
    Programming (20 credits)
  • Year 2

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

  • Year 3

    Core Modules

  • Year 4

    Core Modules

    Optional Modules

    Malware Analysis (20 credits)
    Software Testing (20 credits)
    Network Security (20 credits)
    Cloud Computing (20 credits)

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 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

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.

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 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

Given the nature of this course all applicants are considered for entry to Stage 1. Advanced entry is not possible.

For those offering a relevant Higher National Diploma, applicants must have at least one first year unit at Merit grade and the remainder Passes. Students would be required to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year.

For those offering a relevant Foundation Degree, applicants must have at least an average of 50% in first year modules with all modules passed. Students would be required to achieve an average of 55% in final year modules and no less than 50% in any final year module.

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.

Please note that the course is open only to applicants who are deemed Northern Ireland, Great Britain or European Union (Republic of Ireland) for tuition fees purposes and have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

The Software Engineering with Digital Technology Partnership degree is a Higher Level Apprenticeship and by applying for this degree you are consenting to the University sharing your information (UCAS ID, name, email address and contact phone number) with participating employer(s). Please note that if you are not willing to consent to your personal data being shared with participating employer(s) we cannot progress your application for this degree any further.

Eligible applicants will be invited to take part in the employer(s) selection process from which the final successful candidates will be chosen.

Applicants who are not successful will automatically be considered for one of the other computing courses offered by the School in the following order - Software Engineering, Computer Science or Computing and Information Technology.

All applicants

Preferred subjects: Computing, Mathematics or Software Systems Development

Relevant subjects: Biology, 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. 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 Junior Certificate is taken into account. For last year’s entry applicants for this degree must have had, a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit, 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 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.

Applications will be academically assessed by the Admissions and Access Service. Academically eligible applicants will be invited to take part in the PwC selection process. The PwC selection process will determine which applicants will be made an offer. Applicants who are not successful at this stage will be offered a place on of the other computing courses offered by the School - Software Engineering, Computer Science or Computing and Information Technology.

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.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast 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.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Employment Links

As a degree apprenticeship this programme provides the opportunity to get ‘hands on’ experience from day one. Students will develop close working relationships with their employer and have the opportunity to assist on and lead projects within their specialism.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £0
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £0
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £0
EU Other 3 N/A
International N/A

No tuition fees are payable by students for the degree apprenticeship as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Higher Level Apprenticeship programme. Please refer to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher-level-apprenticeships for further information.

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.

The tuition fees quoted above are for the 2024/25 academic year and are a guide only. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

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).

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?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

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

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Apply

How to Apply

3. Terms and Conditions

After an offer is made this will be notified to applicants through UCAS. Confirmation will be emailed by the Admissions and Access Service and this communication will also include Terms and Conditions which applicants should read carefully in advance of replying to their offer(s) on UCAS Track.
www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions

A. How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:
http://www.ucas.com/apply

B. When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2024 from early September 2023.

Advisory closing: 31 January 2024 (18:00).

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Download Undergraduate Prospectus