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A student holds a laptop, engaged in testing software, showcasing focus and determination in his studies.

Software Engineering (Systems Development) - Foundation Degree

Summary

Gain the skills needed to compete for the best roles in systems development with our cutting edge Foundation Degree Software Engineering (Systems Development).

With the focus on industry-relevant tools, languages and techniques you will eventually develop an impressive portfolio to showcase your abilities and aptitudes for key development roles.

This degree has been co-created with employers to provide the expertise needed to progress into high-level roles, whether you’re new to the computing industry or not.

You will also benefit from experienced tutors, first-rate resources and coveted accreditation by the British Computer Society.

  • Course code DP1HE009
  • UCAS code I390
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Day/s of week Monday and Thursday
  • Time 09:00 - 16:00

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
2 Years
  • £37,100 average annual salary
  • Rapid progression to Senior Management and Consultancy roles
  • 59,103 annual job openings in the North West
Teachers are knowledgeable and very supportive. Equipment is top notch. ****
Steven Dickson
Good community brilliant tutors and a good course. *****
Jakub Kosiec
Excellent support and tutors. *****
Afreen Hussain

Student case study - Jonathan

Why did you choose B&FC?
The enthusiasm of the staff is infectious. The facilities and equipment here are in a class of their own, giving me hands-on experience with the kit I will go on to use in industry.

What have been the benefits of studying here?
The tutors have a wealth of experience and knowledge that comes through in their lessons. All the staff here have been very supportive and helpful with any issues I've raised.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The foundation degree is the first step on your journey to an honours degree with our one-year top-up programme and to studying at postgraduate level.

The quickening pace of developments in computer technology means that there is an ever growing demand for highly skilled systems developers who are able to create and implement the applications and programs used in the backend of computer processing systems worldwide.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 96 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

  • MMM from Extended Diploma or DD from Diploma in any level 3 Computing/IT course
  • We will strongly encourage and support those who do not hold GCSE Maths/English at grade C/4, or equivalent qualification, to pursue a Maths/English qualification alongside the main programme.

The entry criteria for direct entry onto Level 5 of the programme is:

  • Successful completion of the HNC Computing at Blackpool & The Fylde College

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Qualification obtained

FdSc Software Engineering (Systems Development)

Fees and funding

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Extra costs and equipment

Resources required to achieve the learning outcomes of the programme are available while working in college, with many resources available through remote services.

However, we do recommend that you have access to a computer with internet connectivity for completing work outside college times and accessing these resources.

You should also be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

During the latter part of this course, you will need to complete 96 hours of related work-based activity. This will involve finding a suitable work placement, which we will encourage you to do yourself. If, for some reason, you’re unable to find a placement, our Workplace Co-ordinator will arrange interviews with employers; we may even find you an internal placement with our own IT Services Department.

Your work-based activity also includes timetabled sessions, which will involve creating CVs, learning about professional guidelines and legislation, and exploring how to apply your new-found skills to the workplace.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Introduction to Programming DP4MD020 20 No
    Mathematical Concepts in Programming DP4MD021 20 No
    Software Engineering Practices DP4MD022 20 No
    Database Concepts and Programming DP4MD023 20 No
    Algorithms and Data Structures DP4MD024 20 No
    Professional and Academic Skills Stem DP4MD035 20 No
  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Work Based Learning DP5MD022 20 No
    Cross Platform Programming DP5MD023 20 No
    Information Systems DP5MD028 20 No
    Mobile App Development DP5MD029 20 No
    Cloud Computing DP5MD030 20 No
    Architecture and Operating Systems DP5MD031 20 No

Study Support - at a glance

We offer a range of services to support you across all areas of student life, with specialist support available for students with disabilities.

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Tutor Profile - Chris Willitts

Area of Expertise:
Interaction Design, Human Computer Interaction, Video Game Development, Video Game Engines, Website Design & Development and Social Media Marketing.

Enjoys teaching at B&FC because:
I was once a student at B&FC and not the best one by far! The staff here never gave up on me and always urged me on to bigger and better things. Now, I have the opportunity to pay that forward and support new students each year.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 340 325 0
Independent 860 845 0
Placement 0 30 0
Total 1200 1200 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 69% 77% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%