Software Engineering (Systems Development) - BSc Hons Degree (Top Up)
Summary
The BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Systems Development) Top-Up is a one-year programme designed to build on your foundation degree and prepare you for graduate-level roles in a fast-moving industry. You will refine your technical expertise in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Human–Computer Interaction and Data Analytics, while developing advanced research and entrepreneurial skills through your dissertation and project work.
With strong links to employers and a curriculum shaped by industry demand, the course equips you with both the specialist knowledge and the professional confidence to succeed in the competitive world of software engineering.
- Course code DP1HE0008
- Duration 1 Year
- Day/s of week Monday to Friday
- Time 09:00 - 20:15
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
07 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
With demand for software engineers growing across the UK and internationally, your skill set will enable you to enter highly paid graduate roles or start your own freelance or entrepreneurial venture.
There are job opportunities at a local, regional and national level with both big and small firms recruiting so whether you want the security of joining an established multinational or enjoy having more autonomy and responsibility in a smaller concern, there are plenty of options to choose from. Alumni have progressed into organisations such as BAE Systems, Microsoft Studios (RARE), and Ubisoft to name just a few,
Next steps at B&FC
Many graduates choose to continue into postgraduate study, pursuing Master’s programmes in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or specialist fields like Mobile Development or Cyber Security. Others progress into graduate schemes with major employers, or move directly into industry roles where advanced coding, systems design, and project management skills are required. With BCS (British Computer Society) accreditation guiding the programme design and a strong emphasis on professional practice.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates from this programme are well prepared for roles such as Software Engineer, Systems Developer, UX Programmer, Database Developer, Data Analyst, and DevOps Engineer. Specialist skills in C++, C#, SQL, and cloud technologies open opportunities across industries including finance, defence, healthcare, and creative digital sectors.
Key information
Entry Requirements
Only applicants that have successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (Systems Development), validated by Lancaster University, with Blackpool and The Fylde College are eligible to apply to this course.
Qualification obtained
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Systems Development)Fees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabiltiies.
Extra costs and equipment
You will have full access to high-specification PCs, specialist software, and remote learning platforms such as Citrix, GitHub and LinkedIn Learning. While it is recommended that you have your own computer and internet access for independent study, this is not essential if you regularly use on-campus facilities. Optional costs may include contributions towards educational visits, or industry events. The College where possible, looks to subsidise such activities to keep them affordable.
What will I learn?
This top-up year enhances both your technical and professional expertise. You will explore cutting-edge fields including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Human–Computer Interaction, and Data Analytics, while also developing entrepreneurial and innovation skills for employment or freelance work. The dissertation module provides the opportunity to undertake a significant research and development project tailored to your career ambitions. Alongside technical proficiency, you will refine skills in teamwork, project management, ethical practice, and critical evaluation, ensuring you graduate with a well-rounded, industry-ready profile
How will I learn?
Learning combines lectures, seminars, workshops, supervised labs, and independent study, with one day and one evening of timetabled classes each week. You will engage in practical, hands-on development tasks, scenario-based projects, and (where possible) live briefs linked to industry practice. Assessments on this programme are entirely coursework-based, ranging from technical reports and development projects to business plans and presentations; there are no traditional exams. Emphasis is placed on authentic, real-world learning, supported by small class sizes, strong tutor support, and access to cutting-edge facilities. This approach fosters independence while ensuring you graduate confident in applying your knowledge in professional contexts
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 0 | 352 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 848 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 1200 |
How will I be assessed?
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |