Curious about studying Software Development - BSc (Hons)at University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Stoke-on-Trent Campus
Full Time
Sep 2026
3 Year
Become a software developer and get to grips with how websites actually work behind the scenes.Whenever a web user clicks on a button or submits personal details, back-end development plays a crucial role in data processing and performing tasks.Now you can become an expert in this popular field by taking our BSc (Hons) Software Development degree. You’ll explore server-side programming, interface design and mobile applications. It means you’ll be able to program for websites and distributed and cloud-based systems so you can help drive businesses forward.You’ll be doing things for real, rather than just learning the theory. It will include completing live briefs, taking part in hackathons and setting up your own simulated companies.Many of our students also opt for a paid placement year, which gives them the chance to work in industry before they graduate. These exciting experiences can be with companies locally, nationally or internationally.It’s just one of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. Others include opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications. And you’ll get to showcase your work to a panel of industry judges at GradEX, our final-year graduate show.On the course, you’ll focus on the software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements to systems integration. We will also give you a grounding in application types and software architectures, including frameworks and design patterns.And you’ll become fluent in programming with Java, C#, Android and Swift, as well as the concepts behind clean coding. You will explore a range of related disciplines too, including cyber security, networking, how artificial intelligence relates to software development, and data analytics.Our facilities feature the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. There is a dedicated lab with simulators and physical devices and a usability lab with eye-tracking hardware and user-based capture cameras.In our Collison Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Software Development
In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for both your academic and professional career. You will focus on designing and developing programs in Python. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modeling solutions, and testing programs.
Computing infrastructure and the data which is stored upon this is essential to businesses from the smallest through to global enterprises. In this module we will be looking at how corporations have adapted to this changing landscape with the increased reliance on the data which is stored. As data is becoming more important, we need to ensure that everything is stored in a manner which makes it accessible within the timeframe defined by the company and to ensure that it remains secure from people both outside and inside of a company. We will look at the transition which is taking place of moving corporate data and infrastructure to a Cloud based environment and ensuring that this meets the requirements of local legalisation and locally defined security requirements. This module will make use of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academic Learning environment to allow students to build confidence in Cloud computing and cyber security. Additionally, we will focus on the essential concepts of cyber security through understanding Cybersecurity principles applied to services, applications, servers, Cloud, and network devices, the module will also cover incident response management, Access control, basic concepts of network security, Backup, and recovery basics, how to identify vulnerabilities and put in place safeguards, Concepts of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
This module explores the different areas of technology within computing and identifies core elements within the field to make an informed choice for purchasing, designing, and developing systems. In addition to these core skills you will consolidate your understanding of an operating system and will be able to commission and program typically Windows and Unix derivative OS as used within your chosen field. Considering Operating Systems outside of traditional x86 computing is also a key skill for fundamental computing decision making.
Relational databases are extremely common in the IT industry. This module will teach students how to manage a relational database and will provide and discuss issues relating to the management and control of replicated and distributed databases. This module will take both a theoretical and practical focus with assessment requiring you to work on two case studies to explore problems and identify solutions.
In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. OSI/TCP suit, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the module, you should become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.
In this module, you will continue your journey to build your software development skills by learning more about programming in languages such as Java, as well as designing and developing web applications with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You will also look at how APIs are created and how they can be consumed by web applications. As part of the whole process, you will create and follow a test-and-deploy strategy to ensure the quality of your application.
In this module, you will build on the foundation laid in Level 4 of your award by learning some of the advanced features of programming. This will add a degree of sophistication to the coding skills you have already gained. You will also learn how to use these skills in a server-based application development scenario.
The world of computer operations and networking is an ever-evolving field with new technology being developed and rapidly introduced into corporations. One of the disruptor technologies is the introduction of Cloud computing into the cooperate environment. Initially we will teach concepts of on-site infrastructure using VMWare and Open-Source Software, grounding your knowledge in infrastructure before introducing Amazon Web Services (AWS) as an environment to further your understanding. The developments within Cloud have allowed for changes and companies are now adapting to these new models of usage. Any graduate needs to be able to evaluate current and near future technology in context of the requirements of the industry they are working within. This module will look at current and near future technologies and provide the information so that you can further develop lifelong learning skills with being able to evaluate innovative technology in relation to their current understanding. This is relevant in the field of Cloud computing as the technology is changing at a very rapid rate.
Within this module you will explore what makes a good user experience, and how that experience differs depending on the device and the user. Furthermore, you will discover usability testing methods and design guidelines used within the creation and design of applications, as well as any ethical, legal and social impacts of ubiquitous applications. You will use current technologies to design and create interface prototypes for mobile phones, smart watches, and smart home devices.
In this module, you will be introduced to mobile app development using a variety of technologies, considering different approaches to app development, including native and hybrid approaches. You will consider issues and techniques specific to the delivery of content and applications for mobile platforms and build mobile applications which will run across multiple operating systems.
This module provides an opportunity for students to take part in a collaborative project during which you will be expected to work professionally and develop your professional practice. You will learn to use project management tools and techniques as well as developing other transferable skills. You will also gain an appreciation of legislation and standards applicable to ICT projects. The module also takes an extensive focus on careers and career pathway planning.
In choosing this module you will further your existing knowledge in web design and development by using current technologies such as HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. You will be introduced to current development environments and frameworks on the clientside. You will also use the latest API's and other emerging web technologies.
This module will show you how to use current client and server frameworks to build applications. You will evaluate the most appropriate framework for a given situation and assess the impact this has on developers and end-users. You will also look at how frameworks and libraries can help you access data from a variety of sources.
This is your opportunity to create something totally unique as the culmination of your course. It is your chance to define your difference, no two projects are ever the same. You will begin by developing an idea into a proposal, outlining the intention of the work. You will then develop this into an artefact suitable for your course, such as a piece of software, a specification or a code of practice by undertaking rigorous, professional academic research techniques and applying the summation of your knowledge and skills from your course, work experience, if possible, and personal development. All of this work will be presented in a professionally produced, academic report detailing your finding and reflections on your achievement. Ultimately, it will give you the opportunity to participate in our end of course Graduate Exhibition where you can showcase your work to industry leaders, offering tremendous career opportunities and maximising your exit velocity as well as being your opportunity to join in a fabulous celebration and maybe join our honour roll of prize winners.
This module will allow you to research the latest cutting-edge methods, tools and techniques in software development. It will also introduce you to the world of AI and how you can implement AI artifacts. In relation to assessment you will write a brief research report related to cutting edge software development, and complete a presentation related to how Artificial Intelligence can work alongside to create beneficial technology based solutions.
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