Overview

Software shapes almost every aspect of modern life — from the apps we use daily, to the complex systems that power global organisations.

The BSc (Hons) Software Development course prepares you to become a confident software professional with the technical expertise and practical experience required in today’s fast-moving digital economy.

In Years 1 and 2, you’ll study alongside students on our BSc (Hons) Computing course. If you discover a stronger interest in that area, you may have the option to switch to the Computing course in Year 3.

You’ll build strong foundations in:

programming
databases
system design
data science.

This provides a broad grounding in core principles before you begin to specialise as the focus shifts towards modern software development practices, including:

agile methodologies
DevOps principles
web and mobile application development
cloud technologies
data analytics
machine learning.

You’ll learn how to design, build, test, and deploy robust software solutions that solve real-world problems. Your learning reflects current industry practice, helping you develop modern software development skills that meet industry standards and employer expectations.

You’ll have opportunities to:

work on industry-inspired projects
use professional tools, frameworks and development environments
develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills through collaborative work.

By graduation, you will have developed the technical depth and professional skills required to contribute confidently within professional software development environments.

Why study Software Development at GCU?

Work on industry-led projects and real-world case studies, with teaching shaped by employer engagement and current professional software development practice.
Build job-ready skills through practical projects, teamwork and portfolio development, so you graduate confident and ready for technical software roles.
Learn from supportive and experienced staff who bring both academic expertise and real industry insight into your learning.
Enhance your experience through optional industry placements and international exchange opportunities that broaden your skills and career prospects.
Your degree is accredited by BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT), showing employers your skills meet industry-recognised professional standards.

The Chartered Institute for IT

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What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

Graduates of this course are well prepared for a wide range of roles across the global technology sector.

Typical graduate roles include:

Software Developer
Software Engineer
Web or Mobile Application Developer
Cloud Analyst
Data or Database Developer
Systems Analyst
Software Tester
IT Consultant.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	G701	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	G701	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 96

Scottish Higher: BBCC or equivalent incl Higher in Maths, Appl of Maths, or Computing

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in Maths or Computing

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in Maths, Appl of Maths, or Computing

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in Maths, Appl of Maths or Computing

Year 2 entry

Standard entry requirement

HNC Computing with A in Graded Unit 1

Year 3 entry

Standard entry requirement

HND Computer Science or HND Computing: Software Development with BB in Graded Units

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching and assessment methods

You will learn through a combination of:

lectures
tutorials
supervised computing labs
case studies
group work.

Practical, project-based learning is embedded throughout the course to help you apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios.

Assessment methods are varied and include group and individual components, including:

coursework
class tests
presentations
reports
exams.

Our academic team includes experienced lecturers with industry backgrounds and a strong record in supporting students from diverse educational pathways, including college entrants.

Facilities and support

You will have access to dedicated computing labs and software environments tailored to each stage of the curriculum.

These include:

Raspberry Pi
Linux Virtual Machine
Anaconda
IntelliJ IDEA
StarUML
SQLLite3
MySQL
XAMPP
Node-RED
MongoDB
Android Studio
node.js
Visual Studio Code.

As well as many others.

Research-informed teaching

You will be taught by a team of active researchers and industry-experienced academics who integrate their work into teaching. Many modules are underpinned by staff expertise and professional experience in areas such as:

data science
AI
user experience (UX)
cybersecurity
sustainable computing.

This ensures that what you learn reflects the latest industry developments.

BSc (Hons) Computing

You’ll study the same first and second year as BSc (Hons) Computing, giving you the option to transfer between courses as you discover what you enjoy most. Please note, this is subject to confirmation.

Placement and work experience

You can choose to undertake an optional, year-long industry placement after Year 3. This placement is assessed via an Industry Placement module and recognised in your final degree transcript.

International experience

You may apply to study abroad with one of our international exchange partners. This opportunity is usually for a Trimester in Year 3.

Previous participants found the opportunity supported their personal development and offered valuable academic and cultural experiences.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), the professional body for computing in the UK. This confirms that the course reflects current industry standards and meets the educational requirements for professional registration.

Through further study and professional experience graduates from this course may work towards chartered status as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

Visit the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) website.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Software Development at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information