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.
Accreditations
What you will study
We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.
The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.
Understanding core and optional modules
The core modules shown are based on the standard full-time route for students entering Year 1 of the course. If you study full time from Year 1, you will normally study the outlined core modules for each year of the course.
Optional modules provide opportunities to tailor your studies. You will not normally study every optional module shown and will be asked to select from the available options during your studies. Information about available options and the module selection process will be provided after you enrol. Please note that the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and is subject to factors including student demand, timetabling, staffing and academic requirements.
The module information shown is based on the standard full-time route through the course. If you study through an alternative entry or study route, including part-time study or Advanced Entry, the modules you take in each year and the order in which you study them may vary.
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
Take a virtual tour with us
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 of 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