Overview
We’ve developed our BSc (Hons) Software Development with Cyber Security course with our business partners in the IT sector to help solve their skills shortages and address the industry’s needs. According to the 2020 Scotland IS Scottish Technology Industry survey, about 100,000 people are working in digital technologies professions. This is a growth of 9% since 2016. The growth has been strongest in web design and development, IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, programmers and software development professionals. Our computing graduates have an excellent track record in finding well-paid jobs because of our focus on in-depth practical expertise.
As you study, you’ll progress from the fundamentals of computer systems and software development to advanced knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Security. You’ll learn everything you need to become a highly employable and sought after software development graduate.
Each year we offer the following prizes:
- Outstanding performance in 3rd year Computing Science modules.
- Outstanding performance in 4th year Computing Science modules.
- A Faculty research prize for an outstanding research project.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry is unavailable, only those with a suitable HND (or equivalent) for year 3 entry will be considered for this course.
This course is only available for advanced entry, therefore all applicants must have a relevant HND (or equivalent) to start in year 3. Please contact admissions@stir.ac.uk for more details.
How to apply
This course is only open to those with a relevant HND (or equivalent) and are looking to gain entry into year 3.
To request an application form please email admissions@stir.ac.uk outlining the qualifications you currently have and/or sitting this year.
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
This course is only available for advanced entry into year 3, you will join the current students on this course and be taught at the University of Stirling campus for the duration of year 3 and 4.
Course structure
During year 3 and 4 you will develop skills in advanced topics including concurrent and distributed systems, cyber security, machine learning, and web services. You’ll carry out an independent project in your final year under the guidance of a project supervisor, that will give you the opportunity to develop a major piece of work from initial requirements to final delivery.
Within the University of Stirling many staff are involved in research projects in their subject area that allow them to link directly with business and freshen their knowledge. Computing Science at Stirling is part of the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA) Scotland-wide pooling initiative in research and knowledge exchange.
Employers increasingly look for practical experience and extracurricular activities in addition to a good degree. All students are encouraged to take part in activities that extend and utilise your knowledge – this includes participating in activities such as the student-led Stirling Computing Club.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
You’ll learn about Computing Science through lectures, small tutorial groups and most of all through practical labs, where concepts taught in lectures are implemented and tested.
Computing Science at Stirling is part of the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA) Scotland-wide pooling initiative in research and knowledge exchange, as well as The DataLab, Scotland's Innovation Centre for data and AI.
Our research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff conduct world-leading research. Our staff are engaged with funded research from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), as well as funding from other UK Research Councils and funding agencies.
Software Development with Cyber Security is taught as a very practical subject, and almost all modules include practical assignments. Typically these count for 50 percent of the assessment grade, with the remainder given to the examination.
For an Honours degree, the grades for all advanced modules taken in years 3 and 4 are combined to give your final degree classification.
We help our students to build strong links with industry through three-month summer placements. These are offered to third year students. Placement opportunities are available with local SMEs as well as large corporate companies. Year 3 contains a professional development course, which is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to secure a placement and, ultimately, a job.
Our Careers Service can help you secure placements and offer the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study.
Student Recruitment – recruitment@stir.ac.uk
Fees and funding
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
What jobs can you get with a BSc (Hons) Software Development with Cyber Security degree?
This degree will place you at the forefront of computing in a web-based world. Our industry placements will ease your transition into the job market. From software development to data analysis, our computer science graduates have a range of opportunities open to them.
According to the 2020 ScotlandIS Scottish Technology Industry survey, about 100,000 people are working in digital technologies professions. This is a growth of 9% since 2016. The growth has been strongest in web design and development, IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, programmers and software development professionals.
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- software engineer
- systems designer
- systems analyst
- systems architect
- systems engineer
- software developer
- web developer
- project manager
- mobile app developer
- Java developer
As a systems analyst, you’ll work on solving computer problems. This might involve adapting existing systems or using new technologies to design a new software solution. In doing so, you’ll design software, write code, and test and fix software applications. You might also be involved in providing documentation for users. Typically you would work as part of a larger team.
IT consultants work closely with clients and advise them on how to use computer technology and applications to best meet their business needs. You’ll work with clients to improve their efficiency of using computer systems. This may involve the adaptation/customisation of software applications, or the development of custom applications for the specific needs of the customer. As well as technical duties, you may be involved in project management.
Applications developers translate software requirements into programming code, and will usually specialise in a specific area, such as computer games or web technology. Often developers work as part of a larger team. You may be in charge of developing a certain component or part of a larger application.
Our computing graduates have an excellent track record in finding well-paid jobs, especially as this course is designed to solve the problem of a major skills shortage within the IT industry in Scotland and the UK more generally. Previous students have been very successful in obtaining suitable employment in a diversity of posts – with small companies, with major international organisations including Accenture, IBM, Google, Microsoft, British Telecom, Natural Power and major financial institutions such as JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley, as well as with local authority and government bodies.
We have connections with the following organisation via placements, internships and industrial liaison:
- Accenture
- ARM
- Calnex Solutions
- Diagio
- GE Digital
- Honeywell
- JP Morgan
- Mage Control Systems
- Modus Scotland
- Morgan Stanley
- Natural Power
- NHS
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Sainsbury's Bank
- Scottish Enterprise
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- Scottish Government
- Scottish Water
- Sports Scotland
- Verint
- Wood MacKenzie
