Software Development Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Software Development Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
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 stro...
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 choose this course?
* 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.
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
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-06
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A64-B64
Institution Code
G42
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Entry Requirements
A level
to include Maths or Computing or Software Systems Development Year 2 entry: BBB at A Level (or 120 UCAS Tariff points) to include Maths or Computing plus GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4
T Level
Digital Support Services
Scottish HNC
Year 1 Entry: HNC Computing with B in Graded Unit 1 Year 2 Entry: 15 credit HNC Computing with A in Graded Unit 1. Must include Software Development: Developing Small Stand Alone Applications; Software Development: Programming Foundations; Systems Development: Introduction; Systems Development: Testing Software and Maths for Computing 1. Should also include a Database OR SQL unit.
Scottish HND
Year 3 Entry: HND with BB in graded units required in one of the following: HND Computing (Software Development) including either: Database Design Fundamentals; Relational Database Management Systems; or Database Design and Programming in SQL. Plus either Software Development: Developing Websites for Multiplatform Use or Web Development Dynamically Generated Content. OR HND Computer Science including: Software Development: Object Oriented Programming; Software Development: Object Oriented Analysis and Design; Software Development: Data Structures. OR HND Web Development including: Software Development: Object Oriented Programming; Software Development: Oriented Analysis and Design: Software Development: Data Structures. Plus one of Database Design Fundamentals or Manage Database Systems Using SQL
Scottish Higher
to include Maths or Application of Maths or Computing
Access to HE Diploma
offer-merit: 45.0
60 credits overall with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit in Computing
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
including HL Maths or Computer Science at 4
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Year 1 Entry: Level 3 Extended Diploma MMM in Computing/IT Year 2 Entry: Level 3 Extended Diploma DMM in Computing/IT subject plus GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 Specific units may be required for entry: Information Technology Systems; Creating Systems to Manage Information; Using Social Media in Business; Programming; IT Project Management; Cyber Security and Incident Management; IT Service Delivery.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
Accepted as equivalent to one Higher at grade B as part of the overall grade profile of Highers required for entry. Any essential subjects at Higher should still be achieved in addition to the Foundation Apprenticeship.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
to include Maths or Computing
Search Undergraduate Courses at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
Find more courses from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) with our undergraduate course search.
Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland | £9,790 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £15,700 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |














.jpg)













































,-Bristol.jpg)













