BEng Software Engineering with Cyber Security at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This degree covers the foundations of software engineering, from service-oriented architecture to secure software development, with security engineered in from the first line of code. Students specialise in software and systems security, cryptography, malware analysis and network security. In the final year students lead a substantial engineering project with one-to-one supervision and Scrum-style peer meetings that mirror industry practice.

Department: School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Software architecture, service-oriented programming and AI, software and systems security, cryptography, malware analysis and network security, with project-based learning in areas such as mobile apps, virtual and augmented reality, AI and medical technology.

Career pathways

Students may spend an optional paid year in industry; the School has links with over 500 employers including Rapid7, BT, Liberty IT, Kainos, Citi and Options IT.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB including at least one preferred subject, or ABB including at least one relevant subject, plus GCSE Mathematics C/4. IB: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level with a preferred subject, or 33 points including 6,5,5 with a relevant subject. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 (preferred subject at H3) or H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 (relevant subject at H3), plus Ordinary Level O4 Mathematics if not at Higher. BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in a relevant computing subject, or D*DD in a relevant engineering or science subject. Access course: average 65% (computing/mathematical) or 70% (scientific) plus GCSE Mathematics C/4 or equivalent. HNC/HND and Foundation Degree routes to Stage 2 may be considered. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 provided subject requirements are met. Maximum one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counted in an A-level portfolio. GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 required (typically five GCSEs at C/4 or above including both last year). Computer Science, Computing/IT and Software Engineering share a common first-year core so transfer is possible at the end of year 1. Preferred A-level subjects: Mathematics, Computing or Software Systems Development; relevant subjects: Chemistry, Digital Technology, ICT, Physics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied ICT. Interviews are not normally required. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 28,500 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other fee; placement year fees not stated Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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