BEng Software Engineering with Year in Industry

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a BEng Software Engineering with Year in Industry program, providing students with a robust and practical education in developing high-quality, reliable, and secure software systems for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This four-year full-time degree builds upon the core BEng Software Engineering curriculum by integrating a compulsory "Year in Industry" after the second year of study. The program distinguishes itself through its incorporation of the pioneering Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate (CDIO) international engineering education model, developed by MIT, which fosters a hands-on, project-based approach to solving real-world software challenges. This integrated industry experience is crucial for equipping graduates with the practical skills, professional insights, and valuable industry contacts sought by employers.

Curriculum: The BEng Software Engineering with Year in Industry curriculum at CCCU is designed to provide comprehensive technical and professional skills, structured over four years to include the dedicated industry placement. Students engage in core modules that cover software analysis, design, programming, testing, and evaluation, ensuring they can produce secure, high-quality, usable, and adaptable software systems. The innovative CDIO-like approach means teaching is often project-based, inspired by real-world problems, and delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, and practical labs with a strong emphasis on small group work. The "Year in Industry" typically takes place between the second and third academic years, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge and developing skills in a professional software development environment. The final year culminates in an individual project, where students undertake independent research and develop a software-based system, often leveraging insights gained from their industry experience.

Research Focus: The BEng Software Engineering with Year in Industry program at Canterbury Christ Church University is underpinned by a team of experienced teaching and technical staff, many of whom possess doctoral or professional qualifications and have significant industry or consultancy experience. Their expertise informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current research and developments in the field. While specific detailed research foci of the software engineering faculty are integrated into teaching, the broader School of Engineering, Technology and Design is dedicated to fostering innovation and research. The practical, project-based nature of the CDIO methodology encourages students to engage in applied research to solve real-world inspired problems. The Kent and Medway Engineering, Design, Growth, and Enterprise (EDGE) Hub at CCCU further supports collaboration with industry and pioneering research in engineering and computer science, potentially linking students to cutting-edge projects during their studies or industry year.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a defining feature of the BEng Software Engineering with Year in Industry program at CCCU, significantly enhanced by the compulsory placement year. The curriculum itself is developed in collaboration with industry partners, providing students with numerous opportunities to interact with professionals in the software development sector. The "Year in Industry" provides students with an invaluable opportunity to develop their technical knowledge and practical skills in a professional business or industrial setting, building crucial experience that is highly valued by employers. Beyond the placement, the university actively engages businesses through initiatives like the EDGE Hub, which facilitates industry-sourced problems for student projects, guest speaker sessions, and networking events. This robust engagement ensures that graduates are not only theoretically sound but also possess the practical acumen and professional network necessary for a successful career.

Global Perspective: The BEng Software Engineering with Year in Industry program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently offers a strong global perspective, as software engineering is a discipline with international reach and impact. The adoption of the CDIO engineering education model, which originated from MIT, provides students with a globally recognized framework for problem-solving and development. The skills in designing, implementing, and operating secure and reliable software systems are universally applicable across various industries and countries. Furthermore, the "Year in Industry" component can expose students to multinational companies or global software development trends, depending on the placement opportunity. The diverse student body at CCCU also fosters a multicultural learning environment, promoting cross-cultural collaboration on projects and an understanding of international perspectives on software development practices and challenges, preparing graduates for a globalized workforce.