BSc Hons Software Engineering (Bahrain)

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: SEBAH
  • Study mode and duration: 5 years full-time
  • Start date: September

  • Location: Based in Bahrain

  • Scholarships: Scholarships available

Study with us

Delivering eight new undergraduate programmes, the University of Strathclyde, Bahrain will bring the distinctive approach to academic excellence and world-class research that Strathclyde is known for. Teaching will take place in our new premises in Harbour Heights, Bahrain Bay.

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Why this course?

Software engineers design and develop large, complex systems. These include the systems used in vehicles, phones, large-scale financial systems and secure web and medical applications.

As a software engineer, you’ll need a good understanding of software, hardware, communication technologies and strong design and team skills. You’ll also need to understand the impact of the development strategies of different systems.

Our Computer Science courses combine theory and practice. Many of the core subjects are similar in the early years, which means it’s possible for you to transfer between courses.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Year 1

You’ll take classes in first year covers a range of modules aiming to develop knowledge and skills across; English Academic Skills, Computing, Electronics, Lab Skills and Scientific Communication, Mathematics for Science and Engineering, Physics, Discrete Maths & Graph Theory and Quantitative Methods.

Year 2

Subjects covered include algorithms, logic, databases and the design of user interfaces. There is a significant emphasis on programming and on the architecture of machines.

Year 3

You’ll be introduced to more specialised areas such as communications, the design of new programming languages, the variety of internal machine architectures, artificial intelligence, graphics, and the technologies behind web-based applications.

This year also includes a large group-based software development project.

Year 4

You’ll choose optional classes to build on the experience gained from your industrial placement. You’ll specialise in particular aspects of software engineering, such as software architecture and design.

Major projects

Several companies work with us to develop student projects, either individual or group final-year projects that are suitable for both parties.

Projects are supervised by members of academic staff with individuals from the sponsoring organisation providing occasional advice and feedback.

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Course content

You'll complete the following compulsory modules during the course:

History of Bahrain

Human Rights

Arabic language

Arabic Language (for native speakers)

Or

Arabic Language (for non-native speakers)

Compulsory modules

Maths for Science & Engineering 1

This module aims to enable you to:

  • consolidate topics previously studied
  • further develop your knowledge of mathematics
  • make a successful transition to undergraduate studies in the fields of engineering and sciences

You'll learn an appropriate numerical computing software, such as MATLAB, in the module.

Maths for Science & Engineering 2

This module aims to build upon the knowledge acquired in Maths for Science and Engineering 1 (MSE 1), providing further knowledge of mathematics and its applications relevant to undergraduate studies in the fields of engineering and sciences. Further topics in the numerical software learned in MSE 1 will be delivered. After successful completion at the requisite level, you'll be prepared to enter year two of undergraduate study.

Lab Skills & Scientific Communication

This module will enable you to gain essential scientific communication skills such as report writing and visual and oral presentations.

You'll also become familiar with the basic skills and health and safety guidelines required to work in a laboratory environment.

Academic English Skills

This module aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable you to best achieve your academic potential at the University of Strathclyde.

During this module, you'll learn how to:

  • use effective reading strategies to identify the main lines of argument in academic texts and find specific information
  • record effective notes during academic activities
  • develop your ability to develop an academic argument

Computing 1

This module will provide fundamental knowledge of computer science to students pursuing relevant science or engineering degrees at the University of Strathclyde, in areas such as digital logic, high-level programming and data representation.

You'll be introduced to computer architecture and infrastructure, including its components, concept, performance and working mechanism.

Computing 2

Following on from the teachings of Computing 1, this module will introduce you to the concepts of object-oriented programming and further develop students’ programming abilities. Using Java, you'll gain knowledge in assembly language instructions and be introduced to HTML for web development and basic computer networking.

Discrete Maths & Graph Theory

This module aims to introduce you to abstract mathematics, including set theory, number theory and graph theory. The course will draw upon methods from logic and discrete mathematics and will enable you to make a successful transition to undergraduate studies in the fields of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Optional modules

You'll also choose to undertake one of the following optional modules, as available:

Physics 1

This module provided an introduction to physics by applying the laws and principles of elementary physics to problem-solving. It also teaches fundamental concepts in classical and modern physics by application to the techniques of experimental physics, practical problems and projects.

Chemistry 1

Compulsory modules

Subjects covered include algorithms, databases, logic, the analysis and design of large systems, and how to ensure that the systems are usable. You’ll also undertake an individual programming project and further programming skills.

Semester 1 & 2

Physics 2

This module aims to build on the scientific knowledge and skills acquired in Physics 1 and to provide a stimulating learning experience in basic theoretical principles and associated laboratory skills.

Advanced Programming (20 credits)

This module will further your skills in object-oriented programming, provide knowledge of key abstract data types along with their implementation and usage, and provide experience in the development of larger scale software and an introduction to design.

Your main goal is to be able to develop larger programs with specialised data structures and utilising APIs from a specification, and be able to ensure and show how the system they developed matches the specification.

Logic & Algorithms (20 credits)

This module will equip you with the tools to model and measure computation. To build on the module Machines, Languages and Computation, and develop further understanding of the mathematical foundations of computation. To foster an analytical and empirical appreciation of the behaviour of algorithms and the use of abstract data types.

User & Data Modelling (20 credits)

This module will provide you with a critical appreciation and understanding of how to model user activities and the data to support them, together with how to implement systems and databases to support user activities.

Computer Systems & Architecture (20 credits)

This module will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of typical computer architectures and their instruction sets and the complex tradeoffs between CPU clock speed, cache size, bus organisation, number of core processors, etc, that influence their design and have a fundamental impact on their performance.

Semester 1

Professional Issues in Computing (10 credits)

This module will ensure you're aware of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues commensurate with the practice of Information Systems Engineering.

Quantitative Methods in Computer Science (10 credits)

This module will teach the quantitative and numerical methods that underpin modern Computer Science, such as (but not restricted to) Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. The module will also provide students with the numerical methods needed to perform quantitative evaluations of algorithms and software.

Semester 2

Functional Thinking (10 credits)

This module will introduce the core concepts and methods of modern functional programming.

Elective modules

Technology in Business

Compulsory modules

You’ll study more specialised areas such as communications, artificial intelligence, and the technologies behind mobile and web-based applications. You’ll also take part in a large group-based software development project.

Semester 1

Building Software Systems (20 credits)

This module will extend and deepen your understanding of the analysis, design and implementation of software systems; to provide further experience in the activity of designing and implementing non-trivial systems; and to enable you to demonstrate practical competence in a group environment.

Your goal is the development in a group setting of significant systems from scratch aiming not just at any solution but a good solution, and to be introduced to more general Software Engineering topics.

Functional Programming (20 credits)

The module aims to provide you with skills in basic functional programming and experience in integrated deployment of those skills.

Web Applications Development (20 credits)

This module will give you an understanding of the technologies used in the development of N-tier Internet-based applications.

Semester 2

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

This module will help to give you a broad appreciation of the scale and nature of the problems within Artificial Intelligence and to a detailed understanding of some of the fundamental techniques used to address those problems.

Computer Systems & Concurrency (20 credits)

This module will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of highly concurrent hardware and software systems. The module will also further your knowledge of the need for, and the design and implementation of, those other vital hardware and software components of a concurrent system, namely multiprocessors and their interconnections, operating systems and networks.

The interactions between many of these components will be investigated by means of significant practical work that consolidates the lecture content in the context of: (i) multiprocessor architectures, (ii) concurrency, (iii) protection and security and (iv) networked and concurrent applications. Software developed in appropriate programming languages will form the basis of much of the practical work thus enabling the student to enhance their software design and implementation skills in this domain.

Mobile App Development (20 credits)

The module will provide you with a good understanding of the issues in developing for mobile environments, approaches to handling these issues and skills in developing for a widespread mobile platform.

Compulsory modules

Industrial Placement (20 credits)

Software Engineering students in year 4 do a one-year placement between third and fourth year.

This is so you can experience the application of aspects of your degree course in an industrial context and understand the complexities of commercial software development

Individual Project (40 credits)

The aim of the module is to enable you to demonstrate practical and documentary competence. You'll also be expected to give a demonstration of your work.

Computer Security (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to develop a security mind-set by introducing you to core material in the area of computer security. This should enable  you to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities for a range of situations, and propose appropriate actions to mitigate these issues.

Software Architecture & Design (20 credits)

This module aims to:

  • enable you to understand the challenges of advanced software design and the issues associated with large-scale software architectures, frameworks, patterns and components
  • develop your understanding of the tools and techniques that may be used for the automatic analysis and evaluation of software

Optional modules

In Year 4, in addition to the compulsory modules, you'll choose 40 credits from the list below:

Advanced Functional Programming (20 credits)

This module will provide you with further skills in functional programming and an appreciation of the mathematical structures which underpin powerful general programming concepts and techniques.

Theory of Computation (20 credits)

Building on the previous material in software development, you'll extend and formalise your abilities in the area of computational complexity.

Information Access & Mining (20 credits)

This module will allow you to understand the fundamentals of information access and information mining. The module will cover a range of techniques for extracting information from textual and non-textual resources, modelling the information content of resources, detecting patterns within information resources and making use of these patterns.

Human Centred Security (20 credits)

This  module will focus on making you more aware of human-centred security design.

Learning and teaching

You'll gain knowledge and understanding as well as develop your intellectual skills (problem-solving and critical evaluation skills), practical skills (designing and implementing a software system, team-working skills) and transferable skills (investigative skills, presentation skills, report-writing skills, time management skills, independent learning skills).

Knowledge and understanding is gained through lectures and supported in tutorials or laboratories as well as individual and group project work. You’re encouraged to read and research independently to help broaden your understanding of the subject.

You’ll develop intellectual skills through weekly laboratory or tutorial exercises. You’ll also be set challenging problems while further coursework and group and individual projects will help you enhance your skills.

The industrial placement will allow you to appreciate the significant engineering problems involved in the construction of software systems.

You’ll learn practical skills through lectures, tutorials, laboratory, coursework and project work.

Assessment

You’ll be tested on your knowledge and understanding, intellectual, practical and transferable skills. This will be done through written exams, laboratory submissions, presentations, coursework, project and industrial placement reports.

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Entry requirements

The University of Strathclyde, Bahrain accepts a range of academic qualifications for entry to its programmes.

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Thanawiya/High School Diploma

Students should have successfully completed their high school diploma and have achieved an overall score of 80%, with 80% in relevant subjects for their chosen degree programmes.

International Qualifications (for example A-Levels, IB Diploma, US High School)

We accept a wide variety of international qualifications for admission to our degrees.

Advanced entry may be possible in certain cases (from the 2025/26 academic year onwards).

Please email bahrain@strath.ac.uk for further information and advice on possible entry points and criteria.

English Language

Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English for entry to our courses. This may be evidenced through previous study in English or a recognised English language test.

Please email bahrain@strath.ac.uk for detailed advice.

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year, unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees may be subject to revision.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

Fees

7,500 BHD

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Contact us

Admissions team

Email: bahrain@strath.ac.uk

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Start date: Sep 2025

(1 year entry)

BSc Hons
full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to the University of Strathclyde at this time.

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