BSc (Hons) Software Development with Cyber Security (University of Stirling)
Please note that this course has been withdrawn for session 24/25. Applicants should refer to our alternative college option - one year HNC Cyber Security with articulation to University after completion.
This course is a unique and exciting opportunity to kick start a career in one of Scotland’s most thriving industries.
The degree has been developed with input from employers across the Scottish ICT community and will deliver the skills required to take advantage of the 11,000 job opportunities available each year.
Students develop skills in key ICT areas with a focus on software development, web development, database and analytical skills. There will be an emphasis on employability skills and industrial awareness to ensure graduates are ‘work-ready’ on completion of their course. Specialist units in Cyber Security (Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics and Professionalism and Ethics) are included.
The degree is taught jointly by Forth Valley College and the University of Stirling. Classes for the first two years will be delivered at Forth Valley College’s new campus in Falkirk.
Students who are placed in University accommodation at Stirling, should be aware that they will be required to travel from Stirling to Falkirk for the first two years of their studies and should budget for travel costs accordingly.
Please note, we offer this course at Year one or Year two entry.
UCAS Code: T5G6
If you would like to apply for the Partnership Degree course, you can request to be sent a link to our custom built direct application form, rather than completing a UCAS application form. We can offer assistance in completing the form. If you would prefer this option, please email the University of Stirling at admissions@stir.ac.uk requesting the link to the direct form and advising which course you wish to apply for.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact Forth Valley College’s University Partnership Engagement Officer, Sarah McCormick: sarah.mccormick@forthvalley.ac.uk
Case Studies
Check out the case studies below to hear how this course has benefitted previous students:
Luca Fanottoli
Kevin Allison
Year One:
- Developing Software: Introduction
- Software Development: Programming Foundations
- Software Development: Developing Small Scale Stand-alone Applications
- Testing Software
- User Centred Design
- Digital Forensics
- Ethical Hacking
- Professionalism and Ethics in Computing
- Team Working in Computing
- Introduction to Project Management (MS Project)
- Computer Systems Fundamentals
- Troubleshooting Computing Problems
- Mathematics: Calculus and Matrices for Computing
- HNC Computing: Graded Unit 1 (Exam)
Year Two:
- Object Orientated Programming
- Object Orientated Analysis and Design
- Software Development: Developing Websites for Multiplatform Use
- Graded Unit 2 -Project
- Website Essentials
- Data Structures
- Relational Database Management Systems
- SQL: Introduction
Year Three:
- Professional Development for Computer Scientists
- Scripting for Data Science
- Software Engineering II
- Information Systems
- Computer Games Development
- UX Design
- Operating Systems Concurrency & Distribution
- Code Analysis & Performance
- Industrial Work Placement (compulsory)
Year Four:
- Honours project (compulsory)
- Computer Science & Networks
- Artificial Intelligence
- NoSQL Databases
- Web Services
- Mobile App Development
- Software Engineer
- Systems Designer
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Architect
- Systems Administrator
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Project Manager
- NET Developer
- Applications Developer
- Mobile Applications Developer
- Java Developer
- Network Engineer
- Programmer
- Programmer Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Security Software Developer
Year One entry
One of the following:
- Three Highers at grade B (or equivalent) including at least one of Mathematics, Computing, Physics or Chemistry (If the applicant does not possess Higher Maths, then National 5 Maths is required at grade B or above)
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Software Development plus two further Highers at B or equivalent to include one of Maths, Computing, Physics or Chemistry (If the applicant does not possess Higher Maths, then National 5 Maths is required at grade B or above)
- NC Computing (with Cyber Security)
- Applicants with a different qualification or grade profile are still welcome to apply, as all applications are considered on their own merits
- A suitable NPA may be accepted in lieu of 1 Higher
- NCs and NPAs shall be considered on a case-by-case basis
Year Two entry
- Year Two entry may be available for applicants who currently have or are working towards an HNC Computing or HNC Cyber Security and who achieve an A or B in their graded unit
- Applicants with different qualification or grade profile are still welcome to apply, as all applicants are considered in their own merits
Additional requirements:
- Entry is subject to units completed within the applicant's HNC programme.
For further information, please visit the University of Stirling website here.
Further advice for full-time applicants:
Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
