The Software Engineering pathway combines core computing foundations (Level 4) with specialist software engineering units (Level 5), including a Pearson-set research project.
Program Structure
The HND is a 240-credit programme delivered over 15 months at ABC Horizon, with 960 GLH. You complete 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5.
Level 4 Units (120 credits)
| Unit | Unit Title | Credits | Level | Status |
|---|
| 1 | Programming | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 2 | Networking | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 3 | Professional Practice | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 4 | Database Design & Development | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 5 | Security | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 6 | Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set) | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 7 | Software Development Lifecycles | 15 | 4 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| Choose 1 | Level 4 Optional Unit Bank (choose ONE):
Optional Unit 11: Strategic Information Systems
Optional Unit 12: Management in the Digital Economy
Optional Unit 13: Website Design & Development
Optional Unit 14: Maths for Computing
Optional Unit 15: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems | 15 | 4 | Optional (Choose 1) |
Level 5 Units (120 credits)
| Unit | Unit Title | Credits | Level | Status |
|---|
| 16 | Computing Research Project (Pearson-set) | 30 | 5 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 17 | Business Process Support | 15 | 5 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 18 | Discrete Maths | 15 | 5 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| 19 | Data Structures & Algorithms | 15 | 5 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| 20 | Applied Programming and Design Principles | 15 | 5 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| Choose 2 | Level 5 Optional Units (choose TWO / 30 credits):
Select two units from the Level 5 Optional Unit Bank (Units 33–54).
Unit combinations must not replicate another specialist pathway. | 30 | 5 | Optional (Choose 2) |
Optional selection guidance: Students typically choose optional units that strengthen software engineering capability (e.g., systems analysis & design, operating systems, prototyping, UX/UI), depending on cohort and timetable availability.
Admission is designed to be clear and supportive—ensuring you are placed on the correct undergraduate pathway for success.
Entry Requirements
- Completion of a Level 3 qualification (such as the British High School Diploma) or equivalent
- No specific GPA requirement
- Short interview to assess English language level and programme readiness
- Immediate start available after registration
The Software Engineering pathway supports development-focused career routes across software products, platforms, and digital services.
Career Opportunities
- Junior Software Engineer / Junior Developer
- Application Developer (Entry Level)
- Backend / Full-Stack Developer (Junior)
- Software Tester / QA Analyst (Entry Level)
- Junior Systems Analyst / Technical Support in Development Teams
Learning is structured around applied assignments and project work, designed to build practical engineering competence and workplace readiness.
Mode of Delivery and Assessment
- Delivery: Onsite / Online / Blended
- Assessment: Internal assessment through assignments, development tasks, and project submissions
- Pearson-set projects: Included in Unit 6 (Level 4) and Unit 16 (Level 5)
- Grading: Unit-based grading aligned to published criteria
Level 5 Tuition Fee: £6,000
Installments available.
Academic Progression Pathway
- Level 6 top-up degrees (final-year entry) in Software Engineering, Computing, or related disciplines
- Specialist bachelor’s pathways aligned to software engineering, application development, and digital product development
- Professional certification routes aligned to development stacks and software engineering practice
Progression routes depend on university entry requirements and programme alignment.
Delivery is designed for international learners, with clear academic language support embedded in teaching and assessment practice.
Language of Delivery
This programme is delivered in English or Arabic.
