Software engineering now impacts on a wide range of human activity. For example, the increasing use of robotics in surgery relies on the use of computer vision techniques to understand images of internal organs as well as to control the surgeon’s tools. Other areas include air traffic control systems, cryptographic systems for banking, satellite control for telecommunications, and of course, the internet. Software engineering is concerned with how to build the very large software systems that are used throughout commerce and industry. Software engineers are the professionals behind this industry. As a software engineer you would lead the development of these very large systems so that they are delivered on time, within budget, and are both reliable and maintainable. Software engineering covers not only the technical aspects of building these software systems, but also management and teamwork skills.

On average, 90% of the students graduating from this course go straight into work and/or further study after graduation. Of those in work, 95% are in professional or managerial jobs and typically earning in the range ?21,000-?31,000 pa six months after graduation. Preparaing for your career is one of the first things you need to think about when you start university. Our Computer Science graduates can choose from a huge variety of career opportunities, including working with one of the global technology giants, or in other areas of industry and technology. But you'll also be highly sought after by employers in the fields of finance, business, government, teaching and research. At the University of Birmingham, we also enhance your employability with superb opportunities to gain industry experience, assisting you to secure mentoring opportunities, global internships and placements, from summer jobs to spending a whole year in industry between your second and final study years. This placement year is a chance to earn money and gain real-life experience, allowing you to get involved in serious projects and put into practice the skills and knowledge gained from your degree. It's a great chance to prove your worth and placements often lead to sponsorship and/or the offer of a graduate job.