Welcome to your course
Welcome to the Software Engineering BEng course at the School of Computer Science and Engineering.
Software engineering is about designing, building and maintaining the software systems that modern life depends on: web platforms, mobile applications, cloud services, data-driven systems, AI-enabled tools and large-scale organisational systems.
This is a practical course, and you will learn by building. Across your studies, you will design and implement applications, develop backend services, build full-stack systems, use collaborative development tools, and apply professional practices such as agile development, testing, version control, technical communication and project delivery.
You will also be able to choose option modules that reflect your interests, with opportunities to explore areas such as mobile development, artificial intelligence, cyber security and the Internet of Things (IoT).
We have arranged several events as part of your welcome week. These events will introduce you to your course, your course team, the University, and your fellow students, and will help you gain the most from your life as a University of Westminster student.
Welcome to the School of Computer Science and Engineering
We are thrilled to have you on board and look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals.
As you begin your learning journey with us you will become part of a dynamic community of learners who share a passion for technology and innovation. Be assured that you have made an excellent choice by choosing Computer Science and Engineering as your field of study. This exciting field that is constantly evolving and has the potential to make a significant and positive impact on the world we live in.
We are committed to providing you with an excellent education that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the ever-changing technology landscape. Our experienced staff are passionate about Computer Science and Engineering and are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential.
You will start by undertaking a welcome week. It is advised that you attend all events to ensure that you receive all the required information prior to the start of teaching. You will also have opportunity to become familiar with the School environment, meet your course team, and also your fellow students.
We understand that starting a new degree programme can be both exciting and daunting. However, be assured you that you are not alone. We are here to guide you and provide you with the support you need to succeed.
Best wishes
Dr Philip Trwoga
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
As part of your induction and to complete your enrolment, you'll need to collect your student ID card.
Your time slot for collection is:
11.30am, Wednesday 16 September 2026
Marylebone Campus
For more information about enrolment, including related FAQs, visit our Enrolment for new students page.
Course induction schedule
Your course induction events may take place online or on campus – check the details for each event below.
The timing and venue for events may change, so double check this page closer to the date.
Course Welcome
11.30am–12.30pm
Room C1.52 - Small Lecture Theatre, Cavendish Campus
Students' Union Marylebone Welcome Fair (Optional)
10am–4pm, Ambika P3, Marylebone Campus
The fair will provide you with the opportunity to see what the Students' Union and University have to offer outside of your studies.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for full details.
Enrolment and ID card collection
11.30am
Marylebone Campus
Undergraduate Social Event
1.30–2.30pm
Peter Bonfield (Vice Chancellor), Catherine Dormor (Head of College) and Head of School for Computer and Engineering will be attending.
Room C1.15/16, Cavendish Campus
Students' Union Marylebone Welcome Fair (Optional)
10am–4pm, Ambika P3, Marylebone Campus
The fair will provide you with the opportunity to see what the Students' Union and University have to offer outside of your studies.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for full details.
Outdoor Film Screening (Optional)
6.30–9.30pm
All new students are invited to an outdoor cinema event at Harrow Campus. The college will be providing one free drink and a choice of snack for the first 500 attendees, as well as a paid bar during the screening.
Course Q&A session
3–4pm
Online, MS Teams link
Students' Union Harrow Welcome Fair (Optional)
10am–4pm, The Den, Harrow Campus
Your one stop shop to finding out about your Students' Union and everything that we have to offer to make your time at Westminster as enjoyable as possible.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for full details.
Welcome Festival (Optional)
11am–5pm, Harrow Field, Harrow Campus
Food, drinks, entertainment, and music for students – registration required.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for tickets and full details.
Course resources
Blackboard
Blackboard is our online learning platform, which you'll be able to log in to after you've set up your University email address and password.
Teaching timetables
Teaching starts in the week commencing Monday 21 September and you can check your teaching timetable to see when and where your classes are being held.
Course handbook
Full details on the course structure, modules and course team are included in the course handbook, which can be found on Blackboard.
Reading list
Module reading lists will be made available through Blackboard and the course handbook. Your module leaders will explain which readings are essential, recommended or useful for further study.
You do not need to buy books before you arrive unless you are specifically advised to do so. The University Library provides access to many books, e-books and online learning resources.
Optional preparation before teaching starts
You do not need to arrive as an expert programmer. The course is designed to help you build your skills step by step.
If you have little or no programming experience and would like a gentle head start, you may find it useful to try a free introductory programming resource before teaching begins. One option is https://futurecoder.io/. Focus on understanding basic ideas such as variables, conditions, loops, functions and problem solving. Do not worry about mastering everything before you arrive.
The most important preparation is to come ready to practise, ask questions, make mistakes, work with others and keep improving.
Equipment and materials
Digital technology
You will use computers regularly throughout the course for programming, coursework, labs, group work and independent study.
The University provides computing labs and access to specialist software, and laptops may be available to borrow through the University. However, having your own laptop can be very helpful, especially for practising programming, completing coursework and working on projects outside scheduled classes.
You do not need an expensive or specialist machine to begin the course. A reliable laptop that can run a modern web browser, productivity tools, programming tools and development environments is usually sufficient. Once you are enrolled, we can advise you if you are unsure what you need.
You may also be eligible for student discounts on computer purchases.
Support and services
Welcome to Westminster
Visit our Welcome to Westminster page for everything you need to get started at Westminster.
Student Centre
If you need help with enrolment or have any questions, please use the live chat.
Academic English
If you'd like to hone your academic English skills, watch our Academic English for Disciplinary Study Module video for starters and consider joining one of our Academic English Modules. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Academic English team at [email protected].