This FdSc Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence is a foundation degree aligned to the HTQ Software Developer occupational standard. After a first level grounded in programming and databases, Level 5 moves on to secure website development, systems design and testing, emerging technologies, DevOps, pre-professional identity and a vocational work project. Generative AI, automation, API integration and machine learning concepts are embedded, with responsible AI practice throughout. Coursework is mainly practical, with presentations and professional discussions alongside technical builds. Each week combines a Canary Wharf campus day with a day of online study. AF Education gives UK home students free help with the application and with Student Finance England.
Key facts
- Award / level
- FdSc
- Study mode
- Full time
- Schedule options
- Weekday
- Location
- At the Canary Wharf campus in London
- Upcoming intake
- February 2027
- Foundation year
- Not included in this course title
- Awarding university
- Newcastle Group
- Partner pathway
- PEN
Who this course is for
This suits people who want a practical, job-focused software qualification across two levels of study, including career changers moving into development roles.
Entry routes for mature students
Applicants usually need a UK Level 3 qualification worth 120 credits or 64 UCAS Tariff points. If you are 21 or older, at least two years of relevant work experience shown on a CV, with proof of employment, may be accepted instead. GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or a Level 2 equivalent are normally expected, and you must attend an interview.
Funding with Student Finance England
AF Education is a free service for England-resident UK home students — not international applicants. For eligible courses, a Tuition Fee Loan is paid directly to the university and a Maintenance Loan is paid to you for living costs. Eligibility depends on residency and previous study; use our free eligibility checker before you apply.
Check your Student Finance eligibility — free, takes about 2 minutes.
How often you study
The programme runs with one campus day at Canary Wharf and one online day each week. That fits AF Education’s usual pattern of 1 to 2 campus days a week, typically about 2 to 4 hours a day, so it is often possible to keep working.
Career and progression
The course prepares you for software engineering or AI-related employment, with a vocational work project at Level 5. A foundation degree can lead on to a separate top-up course, subject to each university’s entry requirements. AF Education does not guarantee jobs or places.
Course overview from Newcastle Group
FdSc Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence is a new foundation degree programme delivered at NCUC and aligned to the HTQ Software Developer occupational standard. The programme develops practical software engineering skills through programming, databases, dynamic and secure web development, systems design, testing and DevOps, while embedding artificial intelligence through object-oriented AI-enabled applications, emerging technologies, generative AI, automation, API integration, machine learning concepts and responsible AI practice.
Students study Level 4 modules in databases, programming, object-oriented programming with AI, dynamic website development, academic skills and vocational practice. At Level 5, they progress into secure website development, systems design and testing, emerging technologies, DevOps, pre-professional identity and a vocational work project.
The teaching approach combines lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, independent study, practical development work and scenario-based learning. Assessment is largely project-based, with students producing technical artefacts, reports, designs, test plans, presentations, professional discussions and reflective evidence. The programme places strong emphasis on employability, professional identity, communication, teamwork, commercial awareness, responsible AI use and preparation for software engineering or AI-related employment.
The programme places strong emphasis on employability, professional identity, communication, teamwork, commercial awareness, responsible AI use and preparation for software engineering or AI-related employment.
Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English or the Level 2 equivalent (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).
Schedule: 1 day online, 1 day on campus
FdSc Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence is available at London. Campus details and map links are below.
Available Campuses for FdSc Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
-
Canary Wharf
Exchange Tower Harbour, Exchange Square, 9th and 10th Floor, London, E14 9GE
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Feb 2027
Campus locations on the map
English Language Requirements for Newcastle Group
Accepted English Language Qualifications ✅ GCSE English Language Grade 4/C or above ✅ IELTS Overall score of 5.5 ✅ Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English ✅ Interview Every applicant must attend…
Entry Requirements for Newcastle Group
1. Standard Route (Qualification-Based Entry) Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: UK Qualifications ✅ UK Level 3 qualification with a minimum of 120 credits OR ✅ UK Level 3 qualification…
Interview Process
Interview Requirements: Portal Interview Booking: Students need to book their interview through the portal. Speaking & Writing Test: Students must complete the speaking and writing test. CV Submission: Student CV must be…
See the full entry, English language and interview requirements for Newcastle Group →
How AF Education helps
AF Education support is 100% free for students. We help you check eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, prepare documents, and submit your application — with clear next steps for Student Finance England where relevant.
FAQs about this course
Is this course aligned to an occupational standard?
Yes. It is aligned to the HTQ Software Developer occupational standard.
What do you study at Level 5?
Secure website development, systems design and testing, emerging technologies, DevOps, pre-professional identity and a vocational work project.
How is the FdSc assessed?
Largely through projects, including technical artefacts, reports, designs, test plans, presentations and reflective evidence.
How many days are on campus?
One day on campus at Canary Wharf and one day online each week.
Can I get Student Finance England for this course?
AF Education gives England-resident UK home students (not international applicants) free help applying for Student Finance England on eligible courses. Check your eligibility free before you apply.
Register your interest
Register your interest in under 2 minutes. 100% free — we never charge you anything. A dedicated advisor will contact you to check eligibility and guide you through enrolment for FdSc Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence.
Related courses
Explore related programmes in a similar subject — at Newcastle Group and at other partner universities where available.
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BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year
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BSc Computer Science with Foundation Year
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