The CertHE in Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence is a one-level certificate, useful if you want a recognised Level 4 award in coding before deciding on longer study. Its modules on record are databases, programming, object-oriented programming with AI, dynamic website development, academic skills and vocational practice. You learn by building: most assessment is project-based, from technical artefacts and designs to test plans and reflective evidence, rather than exams. Responsible use of AI tools, teamwork and commercial awareness are part of the programme. The weekly pattern is one campus day at Canary Wharf in London and one online day. If you later want Level 5, the provider lists a separate foundation degree. AF Education gives UK home students free help applying and with Student Finance England.
Key facts
- Award / level
- CertHE
- 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 adults who want a shorter higher-education award in software development, or who want to try the subject before committing to a longer qualification.
Entry routes for mature students
The standard route asks for a UK Level 3 qualification with at least 120 credits or 64 UCAS points. Applicants aged 21 or over may be considered through a work-experience route, with a CV showing at least two years’ relevant experience and proof of employment. GCSE English and Maths at grade 4, or Level 2 equivalents such as Functional Skills, are normally expected, and every applicant attends 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 listed schedule is one day on campus at Canary Wharf and one day online each week. Most courses AF Education supports need 1 to 2 campus days a week, usually about 2 to 4 hours a day, so many students keep working.
Career and progression
The programme emphasises preparation for software engineering or AI-related employment. If you want to go further, the separate FdSc Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence listing includes Level 5 study. AF Education does not guarantee jobs or progression.
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
CertHE in Software Engineering with Artificial Intelligence is available at London. Campus details and map links are below.
Available Campuses for CertHE in 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 2027Application deadline 18 Aug 2026 38 days overdue
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 an interview as part of the admission process.
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 with a minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points
(UCAS Tariff points are used by many UK institutions to compare different Level 3 qualifications.)
OR
✅ EU/Overseas High School Diploma
- Qualification must be equivalent to UK Level 3
2. Non-Standard Route (Over 21 – Work Experience Route)
Applicants aged 21 or above may be considered through relevant work experience.
Requirements:
✅ CV
- Must show at least 2 years of relevant work experience
✅ Proof of Work Experience / Employment
- Evidence of previous employment or professional experience must be provided.
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 submitted before the interview.
- CV should be prepared and checked before the Viva/Interview.
- Viva / Interview: Students must attend the Viva/Interview after completing the required steps.
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
What do you study at Level 4?
Databases, programming, object-oriented programming with AI, dynamic website development, academic skills and vocational practice.
How is the course assessed?
Mostly through projects: technical artefacts, reports, designs, test plans, presentations, professional discussions and reflective evidence.
How many days a week are on campus?
The schedule on record is one day on campus at Canary Wharf and one day online each week.
Do I need GCSE Maths and English?
Applicants are normally expected to have grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English, or a Level 2 equivalent such as Functional Skills.
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.
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