Entry requirementsYou should possess a good Honours degree (minimum 2.1) with a substantial computer science component (at least half) or equivalent industrial experience. You should also have good programming skills for undertaking the practical elements of the programme.
Academic titleMSc Software Engineering
Course descriptionMSc
One year full-time, two years part-time
Programme description
This MSc programme focuses on advanced theoretical and practical techniques in program design, and the management of software project risk. It includes training in vital areas such as security, specification, risk management, usability and design integrity.
The role of software is increasingly important in our everyday lives and the management of the accompanying risks is crucial, especially for business and safety-critical systems where failure can be catastrophic. This makes the skills you will learn on this MSc increasingly marketable.
You will learn advanced techniques in program design (including software patterns and component technologies) and information handling (structured information, databases). You will study key issues of interactive system design, leading to the ability to identify issues and trade-offs in the design of human-computer interaction, and to invent and evaluate alternative solutions to design problems. You will gain knowledge in the mathematical foundations of software and the practical application of these techniques. You will develop skills to manage software project risks and learn about the development of tools to support decision-making. You will also gain essential team and research skills.
Programme outline
Core modules:
* Advanced Program Design (in Java)
* Interactive Systems Design
* Research Methods (double module)
* MSc Project
and at least one of:
* Software Risk Assessment
* Specification and Verification
Study options include:
* Advanced Database Systems and Technologies
* Algorithms and Complexity
* Distributed Systems and Security
* Entrepreneurship in Information Technology
* Foundations for Information Retrieval
* The Semantic Web
* XML and Structured Information
Please note that module availability is subject to
change
Assessment
The Research Methods modules are assessed through coursework alone. All other taught modules are examined through a combination of coursework and written examinations taken in May/June. The MSc Project is assessed by written dissertation and an oral examination in September.