ObjectivesThe course aims to prepare graduates for leading roles in the software industry and for careers as a software developer, software engineer, project leader and software development manager. The course can also be used by people already working in the software area to update their knowledge and skills.
Entry requirementsTo enter the course you need to have one of the following: * a good Honours degree or an equivalent qualification * a relevant professional qualification of equivalent standard, eg BCS Professional Graduate Diploma, CEng, CIM Diploma * an unclassified degree plus at least two years further study or professional experience If you have no formal qualifications but have professional business or industrial experience, we will consider your application on its merits. If English is not your first language, you must also have English Language at IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 250, or equivalent.
Academic titleSoftware Development Master in Science
Course descriptionThe course addresses the specification, design, development and implementation of large-scale software systems in a variety of contexts. It includes an introduction to programming and computer hardware for those with no previous experience of these topics and an opportunity for those with a computing background to explore new topics in software engineering and formal methods of software specification. The emphasis is on object-oriented modelling, design and programming, databases, network management including the internet; and developing distributed and client/server applications.
Course content
This course has two parts, the Taught Modules and Master Project.
Successful completion of the taught modules, which involves eight single modules of study, leads to the award of Postgraduate Diploma and, if the appropriate performance is achieved, allows progression onto the Masters Project.
Taught Modules
* Internet Systems Development (double)
* Software Engineering Design
* Open Systems Application Development
* Software Process Management
* Usability
* Research Methods
Plus two more modules chosen from a wide range of options available to allow individuals to tailor their programme to meet specific needs and interests.
Master Project
The final stage of this course requires the completion of a master’s project, which must relate directly to the subject being studied. To complete this successfully students will develop a sound capability to carry out research. The project can be conducted either as a placement in an external organisation or working with one of the University research groups.
The MSc project serves to integrate, apply and further develop the different aspects within the taught part of the programme.
Assessment
The course requires full-time study over 12 months. It is divided into three semesters and you may start the course in either late September or early February. The taught modules will be studied and completed during the first two semesters. The master’s project will be undertaken over the third semester.
The modules are assessed by either coursework assignments or written examinations or both, which occur within the semesters.
Part-time study
Although these details describe full-time study it is possible to take this course on a part-time basis attending just two evenings a week. Details of the part-time course are given separately.