Software Engineering

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. 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. The programme will enable you to become competitive in the most technically oriented branches of software engineering. Typical jobs after graduation include software risk analyst, system designer, software quality assurance, software engineer, programmer, usability consultant, systems analyst, and software architect. Programme outline Core modules: Advanced Program Design (in Java) Research Methods (double module) MSc Project and at least one of: Software Risk Assessment Specification and Verification Module options include: Advanced Database Systems and Technologies Algorithms and Complexity Distributed Systems and Security Entrepreneurship in Information Technology Interactive Systems Design 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 modules are examined through a combination of coursework and written examinations taken in May/June. To obtain an MSc, students must gain passes in six of the eight modules taken with an overall average of 50 per cent. In addition to the above, the MSc requires that a satisfactory individual project be completed. MSc students who do not pass the written examinations are only allowed to attempt the project after passing resit examinations the following May. Entry requirements You 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. For international students we require English language qualifications IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (CBT) 237 or TOEFL (written test) 575. Please also refer to the International Students section.