Software Engineering Masters (MSc)

Some of the most challenging problems in industry and commerce are associated with software development. This course will equip computing professionals with advanced knowledge of the latest methods and tools in software engineering, as well as practical skills in software development.

You can combine this course with management studies, which will enable you to develop the skills to successfully lead teams and manage innovation.

• This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
• The knowledge and skills learnt on this course will enable you to make an effective contribution as part of a team building software systems, delivering optimum results in terms of cost, time and software quality.
• The dissertation/project gives you the chance to study an area of interest in greater depth. It can be undertaken in industry, giving you valuable industrial experience and an excellent talking point when you are looking for a job or promotion.

What will you study?

You will study state-of-the-art concepts in software engineering and will focus on the fundamental concepts and principles of systems analysis, design, implementation and testing. The course focuses on the cost-effective development of high-quality software. You will also have an opportunity to improve your practical skills so that you can plan and conduct complex systems development projects to meet customer needs and integrate software solutions into an evolving business environment.

Software Engineering (Web) MSc pathway

In addition to our pure Software Engineering MSc, you can choose to specialise in web development. You will gain highly sought-after web development skills and will study techniques for designing and developing bespoke products that support business objectives and add value for businesses. You will apply tools and techniques to design e-business architectures and can choose to study user experience design, mobile computing or agile development.

With Management Studies

Both the Software Engineering and Software Engineering (Web) courses can be combined with Management Studies. The Management Studies route will set your technical knowledge in a management context and enable you to work effectively with business managers to develop systems for business advantage. An understanding of the business and management context is a key skill employers look for and essential for those aiming to set up their own business.

You will have the opportunity to study a foreign language for free during your time at the University as part of the Kingston Language Scheme. Options currently include: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish.

The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and project dissertation. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Software Engineering MSc (core modules)

• Modelling Enterprise Architectures
• Software Architectures and Programming Models
• Software Quality Engineering
• Project Dissertation

Software Engineering MSc (option modules)

• Mobile Computing
• User Experience Design (Systems)

• User Experience Design (Systems)

  This module focuses upon the usability testing, bottom-up design and prototyping of single-user interaction with data-intensive, web services and applications via the desk-top, particularly for information seeking and shopping.  The emphasis is upon quantitative measurement for efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction.

  • Coursework: usability test report, prototype, presentation
  • Schedule: allow approximately two one-week blocks in the first semester
  • Class size: 15–20
  • Staff: Dr Martin Colbert
  
   
• Agile Project Development

Software Engineering (Web) MSc (core modules)

• Modelling Enterprise Architectures
• Software Architectures and Programming Models
• Web Application and Infrastructure Development

Software Engineering (Web) MSc (option modules)

• Mobile Computing
• User Experience Design (Systems)

• User Experience Design (Systems)

  This module focuses upon the usability testing, bottom-up design and prototyping of single-user interaction with data-intensive, web services and applications via the desk-top, particularly for information seeking and shopping.  The emphasis is upon quantitative measurement for efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction.

  • Coursework: usability test report, prototype, presentation
  • Schedule: allow approximately two one-week blocks in the first semester
  • Class size: 15–20
  • Staff: Dr Martin Colbert
  
   
• Agile Project Development

Software Engineering with Management Studies MSc modules

• Modelling Enterprise Architectures
• Software Architectures and Programming Models
• Software Quality Engineering
• Business in Practice

• Business in Practice

  This postgraduate module is aimed at the practical needs of students from different academic contexts such as, but not limited to computing, science, medicine, biotechnology and the health services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector.

  The module introduces and uses activities and problem-solving to investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and cope with its complexity.

  
   
• Project Dissertation

Software Engineering (Web) with Management Studies MSc

• Modelling Enterprise Architectures
• Software Architectures and Programming Models
• Web Application and Infrastructure Development
• Business in Practice

• Business in Practice

  This postgraduate module is aimed at the practical needs of students from different academic contexts such as, but not limited to computing, science, medicine, biotechnology and the health services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector.

  The module introduces and uses activities and problem-solving to investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and cope with its complexity.

  
   
• Project Dissertation

The British Computer Society (BCS) accredits this course which means you may be gain exemptions from some BCS professional examinations.

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