Software Development

Course Details

The programme has two key parts:

• A set of taught modules which build from foundational to advanced topics of software engineering and programming
• A substantial individual project

Most foundational modules are studied in the first semester and cover introductory programming using the Java programming language alongside the foundations of software engineering and databases.

Coverage of more advanced algorithmic and object-oriented programming continues into the second semester.

Project Element: Three-month summer projects are taken individually with supervision from a member of the School's teaching staff. Where possible, the project will be set and co-supervised by an industrial partner and may involve an on-site placement.

• Programming
• Databases
• Software Engineering
• Software Design Principles and Patterns
• Web and Mobile Application Development
• Software Testing

Each module generally involves 3 hours of lectures per week along with up to 2 hours per week for tutorials and lab practicals. Alongside these timetabled activities, students are expected to work on group and individual assignments and projects.

Assessment takes the form of a mixture of individual and group-based projects, assignments and practical examinations provide the primary means of assessment within modules, with written examinations are also employed for some modules. The summer project is assessed through a written dissertation alongside the presentation and demonstration of the created software artefact.

Teaching takes place in the morning and afternoon; there are between 13 and 15 hours of contact teaching hours per week.