Software Engineering MSc

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018-2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 20198 entry.

Complusory

• Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming: introduces and reinforces object-oriented modelling, design and implementation to provide a common basis of skills, allowing students to complete programming assignments within other MSc modules.
• Software Engineering Practice: introduces advanced software engineering methods supporting the development of complex, composite software systems with an emphasis on software configuration management, reuse and test-driven development practices.
• Software Engineering Principles: examines the key concepts in small and large-scale software development.

and one or both of:

• Critical Systems Engineering: delivers an understanding of the concepts and development techniques used for critical, socio-technical systems.
• Software Architecture: introduces students to the concept of software architecture, as an aid to software design, reuse and evolution.

The following modules are optional for Computer Science programmes. Not all combinations of modules will be available for all programmes, and some modules are subject to pre-requisites being satisfied. Please consult the relevant programme requirements for available options.

Students choose two or three optional modules. In the 'Additional modules' lists below, students can only take up to two of the modules in each list. See the module catalogue for further descriptions.

• Advanced Topics in Computer Communication Systems
• Artificial Intelligence in Practice
• Artificial Intelligence Principles
• Critical Systems Engineering
• Data-Intensive Systems
• Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
• Information Visualisation
• Interactive Software and Hardware
• Knowledge Discovery and Datamining
• Language and Computation
• Masters Programming Projects
• Practice in Computer Communication Systems
• Principles of Computer Communication Systems
• Software Architecture
• Software Engineering Practice
• Software Engineering Principles
• User-Centred Interaction Design

Additional optional modules

Students may take up to two of the following:

• Computer Architecture
• Computer Graphics
• Computer Security
• Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
• Constraint programming
• Distributed Systems
• Logic and Software Verification
• Programming Language Design and Implementation
• Video Games

Students may take up to two of the following:

• Database Management Systems
• Green Information Technology
• Information Security Management
• Information Technology Projects
• Web Technologies

During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually (students are assessed individually in either case).

The dissertation typically comprises a review of related work; the extension of existing or the development of new ideas; software implementation and testing; analysis and evaluation. Students are required to give a presentation of their work in addition to the written dissertation.

Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and reviews of software and dissertation drafts.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.