MSc Software Engineering Masters | Electronics & Computer Science | University of Southampton

Overview

This programme covers formal methods as well as object-oriented programming. You will enhance your skills in software modelling, design, development, and testing, with opportunities to study specialist subjects such as:

cloud and mobile applications
critical systems
data mining
e-business
intelligent agents
model checking
security
user experience

You will undertake both a major project and a dissertation, which will give you the opportunity to integrate the material covered in the taught modules.

View the programme specification for this course for 2020/21 entrants

View the programme specification addendum for this course for 2020/21 entrants

View the programme specification for this course for 2021/22 entrants

Accreditation

Accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Programme Structure

One year, full-time.

The programme has been designed to maximise student choice by allowing you to tailor the structure to suit your own interests. You can choose areas that reflect your personal interests and work on an individual project. You will however, also take a number of compulsory modules to ensure you are exposed to key topics in all areas.

To Apply

You can apply for the programme through the University of Southampton's online postgraduate application system. Visit our how to apply pages for more information. Please note that we belong to the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering (FPSE).

The deadline for new applications to this course is 31 July each year.

Key Facts

Southampton University has pioneered many of the most important advances in computer science and web technology of the past 10 years

We are in the top 10% in the UK for the volume and quality of our Computer Science research (REF 2014)

100% of our Computer Science research impact is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014)

Southampton is ranked in the top 100 universities for Computer Science in the 2018 QS World Rankings, and top 10 in the UK

We are in the UK top ten for Computer Sciences (Guardian University Guide, 2019)

Southampton is a University Partner of The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence

We are recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the UK Government and our academics have played a leading role in establishing a European Data Science Academy

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements

Honours Degree:

A UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum (2:1) degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related subject, and 2:1 in the required modules*.

See international equivalent entry requirements. This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

*The required modules are: programming (Java, C++, C#), maths, and at least three additional computing modules, e.g. software architecture or design, data structures, databases, network, AI, web.

English Language Requirements:

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency: Band C, IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applications from international students. For information on applying, visit the International Office website.

Selection process:

All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (eg hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with this qualification typically go on to work in software engineering research or advanced software development projects.

"After my MSc in Software Engineering I went on to study the topic at PhD level because of the interest I developed while studying in ECS. This was helped by the guidance and support available from the faculty members and factors including programme’s ranking among the top in the UK." Ali Gondal MSc Software Engineering

Through an extensive blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus startup incubator, we also support aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their professional enterprise skills. Discover more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

Fees for postgraduate taught courses vary across the University. All fees are listed for UK, EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course name.

View the full list of course fees

Funding

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Explore funding opportunities

Costs associated with this course

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:

Type	Description
Approved Calculators	Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo.
Stationery	You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc). Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
Textbooks	Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Printing and Photocopying Costs	In the majority of cases, coursework such as essays; projects; dissertations is likely to be submitted on line. However, there are some items where it is not possible to submit on line and students will be asked to provide a printed copy. A list of the University printing costs can be found here: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing-for-students.page.

In some cases you’ll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.

Pre-course Reading List

It is expected that you have taken a first degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related subject. In particular you should check that you have covered the core subjects listed in the ACM/IEEE Computer Science Curriculum

This course assumes you have programming experience, and are familiar with the Java programming language. You can learn about this language, for example, by following Sun's Java Tutorial, which is available on-line and also in book form.

It is also assumed that you are already familiar with modern software development techniques, and in particular the UML notation. This is covered by many good textbooks, for example UML Distilled, by Martin Fowler, from Addison Wesley.

Finally, you should familiarise yourself with a formal method such as B or Z. Two books covering these are The B Method, by Steve Schneider, from Palgrave Macmillan, and Formal Specification Using Z, by David Lightfoot, from Palgrave Macmillan.

Location

Highfield Campus

Highfield is our main campus and the heart of the University. Set in beautiful green surroundings, it’s easily accessible from the city centre. University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ.

Find out more

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MSc Software Engineering (1 year full-time)

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