Programme summary for MSc Software Engineering*
The programme is based on many years of experience on real projects and it is taught by a team of lecturers with research expertise in the different aspects of software engineering. Our programme offers you the opportunity to study the current state-of-the-art in engineering software development from system design to testing and apply this knowledge to the practical work environment.
With a large proportion of computer laboratory and other practical work you will reinforce the theories and practices learnt in the classroom with 'hands on' experience. On completion of the programme, the successful student should have a good knowledge and understanding of the state-of-the-art methodologies in software engineering, and should have learnt to use a variety of software tools and environments that are a required knowledge by software companies nowadays.
Along with typical software engineering and project management content, this programme offers specialist competences in service-oriented computing, mobile software development and software verification that are strongly required by different kind of companies.
About the programme
The programme consists of four core modules, each worth 30 credits. Full time students follow two modules per semester. Part time students follow the same programme, over a two year period. The Dissertation is worth 60 credits.
Software Engineering
This module introduces students to advanced topics in software engineering both from the theoretical and practical viewpoint: software requirements analysis and specification, system architecture design, software testing and validation, software quality and costs involved in the development and maintenance and evolution of software.
Service-Oriented Computing
This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of current technologies utilized for developing service-oriented architectures, using distributed systems and middleware technologies. This module will deal with the tools and techniques required to develop, integrate and manage distributed services and business processes. This module will also deal with advanced topics like cloud computing, semantic web, context-aware systems, and security.
Project Management
This module introduces students to Project life-cycles and project management tools. project planning tools and diagrams, people management and team organization, cost and effort estimation, risk analysis and management, quality management, professional and ethical issues.
Dissertation
The dissertation enables students to put into practice their theoretical knowledge obtained during their postgraduate programme and enhance their critical understanding of their chosen subject, within the areas of wired and wireless communications, network management and network security. The students will be supported throughout their project by a dedicated supervisor. It is assessed through a written report and a viva examination.
One of the two following optional modules:
Design and Application of Mobile Computing Systems
The aim of this module is to equip students with the software development skills needed to develop mobile applications, analyse different mobile computing architecture required for various applications and evaluate different platforms and methodology for developing mobile applications and evaluate the different security and communications mechanisms used in modern mobile applications.
Formal Methods
This module explains the issues involved in the development of high integrity software suitable for critical systems; it will present and compare a variety of formal development methods, with an in-depth study of one model-based formal methodology for system verification.
Career opportunities
Many MSc students can successfully move to careers in software development and computing industry as software engineers. However, students can also start a PhD program in the UK, Europe and USA, while others can work as software architects or project managers.
Support
The School prides itself on its student support systems. Based on the practice of industry we operate an open door policy with students encouraged to consult with their tutors. Personal Tutors and Programme Leader will monitor your progress and provide assistance and advice with academic and personal problems.
The School facilities include electronic lab, telecommunication lab and computer labs, which you are free to use, as long as they are not required for a class. Technical support is readily available supported by academics. There is also a dedicated lab with state-of-the-art technologies provided by Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, Google, that are available to students.
Employer links are maintained through our Industrial Liaison Group and employers are invited to attend the University to talk to students about careers. The professional bodies also visit the University regularly and provide details on the qualification process and the advantages available to members.
Admission
The entry requirement for the MSc programme is normally satisfied by possession of one of the following:
- A 2:2 or higher honours degree in:
Computing, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Digital Systems, Communication Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Physics. - A degree qualification of a subject and standard equivalent to (1.), obtained after a programme of full-time study extending over a period of not less than three years in a recognized university outside the UK.
UEL is committed to recognising and accrediting prior learning and learning which may have derived from experience. Applicants who hold other qualifications and/or relevant experience may apply to have that learning assessed in order to gain entry to the programme and/or credit towards an award. All enquiries should be directed to the Programme Leader.
Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.0 or equivalent.
UEL is committed to recognising and accrediting prior learning and learning which may have derived from experience. Applicants who hold other qualifications and/or relevant experience may apply to have that learning assessed in order to gain entry to the programme and/or credit towards an award. All enquiries should be directed to the Programme Leader.
* Subject to validation process
Contact: Dr. Paolo Falcarin
