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MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering

Develop, design and build
software solutions for business

Apply By

23 December 2024

To Start

07 January 2025

  • BCS Accredited
  • icon_timer_white Minimum programme length: 12 months
  • icon_money_white Fees: £6,600

Get further information on your degree

Why Abertay?

University of the Year for Teaching Quality *

One of the UK's leading tech universities

Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education **

Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction with Teaching ***

95% of graduates in full-time work or study within six months of graduating

100% online, with six
starts per year

Pay per module

Ranked 31st in UK for Computer Science ****

* Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2021 | ** Recognised by the UK Government's National Cyber Security Centre | *** Student Satisfaction with Teaching, Course and Feedback, Guardian University Guide, 2020 | **** Guardian University Rankings, 2024

Engineering future leaders in technology

Our technology-driven lives mean software is at the heart of almost everything we do. In this business world, this makes professionals with the capacity to come up with, build, test and maintain software systems highly important.

Our MSc in Computer Science with Software Engineering enables graduates from non-computer science backgrounds to enter computer science and specialise in software engineering. You will gain the knowledge, understanding and application of practice in computer science areas including networking, human factors, emergent technologies and more, and develop specialised skills in software engineering. Our approach to teaching is interactive and learner-centred, so you can put the theory you learn into practice. You will complete your study with a research-oriented proposal and project, as a further opportunity to develop your software engineering specialisation.

With six starts per year, you can get your studies started in weeks and unconfirmed to the traditional academic year. You’ll also study completely online and on a part-time basis, creating the flexibility needed to fit your learning in around work, family and other responsibilities.

MSc Software Engineering

What you'll learn

Our MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering provides you with all you need to work in computer science in topics including networking, databases, programming and more.

You will specialise in software engineering, developing highly sought-after skills in the design, development, testing and maintenance of software systems, boosting your career prospects in this vital area.

On successful completion of this MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering, you will be able to:
1

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts of computer science, including the principles of software development, databases, networking, and human factors.

2

Develop a critical awareness of current issues in computer science and specialisms such as emergent technologies and artificial intelligence or cyber security.

3

Apply a range of specialised skills and practices in computer science as informed by developments in areas of coding, networking human factors and emergent technologies.

4

Plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation, or development within a computer science specialism with due consideration of ethical approval and legal requirements.

5

Deal with complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on issues commensurate with current professional and ethical codes or practices.

Modules

This module introduces the core ideas of computer architecture and programming. You will build a mental model of the functioning of a typical computer system that can be used to reason about system (hardware/software) behaviour. You will explore fundamental programming constructs, using the Python scripting language. You will use a problem-based approach to develop skills fundamental to programming.

This module introduces the standard data structures and algorithms that form the core of algorithmic thought in computer science, and introduces you to the idea of reasoning about the behaviour and performance of a computer programme.

This module introduces you to dynamic web applications, through client-side and server-side web development. The module also will enable you to develop the necessary skills to develop complex database-driven web applications, effectively employing server-side technology.

This module introduces database concepts and designs using relational databases and NoSQL design techniques. The course includes fundamentals of relational and NoSQL databases to understand the advantages and limitations as a database administrator or database application developer. You will be able to apply this knowledge to design, deploy and maintain databases for advanced and complex systems.

This module introduces the operation of various networking models through studying networking components, protocols and applications. The content includes networking fundamentals, network layers and modes with associated protocols and applications. You will be able to apply this knowledge to build and maintain advanced and complex networks.

This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts, principles, and techniques of software engineering. It covers the entire software development life cycle, from requirements gathering to maintenance, and emphasizes the importance of software quality, testing, and project management. The module also includes practical exercises and case studies to help students apply what they have learned in a real-world context.

This module will enable you to critically appraise next-generation technologies and their impact on society. The module will provide you with an awareness of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and interconnectivity, 5G and 6G technologies, cloud computing and decentralised systems such as drones. Technology awareness will be supplemented with data-driven and smart applications of these technologies, and you will consider the role of AI in application deployment.

This module will introduce you to generic concepts of human factors such as interactions between user and computing systems and/or services, and how these interactions can be evaluated. You will learn about interface design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and ethics in the data gathering process. Aspects of user experience, usability and accessibility will be explored.

This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical approaches to research and statistical concepts are taught in online lectures with virtual lab sessions using both quantitative and qualitative techniques that allow you to put theory into practice.

This module is designed to enable you to develop a research proposal. The module will provide guidance on the essential steps in research proposal development including literature searching, research question setting, identifying objectives and proposing a research methodology. Proposal development will also consider project planning, risks and mitigation, and legal and ethical issues.

Through an independent research project, you will select, plan, conduct and write up a research-based investigation. The project will include the selection of appropriate research and experimental methods, the collection and analysis of data and information and the evaluation and communication of findings and require the synthesis of a solution appropriate to the project aims. You will produce an artefact to complement the write-up of your investigation.

Would you suit our MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering programme?

Working professionals looking to pivot into, or take their next steps in computer science careers, but who are unable to take a study break, this MSc a good fit. It offers a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in computing, combined with advanced studies and a research project in software engineering.

You will have the flexibility to learn and earn with fully online and part-time study, so you can maintain important work, family and life commitments alongside your studies.

MSc Software Engineering

Potential career paths for this MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering

Our MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering prepares graduates for careers across a wide range of industries, working in a variety of roles.

  • Applications Developer
  • Information Systems Manager
  • IT Consultant
  • Multimedia Programmer
  • Web Developer

Accredited by BCS

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

What is BCS?


Accreditation from BCS provides a university with independent assurance and recognition of the quality of their computing education. Course content and provision are assessed by academics and industrialists, aligned with IT industry frameworks, and benchmarked against set criteria, to ensure they meet the rigorous standards set by the profession.
Students choose to study BCS-accredited degrees knowing they will gain the right set of technical, personal and professional skills for the evolving tech industry. BCS accredited courses are extremely popular as employers can be confident that these graduates have the skills and are ready to make an impact in their business.

Benefits for students:



  • Graduates from BCS accredited programmes stand out in the job market as employers value these credentials

  • BCS-accredited degrees equip students with the knowledge, skills and capabilities that are valued in organisations

  • BCS-accredited programmes introduce students to professional registration and set them on the path to Chartered IT Professional status

Entry requirements for home and international students

To study this MSc, you must have:
  • An undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification)
  • At least two years of relevant work experience in a professional, managerial, or supervisory role
English language requirements:
  • IELTS 6.0 and equivalents

Start dates

We have six start dates a year, so you can begin your studies within weeks.

Next start date:

07 January 2025

Application deadline:

23 December 2024

APPLY NOW