MSc in Software Engineering
Career benefits
The MSc in Software Engineering is based on a very significant demand for graduates with a good knowledge of computing. This demand arises from consultancies, software houses, major software users such as banks, large manufacturers, retailers, and the public services, defence and aerospace companies, and telecommunications.
Typical entrants to the programme have a degree in an engineering or scientific discipline, and wish to either move into the software field or to the development of software for their current field. Prior programming experience is not essential, but potential applicants may wish to try it in advance to see if they have the aptitude.
From this base, the programme provides a solid technical coverage of all aspects of software development, including such widely used languages as Java, C++, UML, XML and Corba, as well as distributed systems technologies, for which demand is particularly high. The programme is therefore quite demanding; its success in providing advanced academic education along these lines is evident from the fact that recent graduates of the programme are currently employed in a wide spectrum of organizations.
Of course, the employment value of a master's degree is not just short term. Although on-the-job training and experience as well as technology specific skills are valuable, they can be rather narrow and difficult to validate, and to transfer. The structure of this programme ensures that there is a proper balance between the development of particular skills and a solid education in the enduring principles and concepts that underlie component-based system development.