Programme Specification for 2012/13

MSc Software Engineering

This is a well-established, popular programme which focuses on the study of software development tools and techniques for building modern distributed computer systems.

It covers modern programming techniques, object-oriented software technologies and architectures. It also offers the student a choice of courses from a wide range of options including distributed data management, concepts and strategies for building internet enabled e-commerce & internet security, web application development / technologies, data warehousing and data mining as well as networking technologies.

Many important tasks facing industry, finance and commerce at the moment involve the development of new distributed and internet enabled systems, the integration of legacy systems into intranets or extranets, and internet publishing. There is a pressing need for people with knowledge and skills in designing, building and maintaining such systems. These skills should be accompanied by an appreciation of the business context and market forces behind the new technologies.

This programme educates graduates in the methods, tools, techniques and their applications which are necessary for the development and deployment of distributed computing systems in general and over the internet. Problem solving, professional ethics and practices as well as transferable skills permeate and underpin this programme of study and its constituent courses.

What's the difference between ...
MSc Software Engineering and other computing programmes?

Typical content
The following is an indication of current programme content. However, the rapidly changing nature of the subject area means that both the courses offered, and individual course content, are likely to change in future years. Finally note that certain combinations of options may not be available.
For details of timetabling and study patterns, see the timetables page. Masters students take 120 credits of taught courses and undertake a 60-credit project. All courses are 15 credits unless otherwise stated.

Core courses:

• Project (60 credits) - a substantial individual project on a topic chosen by the student
• Software Engineering Management
• Enterprise Software Engineering Development
• Software Tools & Techniques
• Visual Interactive Programming

Options (a total of 60 credits) chosen from:

• Distributed Data Management Technology
• Distributed Data Architecture & Management
• Data Mining & KDD
• E-Business Applications
• Mobile Application Development
• Network Management
• Network Security
• Data Warehousing
• Web Engineering
• Enterprise Web Engineering
• Operating System & Application Server Security
• High Performance Systems Engineering
• High Performance Distributed Memory Systems
• Computer Security & Risk Analysis
• Enterprise Patterns & Frameworks
• Network & Internet Technologies & Design
• Programming Enterprise Components
• 3D Computer Graphics
• Business Intelligence

Technologies
Typical technologies taught on this programme include: Java; C#; .Net; ASP; PHP.
Note that some of these technologies are taught on optional courses, so we cannot guarantee that you will be exposed to them all.

Specifics

Entry requirements
A good first degree in Computing, Computing Science or a numerate subject (such as maths, physics, engineering, IS, multimedia) which includes some software development; or Substantial commercial/industrial experience including software development using modern programming languages and design.
See the School entry requirements for more details.

Professional recognition
This degree has full CITP (further learning) and partial CEng / CSci accreditation from BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT - the body responsible for establishing and maintaining technical and ethical standards in the computing profession. This means that on successful graduation from this degree, you will have fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), including the CITP Further Learning Element, and partially fulfilled the education requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci). However, please note that there are additional requirements, including work experience, to achieve full Chartered status - see the BCS website for further information.

Career opportunities
Upon successful completion of this master's programme students are expected to be proficient in the development of new enterprise distributed and/or web-enabled systems, the integration of legacy systems into intranets or extranets, and advanced internet publishing. They will also have an appreciation of the business context and the role of market forces. Students should be able to work as consultants or senior team members developing distributed applications.

Location
This master's programme is based in the Department of Computing & Information Systems, School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, Greenwich Campus, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS.

Study mode
1 year full-time / 2 years part-time
September or January start

JACS code
MSc Software Engineering - G400