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Software Engineering MSc

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time / Two years full-time with one year placement / Two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

This Software Engineering postgraduate degree will give you experience in the analysis, design and development of computing systems solutions relevant to a wide range of applications in industry and business. You will be able to devise multi-tasking software solutions using high-level languages to implement suitable architecture-software constraints for computer applications. You will develop project management skills that will allow you to effectively contribute to the creation and management of large computing projects and to appreciate the techniques employed in managing such projects.

If you're looking to work in computing and technology industries, this is a great fast-track conversion course for graduates from disciplines unrelated to IT and computing.

We have a rich mix of knowledge for you to learn from, ranging from software application development for different types of systems, to project management techniques for software development teams.

We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Professor David Brown leads several projects in games and assistive technology while Professor Paul Evans' innovative developments in security are supported by the USA Dept of Homeland Security.

Other examples of our activity are:

  • developing patents (for example, in voice signal processing)
  • involvement in the GameCity Festival
  • organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
  • working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
  • publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, and detection of human behaviour patterns.
  • Fast track conversion course with work experience opportunities.
  • In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • 100% of postgraduate Information Technology students who entered employment are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
  • 100% of Computer science students are satisfied with the quality of their course. (PTES 2023)

What you’ll study

Throughout the course, you will acquire knowledge of computer technology, architecture and communications as a means to developing computer-based systems in industrial environments. The course offers an excellent combination of theoretical studies and practical experience through coursework assignments, software development and group projects culminating in a significant and practical Masters project individually tailored to meet your career aspirations.

Fundamentals of Software Programming (20 credit points)

This module will develop your programming skills using a high-level language, and develop your understanding of software-implementation principles.

Systems Analysis and Design (20 cp)

Understand the life cycle software process. The module introduces a number of Systems Development (SD) methodologies and associated techniques: Real Time Analysis and Design (RTAD), Data Modelling (DM) and Usability Engineering (UE).

Mobile Interactive Systems (20 cp)

Examine the key issues in the implementation of interactive mobile applications, and gain an appreciation of the platform design guidelines, capabilities and constraints of a variety of mobile computing technologies and applications.

Software Design and Development (20 cp)

Your skills will be developed to an advanced level where you can demonstrate expertise in the design of software, showing analytical judgement in the selection and use of advanced software development tools and techniques.

Research Methods (20 cp)

You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.

Software Project Management (20 cp)

This module will give you the knowledge, practice and skills to successfully initiate, plan, manage, control and report on software development projects. You will begin learning about Project Management Frameworks, which covers stakeholders, tools and techniques before considering aspects such as predictive lifecycles, adaptive development and integration.

Major Project (60 cp)

On completion of the taught modules on this course you will then have the opportunity to undertake an MSc topic. This gives you 15 weeks to concentrate full time on a specialist area that interests you and apply what you have learnt to a specific problem.

How you’re taught

You will learn through:

  • Lectures
  • Guided reading supported by the University's virtual learning portal
  • Workshops and laboratories
  • Seminars
  • Case studies and project work.

Contact hours

Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Staff Profiles

Neil Sculthorpe - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Dr Neil Sculthorpe teaches Software Engineering modules at undergraduate and post-graduate level, and is the Course Leader for MSc Software Engineering.

Amir Pourabdollah - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Find out more about Dr Amir Pourabdollah, senior lecturer, in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Eiman Kanjo - Professor

Computer Science

Find out more about Professor Eiman Kanjo in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University.

David Adama - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Find out more about Dr David Adama, Lecturer with the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University

David Funchall - Senior Lecturer

Computer Science

Find out more about Dr David Funchall, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University.

How you’re assessed

You will be assessed by a variety of methods including:

  • Research project
  • Written assignments
  • Case studies
  • Oral presentations
  • Coursework reports
  • Written exam

Careers and employability

The industry-focused nature of this Software Engineering Masters course will ensure that you stand out from the crowd when it comes to job applications and pursuing your future career.

Nottingham Trent University graduates are widely respected amongst employers and our Science and Technology students are perceived as having the competitive edge due to the hands-on approach of our teaching.

This course provides the software engineering knowledge and programming skills necessary for a broad range of careers in the industrial and business sectors, and the transferable ICT skills to go with them. This means that you will be highly sought after by employers such as Siemens Communications, or for IT positions within the finance and banking sector, for example.

Placement opportunities

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.

Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.

If you take the sandwich route, you will take a one-year work placement after the first three terms before returning to NTU the following year to start your research project.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Prism UK, Gedling Borough Council and ENSEK. They secured varied roles such as Systems Integration Engineer, Cloud Operations Engineer and Software Engineer.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. Students have access to specialist centres including:

  • games console laboratories
  • networking and security laboratories
  • human-interactive technology
  • stereo-projection.

Students also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:

  • EnCase
  • 3D StudioMax
  • XNA Xbox development suite
  • The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
  • the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject, which includes, but is not limited to, sport science, biomedical, economics, information systems and multimedia.
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.

NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

You will need:

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject, which includes, but is not limited to, sport science, biomedical, economics, information systems and multimedia
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Course fees for September 2024 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £19,500
Full-time with placement year £9,700 + £1,850 £19,500 + £1,850
Part-time £4,850 £9,750*

* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on: +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us on: +44 (0)115 848 4460.

Course fees for September 2024 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £19,500
Full-time with placement year £9,700 + £1,850 £19,500 + £1,850
Part-time £4,850 £9,750*

* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised

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