Software Engineering (Full-time) (MSc)
The MSc in Software Engineering at the ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ prepares students for a career in the rapidly evolving technology sector. The programme delivers advanced skills and cutting-edge knowledge, equipping students with the tools to address the ongoing transformations in software development.
Through an industry-focused curriculum, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and challenges in software engineering, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future of the industry. The emphasis on lifelong learning allows graduates to continually evolve their skills to keep pace with technological advancements throughout their careers.
Students benefit from a practical approach to development, working with industry-standard tools and techniques that mirror real-world software engineering environments. The programme is designed to foster collaboration, with team-based projects enabling students to apply their knowledge in dynamic, professional settings.
Graduates will leave the programme with not only technical expertise but also the ability to apply their skills in real-world contexts, supported by a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of software engineering.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
The MSc in Software Engineering at the ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ integrates academic knowledge with practical application. Our teaching philosophy emphasises hands-on learning, industry-focused projects, and problem-solving to prepare students for the evolving tech industry. This ensures that our graduates not only acquire expertise in key software engineering areas but are also equipped for lifelong learning.
Agile Project Management
In this module, you will learn the principles and practices of Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban. The focus is on developing the ability to manage software projects in an adaptive, iterative environment. You will gain hands-on experience in organising sprints, conducting stand-up meetings, and ensuring project success through continuous feedback and improvement.
Object-Oriented Programming
This component will deepen your understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) and its application in software development. You will work with languages like Java and C++, learning to create reusable and maintainable code. Emphasis is placed on design patterns, inheritance, and polymorphism, equipping you to tackle complex software systems and design efficient solutions.
Cloud Computing & Systems Architecture
In this module, you will explore the principles of cloud computing, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS). You will learn to design and deploy scalable software applications, focusing on cloud-based architectures such as AWS and Azure. Practical sessions will provide hands-on experience with cloud technologies, preparing you for the demands of modern software engineering.
Data Security & Privacy
Focusing on the principles of data security and privacy, this module will cover areas such as encryption, secure data transmission, and compliance with data protection laws like GDPR. You will gain a deep understanding of security protocols, helping you design robust systems that safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance in a variety of industries.
Software Engineering Research
The research methods module will prepare you to conduct independent research in software engineering. You will learn to critically assess current industry challenges, propose innovative solutions, and communicate your findings. This module enhances your ability to engage with real-world problems and contributes to the development of new technologies and approaches within the field.
Software Testing & Quality Assurance
This module provides an introduction to software testing techniques and quality assurance processes. You will gain experience with manual and automated testing tools, learning how to identify defects, ensure functionality, and verify software against requirements. The emphasis is on creating high-quality, reliable software through effective testing practices.
Each of these modules is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in the core areas of software engineering while providing industry-relevant experiences that ensure you are ready to meet the demands of a fast-paced technology landscape.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(60 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
UWTSD is proud to be a Cisco Premier+ Partner, recognising our expertise in networking and cybersecurity. This partnership provides our students with access to industry-leading technology, hands-on training, and globally recognised certifications, enhancing their career prospects in the IT sector. As a Premier+ Partner, UWTSD benefits from exclusive resources, expert support, and research collaborations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Students’ work is assessed through a combination of coursework, portfolio, lab-based practical exams and written examinations.
The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of assessment set and completed during the module.
Project work is assessed by a written report and oral presentation. Part 2 requires the student to research and prepare an individual project of a substantial nature.
University students who are unable to successfully complete all aspects of Part 1 may be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules such as Major Project, but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Students on this programme develop a broad range of technical skills and will study a number of topics related to information systems.
The programme covers the three themes of Data Management, User Experience and Web Technologies in the computing sector.
A significant emphasis is placed on data management and the implementation of applications for manipulating information, including both database systems and web applications.
Additionally, graduates would be able to lead teams and manage projects.
It is expected that graduates would seek positions such as:
- Project manager (within the Computing field)
- Data analyst
- Database administrator
- Application developer
- Web developer