Computing (Software Engineering)

In full-time mode the programme runs for a full calendar year, taught over three trimesters, from October to September. In two of the trimesters, students study three taught modules over 1.5 days, and complete the dissertation in the other.

The current Masters framework identifies the four core areas of Computing, which allows us to provide two thirds of the modules as core with one third of the modules allocated to each of the specialist pathways.

The general pathway provides a rounded Computing education and broadly based Computing qualification for recent UK graduates and equivalently qualified international students. The specialist pathways provide more focused routes for students who have clearly defined career aspirations while still seeking to develop knowledge and skills in a broad range of Computing disciplines.

All modules are 20 credit modules except for the dissertation which is a 60 credit module. An MSc is awarded on successful completion of 180 credits (6 x 20 credit modules + 1 x 60 credit dissertation module). The three levels of award are, 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate, 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma, or 180 credits for the MSc.

The framework has four core compulsory modules based on the generic areas of design, software, hardware and databases. These modules will be studied by all students.

The Software Engineering course includes a number of specific features that are noteworthy. These include:-  

• Several case based Software Engineering assignments that take students through the full software development life-cycle, from problem identification all the way through to project delivery.
• An attempt to use real clients, with real-life software needs, wherever possible, for case-study based assignments
• Low student numbers on the specialist modules to ensure that students are given the attention they deserve from staff who are approachable and helpful.
• focus on the essential soft skills (e.g. problem domain investigation techniques, client interview/presentation skills) and technical skills needed to become a successful software engineer.

• Visual Object Software
• Databases
• Modern Computer Architecture
• Specification Analysis and Design
• Software Engineering
• Formal Specification
• Dissertation

Avision, D. and Fitzgerald, G. (2006) Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques and Tools (4th Edition), McGraw-Hill Higher Education  

Bennett, S. et al. (2006) Object-Oriented Systems Analysis and Design Using UML (3rd edition), McGraw-Hill Higher.  

Bray, I. (2002) Introduction to Requirements Engineering, Addison Wesley.

Brown, H. (2000) Web Page Design, Delmar.  

Dix, A et al. (2003) Human-Computer Interaction (3rd edition), Prentice Hall.  

Jeffrey, A. et al. (2007) Modern Systems Analysis and Design (5th edition), Pearson Education.  

Maciaszek, L. (2007) Requirements Analysis and Systems Design (3rd edition), Addison Wesley.  

Preece, J et al. (2002) Interaction Design, John Wiley and Sons.  

Sommerville, I. (2007) Software Engineering, Addison Wesley.

Thatcher et al. (2002) Constructing Accessible Web Sites, Glasshaus.

The students will have access to approximately 150 PC and Linux workstation computers housed in six bespoke computer laboratories, all with digital projection facilities, and maintained by two technicians. These facilities were brand new, state-of-the-art hardware and furniture for the start of the calendar year 2010 in the newly refurbished Newton building.

All modules are assessed by assignment only, to ensure that the learning outcomes have been achieved. Assignments will generally consist of design exercises for the more skills-based modules (such as programming), reports that critically appraise case studies, and problem solving situations. The assignments will be equivalent to 5000 word essays. Exceptions to this pattern occur in the dissertation module which teaches initially about research methods to help with the following dissertation work.

The students will have access to approximately 150 PC and Linux workstation computers housed in six bespoke computer laboratories, all with digital projection facilities, and maintained by two technicians. These facilities were brand new, state-of-the-art hardware and furniture for the start of the calendar year 2010 in the newly refurbished Newton building.

The growth of the computing has spawned a vast industry which focuses on developing computing systems and services. This has produced a demand for flexible individuals with relevant knowledge and expertise. Companies of all sorts now require professionals to plan, acquire, install, operate, manage and program computer systems. The career opportunities for graduates from this course are, therefore, very good.