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Our master's in Computing (Software Engineering) course allows you to study the design of software systems at a greater depth and develop your research and analytical skills.
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Computing (Software Engineering) MSc

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Key Facts

  • Level

    Master'sPG MSc

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 year
    Part Time: 2 years

  • Starting

    September, February

    SEP, FEB

Updated 20/11/2025

Open Days

Updated 20/11/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

Study the design of software systems at a greater depth with the University of Northampton’s Computing (Software Engineering) MSc course. Alongside exploring areas of computer software engineering, you will also have the opportunity to develop your analytics and research skills during this Computing master’s degree. Students will complete an individual thesis which will investigate an area they find of particular interest.

Highlights

  • The Computing (Software Engineering) MSc degree involves object-oriented design and development..
  • Practical real-world projects.
  • Agile software methodology.
  • Core computing fundamentals.
  • Flexible part time study option on the computing software engineering degree.
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Entry Requirements

Applicants for the master’s in Computing (Software Engineering) will normally hold a recognised first or second class honours degree from a UK university or international equivalent in a relevant subject. We expect that you will have a working knowledge of computers and networks and it is essential that you have practical hands-on experience of at least one programming language.

For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent)
    for study at master’s level.

For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

There is a huge demand for software that communicates effectively with a number of devices. As a result, there is a need for qualified and skilled professionals who can design, develop and analyse software to improve our current provision. The University of Northampton’s Computing (Software Engineering) MSc will equip you with this expertise. Although this software computing master’s degree does have a technical focus, students will also develop their interpersonal skills and understanding of business context: both of which are vital to being able to problem solve in business.

On the software engineering masters, you will study six modules and complete a dissertation. Some of the optional modules are only offered according to staff availability and student numbers.

Modules

Information about the modules for this computing software engineering MSc course can be found on the award map:

View Computing (Software Engineering) MSc modules

Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

  • Module code: CSYM025
    Status: Compulsory
    This module concentrates on creating object-based solutions to software problems within a contemporary integrated development environment. It focuses on the concepts of object technology and the syntax and semantics of the underlying model while promoting good practice in software construction and testing.
  • Module code: CSYM017
    Status: Compulsory
    This module emphasises the importance of sound design using appropriate data modelling techniques (e.g. relational modelling, entity-relationship modelling).
  • Module code: CSYM028
    Status: Compulsory
    This purpose of this module is to consider the structure and behaviour of the various functional modules of the computer and how they interact to provide the processing needs of the user. This module covers systems ranging from PCs through multiprocessors with respect to hardware design and instruction set architecture.
  • Module code: CSYM023
    Status: Compulsory
    This module provides the student with the opportunity to learn appropriate research techniques in order to carry out independent, relevant and in-depth research in a topic of specific interest.
  • Module code: CSYM019
    Status: Designated
    This module focuses on creating client and server side software as well as web applications for the World Wide Web us. It concentrates on the technologies used to allow such software to be designed, implemented and deployed.
  • Module code: CSYM026
    Status: Designated
    This module will provide consolidation and an extension of the skills, understanding and knowledge derived from an earlier module. More advanced topics will be studied in pursuit of robust re-usable and sophisticated design mechanisms. The main aim of the module will be to study in depth some of the major aspects of the various Design issues which impact on the building of the software systems.
  • Module code: CSYM015
    Status: Designated
    To teach students the fundamental theory and practical applications of search methods and agents.The underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how intelligent systems are used in applications on the Internet.
How will I be taught on Computing (Software Engineering) MSc?

Alongside learning through theoretical lectures and seminars, this computing software masters degree course takes a hands-on approach. You will be able to utilise laboratory facilities and computer simulation tools to further your knowledge and reinforce it through case studies and practical examples.

What is the schedule?

We have developed this software engineering msc course to be studied around other commitments and you may only need to attend the university for two days per week.

Are there any specialist facilities?

Students on this software engineering masters course will be able to access around 150 Linux and PC workstation computers, along with digital projection facilities. These are housed across six bespoke computer laboratories which are maintained by two technicians.

To ensure our students receive personalised support, we only enrol a small cohort of students. This way, we can ensure you develop your skills and knowledge to your full potential.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £8,500
  • UK – Part Time: £945 per 20 credits
  • International – Full Time: £17,495

There are currently no additional costs anticipated for the Computing (Software Engineering) MSc course for 2024 entry.

If you are starting a master’s course in 2024/25 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a master’s loan through Student Finance England

*Please note that the maximum period of study allowed for part-time courses is two years.

For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £8,250
  • UK – Part Time: £920 per 20 credits
  • International – Full Time: £16,995

Careers and Employability

There is a high demand for well-trained individuals within the computing and broad IT industries. Graduates from our Software Engineering Computing master’s pathway will be able to pursue a range of careers, including the following roles:

  • Information Technology Manager
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Lead Information Architect
  • Chief Information Security Officer/Analyst
  • Information Security Risk Officer
  • Project Manager
  • Lead Web Programmer/Developer/Designer
  • Lead Software Developer
  • Information Security Consultant
  • Cyber Security Manager
  • Source Code Auditor
  • IT Security Operations Specialist

Is this course for you?

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