About this course
This course is now closed to all applicants for 2022 entry. View our available courses.
On this master’s in software engineering, you’ll explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to software development.
MSc Software Engineering is designed for you to learn the topics you’re most interested in. You’ll select from a range of subject areas like cloud and mobile applications, security and user experience to study in depth.
MSc Software Engineering will develop your skills in traditional and contemporary software development. Our recognised software engineering master's will teach you formal methods and object-oriented programming. You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your skills in software modelling, design, development, and testing.
This master’s in software engineering offers taught modules in specialist subjects such as:
- cloud and mobile applications
- critical systems
- data mining
- e-business
- intelligent agents
- model checking
- security
- user experience
The University of Southampton has pioneered many of the most important advances in computer science and web technology of the past 10 years. We are also a partner of The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
Studying here, you’ll become a master of software engineering, learn from expert academics and access excellent computer labs. The University of Southampton is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the UK Government. Our academics have played a leading role in establishing a European Data Science Academy.
Course lead
This course is lead by Dr Corina Cirstea. Dr Cirstea’s research interests are in logic and models of computation, more specifically in coalgebras and their connection to logic and verification. Find out more by visiting Corina’s staff profile.
Accreditations
“The University of Southampton is a world class University and good at Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. Studying here is an amazing experience. The module sets are updated and inspired. The lecturers are supportive. The facilities are in well-maintained and accessible. ”
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in computer science, software engineering or a closely related subject.
You must have an upper 2:1 score in the following:
- 1 programming module (Java, C++, C#)
- 1 maths module
- 3 computer science modules (e.g. software architecture or design, data structures, databases, network, artificial intelligence, machine learning, web)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this full-time MSc software development master’s course, you’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from. Selecting your modules will allow you to explore the subject areas you are most interested in and will support your next career steps.
During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module aims to train students in both the principles and the practice of software verification. A range of verification approaches, including both testing and formal verification, will be covered. The use of logic as a specification language for prog...
Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of your specialist subject area. You will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to, and agreed by, ...
The Module will prepare students for the summer Research Project and research based coursework exercises. It will give students a grounding in the research methods and techniques necessary in order for planning and successful execution and completion of t...
This modules aims to provide practical skills in how to approach the modelling and design of a large critical software project. The module covers modelling techniques from requirements analysis to design and introduces a range of tools and approaches. In ...
This module prepares students to develop an understanding of the critical issues and application of software project management. It introduces the students to the tools, techniques and body of knowledge involved in each stage of the project management lif...
You must also choose from the following modules:
This module builds on the first year Data Management module to give students a deeper and broader view of the issues involved in database management systems, some of the most complex software in common use.
This module covers concepts in programming languages that go beyond those typically seen or are new to mainstream languages. The goal is to encourage students to look beyond traditional programming practice by introducing new tools and techniques inspired...
This module: - Introduces the students to the key issues of interaction of multiple self-interested parties (a.k.a. agents) and gives a broad survey of topics at the interface of theoretical computer science and game theory dealing with such interactions...
This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...
The last decade and a half have seen the Web move away from a purely document-centric information system to one in which hypertext techniques are applied to the sort of data found in databases; the term “Semantic Web” is used to refer to this Web of linke...
More and more people are using increasingly powerful mobile devices as their primary means of obtaining information and requesting services over the Internet. The shift from traditional personal computers (desktops and laptops) to mobile devices (Smart ph...
Open data, pitched as the raw material of the new industrial revolution, holds great promise, but how do you exploit this new resource? This course is specifically designed to give students a greater understanding on how to innovate with open data. This ...
This module focuses on both theoretical and practical perspectives in the security of software and software systems, by exploring software analysis and reverse engineering. The aims of the module at a high level are to: - Explore common threats to ...
The aims of the module are: - To provide students with the opportunity to improve their understanding of web application development, and cloud computing systems. - To cover important techniques and issues in designing and building a modern web applicat...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, small group teaching, practical work and independent assignments.
As part of your study, you’ll undertake an individual project associated with a research group after you complete the taught part of semester 2.
Practical work will include advanced software development tools, directed reading and coursework.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- written exams
- coursework
- problem solving exercises
- lab reports with literature review
- design exercises
- a dissertation
- individual and group projects
Dissertation
The 10,000 word project dissertation is focused on assessing software research and development skills.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
Some of our graduates go on to work in software engineering research or advanced software development projects in development and consultancy roles across the world.
We run a dedicated careers hub which is associated with over 100 renowned companies, such as:
- IBM
- ARM
- Microsoft Research
- Imagination Technologies
- Nvidia
- Samsung
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £28,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
You must submit your application by the end of the day on 31 July 2021. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
We cannot guarantee you'll be able to start your course if you do not meet these deadlines.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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