| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-07-27 | 2023-04-01 |
| 2023-10-01 | 2023-07-01 |
| 2024-01-05 | 2023-10-01 |
| 2024-04-01 | 2024-01-01 |
Program Overview
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 ranging from software development for different types of systems to hardware aspects such as networking for you to learn from.
We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Professor David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, 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:
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.
92.3% of postgraduate computer science graduates who entered employment are in a 'High skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees. (Graduate Outcome Survey 2019/20)
Program Outline
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.
Modules
Software Engineering 1 (20 cp)
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 Engineering 2 (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.
Engineering Interactive Applications (20 cp)
Learn about the concepts and processes required to create effective interactive applications by focusing on Computer Assisted Learning (CAL), including design techniques and knowledge of current CAL research issues.
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.
Major Project (60 cp)
On completion of the taught modules in 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 be assessed by a variety of methods including:
You will learn through:
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.
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 a 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.