Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Software Development

Program Overview

The MSc in Applied Software Development equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in software development, including algorithms, data mining, software design, and cloud services. Through a combination of taught modules and an applied project, graduates develop the expertise to excel in mid to advanced-level roles in the software industry, such as software developers, architects, and cloud engineers. The program emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and soft skills, preparing graduates for success in a dynamic and competitive field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc in Applied Software Development seeks to develop participants' knowledge, skills, and competence in software development. The program is a specialist, postgraduate computing degree designed to produce graduates with the attributes required of software developers today and the ability to continue to develop knowledge, skill, and competence to remain competitive and employable in an ever-advancing sector. The program consists of 60 credits of taught module work and 30 credits of an applied development project.

Outline:

Program Structure:

Full-time learners can complete the program over 1 calendar year, comprising 3 semesters (September intake), and 1.3 calendar years, comprising 3 semesters (February intake). Part-time learners complete the program over 2 calendar years, comprising 5 semesters (September intake) or 2.3 calendar years, comprising 5 semesters (February intake). Full-time learners are required to attend 18 hours per week. Part-time learners attend 8 hours per week, spread over 2 evenings, and some weekend attendance would be required for practical labs/workshops.

Modules:

• Algorithms & Mathematical Methods: This module will introduce topics and issues in relation to algorithms within an industrial and academic context.
It will cover and foster an analytical frame of mind to design and or customize, evaluate, select and implement a solution focused algorithmic approach to problem-solving, using the knowledge gained from the study of the mathematical models used in the construction and evaluation of given algorithmic focused problems. The module will introduce and apply probability theory in conjunction with standard algebraic considerations regarding data sorting and searching.
• Information Retrieval and Data Mining: This module will introduce the core principles of information retrieval and utilization.
Students will compare and contrast the different techniques and processes involved in information gathering, focusing on the available tools for data mining. Students will develop the skills to use available technologies to process and clean this data for use within a data visualization context, which can be used to further enhance the results of data gathering within a business-driven software solution.
• Research Methods & Professionalism: This module will introduce topics and issues in professional and research practice in an industrial and academic context.
It will cover typical research methods and techniques for writing and presenting a literature review and research proposal within a professional context appropriate to the student’s own career aspirations. In doing so, it will enhance the student’s analytical and communication skills, which form a large part of the requirements for achieving a master’s level qualification. In addition, core project management skills relating to software development projects will be covered, with consideration for modern team-based approaches used in development.
• Software Design Methodologies: This module will introduce the core principles and methodologies of software development.
Students will compare and contrast the different methodologies and processes involved in the Software Development Life Cycle. Students will develop the skills to use available technologies to design and or customize a software methodology for a business-driven software solution.
• Cloud Services & Integration: This module will identify the fundamentals behind cloud-based technologies currently available and the variations of cloud and hybrid cloud models.
Students will learn about the issues involved in migrating an on-campus solution and developing a complete cloud-based model with regard to platform selection, redundancy, reliability, API selection, and integration to cater for dynamic scaling and allocation of cloud-based resources.
• Enterprise Software Development: This module will introduce topics and issues in relation to Enterprise software development.
Learners will be exposed to the inherent differences and considerations needed for enterprise development as opposed to standard software development. Topics such as the platforms, libraries, and tools associated with building, integrating, and deploying the functional requirements of an enterprise application, as well as elements from cloud computing, security, and design methodologies.
• Programming Paradigms: The module introduces learners to the fundamental differences within the world of lower-level design in relation to system requirements and future system expectations.
The module explores the different pros and cons of the paradigm selected as well as the programming language used to implement the selected paradigm in terms of the scope and trade-off of Object-Oriented, Imperative, and Logical oriented languages. Dealing with Compilation verses Interpretation, single-threaded verses multi-threaded, and parallel programming.
• Systems Security: The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date, global common body of knowledge that ensures learners have a deep knowledge and understanding of new threats, technologies, regulations, standards, and practices to protect businesses from cyber-attacks.
It provides a detailed and an in-depth understanding of data privacy, threats, and risks of security breaches, an awareness of computer security (cryptographic) techniques, and an ability to make appropriate decisions about securing data. It will also ensure students have the skills to develop solutions that prevent these vulnerabilities from occurring or fix application security vulnerabilities.
• Applied Software Development Project: A project requiring the development of software for a context or scenario is required, but other computing and academic-related concepts are considered.
Students are expected to draw on the overall curriculum content and critically evaluate a specific research problem, then apply their findings in the form of a working artifact.

Assessment:

Formative assessment will be utilized across the program through a carefully designed teaching, learning, and assessment strategy based on the integration of theoretical and applied knowledge as well as formative feedback. The program utilizes real-world-skills-based assessments wherever possible and appropriate. Faculty will also use an Integrated Assessment (I.A.) approach where these opportunities arise in both the full and part-time running of the program. The result of this approach is a reduction in learner workload in relation to the amount of assessments and the benefit of the experience of dealing with the integration of subfields of software development into a coherent whole. This also reflects the industry environment where nothing is developed in isolation.

Teaching:

Learners on this postgraduate master’s course will attend lectures, workshops, and practical lab sessions during the program, and a variety of different instruments and formats will be used, including text books, code, statistical data, journal articles, case studies, problem sets, and web-based content. These may feature as part of class-based activities or provided through Moodle. The program and its curriculum are designed with the premise that teaching and learning are not restricted to teacher/student interaction solely during lectures. Learners will be required and are expected to undertake considerable additional learning outside of the classroom through independent or collaborative study activities.

Careers:

Graduates of this program should be able to secure professional roles at intermediate and advanced positions in computing and software development-related industries, and progress to leadership or research roles using skills related to those learned in the program curriculum. As this program provides a specialized course of learning in applied software development, graduates should be able to secure employment in a range of mid to advanced-level positions such as, but not limited to: software consultant, mid-level IT project manager, software developer/architect/engineer, cloud developer/architect, software maintenance engineer, cloud migration engineer, as well as software testing, security, and quality assurance roles. Industry consultation on this program centered on the importance of developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills within the learner, and a willingness to engage in self-directed learning. The consultation process also highlighted the importance of developing soft skills as these skills can be treated secondary to technical skills, but are of significant importance when working in multicultural and diverse teams. This program aims to produce graduates who are technically skilled, problem solvers, professional, good communicators, and effective team players as well as leaders. The graduate will also be well-placed to pursue further academic or professional study.