Software Engineering MEng

Program Overview

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MEng in Software Engineering

Overview

The MEng in Software Engineering builds on the success of our existing BEng degree and offers an advanced award in recognition of a more comprehensive and challenging course of study. The course recognises professionalism in the development of excellent quality software, using industry recognised tools and techniques in a range of application areas.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time

Duration:

• 5 years

Start date:

• September

UCAS code:

• G603

Placement:

• Yes

Study Abroad:

• Yes

Course details

At the beginning of the course, you will gain practical experience of software development using object-oriented programming, as well as an understanding of how software systems are used in businesses, and methods to build effective user interfaces. You are then taught key methods of software engineering used in industry, while expanding your knowledge of areas such as databases and operating systems.

As you progress, you will develop a critical understanding of the analysis, design, development, testing, evaluation and modification of reliable, maintainable and high quality software including real-time, mobile and large scale enterprise systems.

In year four, you will develop a familiarity and understanding of a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the design of effective interactive systems. At this stage, you will learn to select and evaluate hardware and software to facilitate the design and implementation of software systems including the interfacing between the two.

The MEng year of the course focuses on professional software engineering skills. This includes undertaking a team-based software engineering project, alongside studying key industrial application areas including enterprise computing and advanced web programming.

How you’ll be taught

• Lectures and tutorials.

Assessments

• Mixture of practical assessments, development reports, academic essays and exams.

Work placement

A year long Work Based Learning module is available for this programme which can be undertaken in 3rd year which consists of 60 credits.

In 2nd year, students attend timetabled Placement Preparation sessions which provides comprehensive information about sourcing a placement, tips for enhancing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation. A Student Futures Placement Coordinator is available to support students with their placement applications and approving placements as part of the course. Whilst on placement, students undertake work-related assessments alongside gaining valuable work experience. If this option is chosen, the course duration will be extended by one trimester.

If students are not undertaking the yearlong placement, then there is a Group Project or the Professional Internship Module in Year 3 (one trimester) which gives students the opportunity to complete a project for an external client.

Study abroad

International study is available, and is intended to develop overall graduate attributes and global citizenship. The School has several agreements with overseas partner institutions, both in the EU and further afield, providing varied and exciting opportunities tailored around your individual study and cultural interests. Currently, links are established with universities in the USA, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Singapore, and Germany, where programmes are delivered in English, whilst additional links are planned with other European countries and Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Popular modules

Year 1

• Foundations of Software Design and Development
• Computer Systems 1
• Information Systems in Organisations
• Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematics for Software Engineering
• Programming Fundamentals

Year 2

• Object Oriented Software Development
• Systems and Services
• Database Systems
• Software Engineering Methods
• Mobile Applications Development
• Web Technologies
• Computer Graphics
• Artificial Intelligence

Year 3

• Data Analytics
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Software Engineering
• Group Project
• Advanced Database Systems
• Fundamentals of Parallel Systems
• Sensing Systems for Mobile Applications
• Professional Internship

Year 4

• Honours Project
• Management of Software Projects
• Software Architecture
• Concurrent and Parallel Systems
• Information: Society and Security
• Formal Approaches to Software Engineering

Year 5

• Advanced Software Engineering
• Team working
• Advanced Software Development
• Emergent Computing for Optimisation
• Advanced Software Engineering
• Data Wrangling
• Enterprise Computing

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Software Engineering?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Year 1

Minimum Year 1

• SQA Higher: Standard Entry Requirement: ABBB to include Maths. Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBBC or ABCC to include Maths at grade B.
• A Level: BBC to include Maths.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H2, H3 at Higher Level to include Maths.
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject. A Level grade C in Maths or equivalent.
• BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DD (Distinction, Distinction) to include relevant Maths qualification.
• BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level: Minimum grades DD (Distinction, Distinction) and A Level Maths grade C.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 29 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 5 to include Maths at level 5.
• T Levels: Merit - T Level with additional A Level in Maths grade B.

Year 2

Minimum Year 2

• SQA Advanced Higher: BBC to include Maths. BB and SQA Higher BB to include Maths.
• A Level: BBB to include Maths.
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Students from Scotland: £1,820
• Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU students: £19,340

Careers

What can you do with a BEng/BEng (Hons) Software Engineering degree?

In our dynamic program, you'll learn the art and science of software development, mastering the skills needed to design, build, and maintain complex software systems that power our digital world. From coding scalable applications to testing and deployment, you'll gain a deep understanding of the entire software development lifecycle.

What does a Software Developer do?

As a software developer, you will be at the forefront of innovation, designing and developing software applications that power various aspects of our lives. Whether it's crafting intuitive user interfaces, optimizing algorithms for efficiency, or building scalable backend systems, your contributions will have a profound impact on how people interact with technology.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The MEng in Software Engineering is an advanced degree that builds upon the existing BEng program. It offers a comprehensive and challenging course of study, recognizing professionalism in the development of high-quality software using industry-standard tools and techniques across various application areas. Upon successful completion, graduates will possess the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary for graduate-level employment in a wide range of private and public sector organizations. Recent graduates have secured positions as software engineers (developers, designers, testers, maintainers), software support analysts, project managers, and trainee IT consultants. Some have even entered prestigious management trainee programs with large employers.

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Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Year 1:
• Foundations of Software Design and Development
• Computer Systems 1
• Information Systems in Organisations
• Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematics for Software Engineering
• Programming Fundamentals
• Year 2:
• Object Oriented Software Development
• Systems and Services
• Database Systems
• Software Engineering Methods
• Mobile Applications Development
• Web Technologies
• Computer Graphics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Year 3:
• Data Analytics
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Software Engineering
• Group Project
• Advanced Database Systems
• Fundamentals of Parallel Systems
• Sensing Systems for Mobile Applications
• Professional Internship
• Year 4:
• Honours Project
• Management of Software Projects
• Software Architecture
• Concurrent and Parallel Systems
• Information: Society and Security
• Formal Approaches to Software Engineering
• Year 5:
• Advanced Software Engineering
• Team working
• Advanced Software Development
• Emergent Computing for Optimisation
• Advanced Software Engineering
• Data Wrangling
• Enterprise Computing

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a mix of assessment methods, including:

• Practical assessments
• Development reports
• Academic essays
• Exams

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Teaching:

The program employs a combination of teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials

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Careers:

Graduates of the MEng in Software Engineering program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the software development industry. Some potential career options include:

• Software Engineer
• Project Manager
• Software Support Analyst
• Software Developer
• Software Tester

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Other:

• The program includes a year-long Work Based Learning module that can be undertaken in the third year, consisting of 60 credits.
• Placement preparation sessions are held in the second year, providing students with comprehensive information on sourcing placements, enhancing CVs, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews.
• A Student Futures Placement Coordinator is available to support students with their placement applications and approve placements as part of the course.
• Students who choose the year-long placement option will have their course duration extended by one trimester.
• If students do not undertake the year-long placement, they can participate in a Group Project or the Professional Internship Module in Year 3 (one trimester), which allows them to complete a project for an external client.
• International study is available, intended to develop graduate attributes and global citizenship.
• The School has agreements with partner institutions overseas, providing opportunities for study abroad in countries such as the USA, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Singapore, and Germany.
• Additional links are planned with other European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

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Disclaimer:

The study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time of study. Full information is available in the disclaimer.

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• Tuition fees for 2024/25
| Students from | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | |---|---|---| | Scotland | £1,820 | £tba | | England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £tba | | Overseas and EU | £19,340 | £tba |
• Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
• Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate.
The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.