| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Software Engineering (MSc) 2025 entry
Overview
This advanced research-led course will develop your knowledge and skills in software reuse, agile development, software architecture and critical systems engineering.
Key Details
- Application deadline: Thursday 7 August 2025
- Starts: September 2025
- Duration: One year full time
- School: School of Computer Science
- Fees:
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Why Study This Course?
Software engineers design creative and innovative solutions to complex, real-world problems. This course will teach you advanced software engineering concepts, methods and techniques, and give you practical experience of applying your learning through labs and assessments.
- Enjoy a specialist course offering you flexibility to pursue other areas of computer science alongside the compulsory modules.
- Extend your specialist knowledge and critical thinking with a project involving a wide-ranging investigation and a substantial software development, leading to your dissertation.
- Access modern computing laboratories 24 hours a day.
Teaching
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes.
- Class sizes: Typically from 20 to 110 students.
- Dissertation: A three-month project leading to a 15,000-word dissertation.
- Assessment: Practical coursework exercises and exams.
Modules
- Compulsory:
- Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming
- Software Engineering Practice
- Software Engineering Principles
- Critical Systems Engineering
- Software Architecture and Design
- Optional:
- Data-Intensive Systems
- Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
- Information Visualisation
- Interactive Software and Hardware
- Knowledge Discovery and Datamining
- Language and Computation
- Principles of Computer Communication Systems
- Symbolic Artificial Intelligence
- Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence
- User-Centred Interaction Design
- Web Technologies
- Additional Optional:
- Advanced Communication Networks and Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Security
- Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
- Constraint Programming
- Databases
- Distributed Systems
- Logic and Software Verification
- Programming Language Design and Implementation
- Video Games
Dissertation Project
During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation.
What It Will Lead To
Careers
Software engineering can lead to highly diverse, varied, and well-paid career paths and graduates in this field are in high demand. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a success of your career in a wide range of sectors.
Further Your Education
The EngD programme in Computer Science is a four-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner. If you have already completed an MSc you may be able to proceed directly to the individual research component of the EngD.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Computer Science is highly rated for its theoretical and practical research in areas such as:
- AI
- Symbolic computation
- Networking
- Distributed systems
- Human computer interaction
- Systems engineering
Entry Requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in Computer Science.
- Applicants to this programme are expected to be competent programmers with prior practical experience in a programming language such as Java, C, Python, C++ or JavaScript.
English Language Proficiency
For direct entry to a Masters in Software Engineering, you will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Application Requirements
- CV
- Personal statement (optional)
- Two original signed academic references
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and Funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Scholarships and Funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Computing Science scholarships
University of St. Andrews
Overview:
The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:
MySaint:
A student portal for accessing various resources and information.Moodle:
An online learning platform for course materials and communication.Library:
A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.MMS:
A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Fees and Funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.Scholarships:
Various scholarships available for eligible students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:
Close-knit community:
A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.Academically stimulating environment:
Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.Active research:
Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.International community:
A diverse student body from around the world.Numerous extracurricular activities:
Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-ranked university:
Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.World-leading research:
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.Excellent postgraduate programs:
A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.Strong academic reputation:
A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.Supportive and welcoming community:
A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
