Software Development

Overview
The MSc in Software Development is designed in collaboration with industry to provide an intensive education experience in software development and is specifically designed for graduates of non-computing disciplines. It has an extremely high graduate employability rate and is consistently one of the highest rated MSc computing courses for student satisfaction in the UK.

This part-time option is taught in the evenings (one to two evenings a week per semester) and spread over 3 years to allow you to study while in full-time employment. The course can be completed entirely online, with our innovative live online lectures and interactive lab sessions. All learning materials are hosted on our virtual learning environment, in addition to pre-recorded bite-sized lecture content videos (available before each lecture), feedback quizzes to check your progress, as well as individual support from our lecturers and tutors. You can also optionally attend our on-campus labs on the teaching nights for additional tutor support or if you need a quiet environment to work in.

You also have the option of completing in 2 years. A dissertation project or specialised Distance Learning modules can be commenced in the third semester of the second year of the course, once all the taught modules are successfully completed. The project or Distance Learning modules must be undertaken full time to enable successful completion in that semester.

Course Content:
You will learn the foundations of computing and acquire industry relevant skills. These core skills include programming, databases, web development, software engineering and problem solving. You need no computing background at all to do this course, but on successful completion, you will be equipped with the technical, analytical and professional skills required to take on a range of roles in the computing industry.

The curriculum was designed and is continually reviewed in collaboration with significant industrial partners, who helped ensure the most relevant module content. This helps ensure that our graduates are highly trained and much sought after by employers.

Who Will Be Teaching You:
Many of the course teaching team have worked in the computing industry and have particular research specialisms in developing novel and effective methods for teaching computing. Several of the team have been awarded student-nominated teaching awards for their work.

What You'll Get Up To:
You’ll learn how to analyse problems and design robust and elegant software systems to solve the problems. This includes gaining skills in programming, web development, database design, software testing and software engineering.

You will also have the opportunity to learn how to work as part of a development team using modern development techniques and tools.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this course received after 12th August 2024 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

Course Structure
The programme has two key parts:
1. A set of taught modules which build from foundational to advanced topics of software engineering and programming.
2. A substantial individual project.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

Year 1
Core Modules
Computing Foundations (20 credits)
Programming (40 credits)

Year 2
Core Modules
Web Development (20 credits)
Software Engineering (20 credits)
Databases (20 credits)

Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline excluding Computer Science or other similar Computing degree.

In addition to the above entry requirements, all applicants will be required to pass an online aptitude test. If you are successful in the first stage of the application process, we will be in touch to organise this.

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may be considered for admission under Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for the University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and information on application procedures.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 12th August 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

Each module has its own blend of assessments which cover the full range learning outcomes for the module. This can include:
Computer-based tests
Individual or group projects
Practical programming tests

3 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects
Employment opportunities in software engineering are excellent, as evidenced through the consistent and continued growth of the software sector. A career within the profession is not only well remunerated but also rewarding, with software professionals able to select between a range of career progression paths. Given the diversity of careers, the variety of skills gained from a non-IT primary degree are strongly valued by IT employers and will help augment the employment opportunities of graduates from this programme.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/