Software Engineering MSc

Duration

13 Months

17 Months

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Become an expert in software engineering and web development with Staffordshire University. Take the opportunity to master the latest software and web technologies used in industry and get a head-start on your career.

There is an increasing demand for new graduates with both software engineering and web development skills required to design and develop applications for business and industry. Make yourself stand out from the new-graduate crowd with our Computer Science (Software Development) MSc, where you’ll gain an advanced knowledge of the skills that modern employers crave.

Our course aims to develop and expand knowledge and skills in application development for desktop, web, mobile and beyond. The award curriculum is diverse – it covers core business areas, programming in languages such as Java, JavaScript and PHP, and delivery to different device platforms. You will have the opportunity to study in one of the rapidly growing areas of computing from both an applied and theoretical perspective.

Your career is important to us, so we also offer you the chance to undertake a 12-month work placement before your dissertation. This will lengthen your course, but give you the chance to make connections and gain vital work experience in software engineering or web development before graduation.

If you choose to leave before completing the full 180 credit MSc course, you are entitled to a lower award if you have achieved pass grades for the necessary credits. This would be 60 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or 120 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). 

There is an increasing demand for new graduates with both software engineering and web development skills required to design and develop applications for business and industry. Make yourself stand out from the new-graduate crowd with our Computer Science (Software Development) MSc, where you’ll gain an advanced knowledge of the skills that modern employers crave.

Our course aims to develop and expand knowledge and skills in application development for desktop, web, mobile and beyond. The award curriculum is diverse – it covers core business areas, programming in languages such as Java, JavaScript and PHP, and delivery to different device platforms. You will have the opportunity to study in one of the rapidly growing areas of computing from both an applied and theoretical perspective.

Your career is important to us, so we also offer you the chance to undertake a 12-month work placement before your dissertation. This will lengthen your course, but give you the chance to make connections and gain vital work experience in software engineering or web development before graduation.

If you choose to leave before completing the full 180 credit MSc course, you are entitled to a lower award if you have achieved pass grades for the necessary credits. This would be 60 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or 120 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). 

There is an increasing demand for new graduates with both software engineering and web development skills required to design and develop applications for business and industry. Make yourself stand out from the new-graduate crowd with our Computer Science (Software Development) MSc, where you’ll gain an advanced knowledge of the skills that modern employers crave.

Our course aims to develop and expand knowledge and skills in application development for desktop, web, mobile and beyond. The award curriculum is diverse – it covers core business areas, programming in languages such as Java, JavaScript and PHP, and delivery to different device platforms. You will have the opportunity to study in one of the rapidly growing areas of computing from both an applied and theoretical perspective.

Your career is important to us, so we also offer you the chance to undertake a 12-month work placement before your dissertation. This will lengthen your course, but give you the chance to make connections and gain vital work experience in software engineering or web development before graduation.

If you choose to leave before completing the full 180 credit MSc course, you are entitled to a lower award if you have achieved pass grades for the necessary credits. This would be 60 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or 120 taught module credits for a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Software Engineering

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Software Engineering

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Software Engineering

Course content

Our Computer Science (Software Engineering) MSc can be studied full-time, part-time or via distance learning. Whatever way you choose to study, your learning will be split into three teaching blocks.

The first two teaching blocks include three core modules: Multi-tier Application Architecture, Research Methods, and Enterprise Cloud Computing in the AWS Environment. The rest of the learning is tailored to your own personal needs, with multiple optional modules available to fill up your credits. Optional modules include: Software Engineering Principles, Web Principles, Web Application Programming, Mobile Application Development, Pervasive Computing, and much more.

The MSc dissertation is your final project and your chance to specialise in whatever field of software engineering you choose. This will be supervised by one of our industry-expert academics and is a chance to showcase your knowledge and ready you for your future career.

Our Computer Science (Software Engineering) MSc can be studied full-time, part-time or via distance learning. Whatever way you choose to study, your learning will be split into three teaching blocks.

The first two teaching blocks include three core modules: Multi-tier Application Architecture, Research Methods, and Enterprise Cloud Computing in the AWS Environment. The rest of the learning is tailored to your own personal needs, with multiple optional modules available to fill up your credits. Optional modules include: Software Engineering Principles, Web Principles, Web Application Programming, Mobile Application Development, Pervasive Computing, and much more.

The MSc dissertation is your final project and your chance to specialise in whatever field of software engineering you choose. This will be supervised by one of our industry-expert academics and is a chance to showcase your knowledge and ready you for your future career.

Our Computer Science (Software Engineering) MSc can be studied full-time, part-time or via distance learning. Whatever way you choose to study, your learning will be split into three teaching blocks.

The first two teaching blocks include three core modules: Multi-tier Application Architecture, Research Methods, and Enterprise Cloud Computing in the AWS Environment. The rest of the learning is tailored to your own personal needs, with multiple optional modules available to fill up your credits. Optional modules include: Software Engineering Principles, Web Principles, Web Application Programming, Mobile Application Development, Pervasive Computing, and much more.

The MSc dissertation is your final project and your chance to specialise in whatever field of software engineering you choose. This will be supervised by one of our industry-expert academics and is a chance to showcase your knowledge and ready you for your future career.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate honours degree (grade 2.2 or above in a related computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent).

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

An undergraduate honours degree (grade 2.2 or above in a related computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent).

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

An undergraduate honours degree (grade 2.2 or above in a related computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent).

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Networking Labs

The networking labs consist of three fully equipped Cisco labs with around 340 devices, plus a Juniper set-up which can be incorporated into courses. Read more

Find out more about our networking facilities. 
Watch video

Data Analytics Tools

Get access to software including Oracle and SQL Server, and NoSQL data stores such as MongoDB. You'll also have physical and virtual environments to develop practical skills.

Support for distance learners

Studying remotely doesn't mean that you will be left to study alone. Which is why we ensure that however you study with us, you'll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students. Read more

However you study with us, or wherever in the world you’re based, you’ll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students, including IT and study support, online library, careers and wellbeing service. We’ll help to connect with other online learners to help you get the most out of your learning experience and feel a part of the community. Find out more: Support for distance learners

Blackboard (VLE)

Blackboard is a virtual learning environment which houses your learning content. It enables online teaching/learning, provides spaces to build online communities and knowledge sharing.

Careers

After completing the Computer Science (Software Engineering) MSc you’ll be equipped to work in the following roles:

  • Software Engineer
  • Web application developer
  • Mobile application developer
  • E-commerce specialist
  • Enterprise Systems Engineer

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework
  • Getting ready for exams

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Staff

You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience. 

Dr Carolin Bauer

Senior Lecturer

Carolin has been working for Staffordshire University for a number of years in her capacity as a senior lecturer. She is currently the Course Leader for the MSc Software Engineering course.

Carolin's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,609 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 27 January 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,300 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £10,575 per course £10,575 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.

You are expected to have access to an appropriate PC/Laptop with admin rights so that you can install software in order to complete this course. 

Some external qualifications may incur a charge to sit the proctored examination

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.

You are expected to have access to an appropriate PC/Laptop with admin rights so that you can install software in order to complete this course. 

Some external qualifications may incur a charge to sit the proctored examination

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.

You are expected to have access to an appropriate PC/Laptop with admin rights so that you can install software in order to complete this course. 

Some external qualifications may incur a charge to sit the proctored examination
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

I had the best experience at Staffs Uni.

The software engineering course provides practise in programming and a thorough understanding of software architecture and elements for the final product. All the modules provide interesting lectures and coursework that helps in understanding the programing and beyond.

I had the best experience at Staffs Uni. I have gained a very good knowledge in programming languages. Practice is the best part of this course.

Valdete Duraku

MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)

The lecturers have been fantastic.

The lecturers have been fantastic. They are experts in what they do and have provided great insights into the profession through the lectures that they deliver. I have been introduced to concepts that I feel I would not have approached without their guidance, and as such I have expanded my knowledge and skills greatly. 

If you know that you are interested in a career as a software engineer, then the University provides a lot of opportunity to give you the skills you need to achieve this. 

Neil Davis

MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)

The best parts of my experience at Staffs would be the quality of the lectures that the tutors delivered.

The best parts of my experience at Staffs would be the quality of the lectures that the tutors delivered. They deliver the lectures in a very detailed yet simple way and also provide real-life examples so that the students would know where, why, and how the technology is used.

The tutors are very helpful as well. They are always ready to help whenever I am facing any difficulties with my studies. Working in groups with new people was also a great experience for me.

Sultan Kazi

MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, September start 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

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for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021