Software Engineering MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Program Overview

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The Software Engineering MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert at De Montfort University equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, develop, test, and maintain complex software applications. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience, ensuring industry-relevant skills. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in software engineering, including positions as software engineers, consultants, and project managers. The program is developed in collaboration with leading technology companies like Airbus and Deloitte UK and regularly reviewed to meet evolving industry needs.

Program Outline

• The Software Engineering MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, develop, test, and maintain complex software applications.
• The program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience, ensuring industry-relevant skills.
• The curriculum is developed in collaboration with leading technology companies like Airbus and Deloitte UK and regularly reviewed to meet evolving industry needs.
• Input from experts at the Software Technology Research Laboratory, an ‘Airbus Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security’, ensures students benefit from cutting-edge research and knowledge.

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Program Objectives:

• Graduates will possess the technical expertise to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications for various industries and businesses.
• The program aims to equip students with sought-after professional skills in software engineering, making them highly competitive in the job market.
• The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through engaging modules, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in software engineering, including positions as software engineers, consultants, and project managers.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Software Engineering Fundamentals: Students explore core concepts in software design, development, testing, and maintenance, building a strong foundation in the field.
• Advanced Technologies: The program delves into cutting-edge technologies like cloud-based systems, the Internet of Things, and modern programming techniques.
• Critical Systems Design: Students learn principles and practices for developing software systems with stringent safety and reliability requirements.
• Research and Project Work: The postgraduate project allows students to apply their knowledge to a specific problem or research topic of their choice, showcasing their skills and capabilities.

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Program Structure:

• The program is modular, with each module focusing on a specific area of software engineering.
• Students can exit the program with a Postgraduate degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Postgraduate Certificate depending on the credits earned.
• Block teaching allows students to focus on one subject at a time, facilitating deeper engagement and understanding.
• The program typically takes one year to complete, with the final semester dedicated to the postgraduate project.

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Individual Modules:

• Cloud-based System Design: This module focuses on designing and implementing software systems within cloud environments.
• Internet of Things: Students learn about the principles and technologies behind interconnected devices and systems.
• Software Quality Assurance and Testing: This module explores strategies for ensuring software quality and reliability through testing and verification methods.
• Critical Systems and Modern Programming Techniques: Students investigate critical systems design principles and modern programming languages like Scala and Python.
• PGT Project: The postgraduate project allows students to explore a specific research interest or address a real-world problem, showcasing their research and practical skills.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Individual coursework:
Assignments, essays, and reports to assess specific knowledge and skills.
• Group projects: Collaborative projects to develop teamwork and communication skills.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings and project work to develop communication and presentation skills.

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Assessment Criteria:

• The program uses a range of criteria to evaluate student performance, including:
• Technical knowledge:
Demonstrating a grasp of software engineering principles and technologies.
• Problem-solving skills: Applying knowledge to solve complex software engineering problems.
• Communication skills: Effectively communicating ideas, findings, and solutions.
• Teamwork skills: Collaborating effectively with peers and stakeholders.
• Research skills: Conducting in-depth research and analysis for the postgraduate project.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to facilitate engagement and learning, including:
• Interactive lectures:
Engaging lectures provide foundational knowledge and spark inquisitiveness.
• Hands-on labs: Practical lab sessions reinforce theoretical concepts with practical application.
• Independent study: Students engage in self-directed learning through research, reading, and project work.

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Faculty:

• The program is led by experienced academics and researchers from the DMU’s Software Technology Research Laboratory.
• Faculty have extensive industry experience and expertise in diverse areas of software engineering.

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Unique Approaches:

• Collaboration with industry partners like Airbus and Deloitte UK exposes students to real-world challenges and prepares them for professional careers.
• The program incorporates modern programming languages and technologies like Scala and Python, equipping students with relevant skills for the modern software development landscape.
• The postgraduate project allows students to pursue their research interests and develop specialized skills.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Graduates of the program can pursue careers as:
• Software engineers
• Software consultants
• Project managers
• Software architects
• Researchers
• Graduates are employed by leading technology companies and organizations, including:
• IBM
• BT
• Deloitte UK
• ARM Ltd

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Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a broad range of opportunities in the software industry.
• Graduates can work in various sectors, including IT, finance, healthcare, and education.
• The program emphasizes industry-relevant skills, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.

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Other:

• Entry Criteria: A British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject is required.
• International Students: The program welcomes international students and offers support for application and visa processes.
• Scholarships: Scholarships and bursaries are available for both domestic and international students.
• Location: The program is offered at the De Montfort University campus in Leicester.

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2024/25 full-time fees for UK students: £9,500 2024/25 full-time fees for EU/International students: £17,600