MSc Software Engineering
Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
DURATION
18 up to 24 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
AED 49,500 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* exam fees: GBP 980
Introduction
Programme Awards
| Title | Type | Level | Description |
| Master's Degree (MSc) | Final Award | Level 7 | Software Engineering |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) | Exit or Fallback Award | Level 7 | Software Engineering |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) | Exit or Fallback Award | Level 7 | Software Engineering |
Benchmark Statements
The following benchmark statements apply to this programme:
- QAA Subject Benchmark Statement Computing (October 2019)
- QAA Master's Degree Characteristics statement (February 2020)
Internal and External Reference Points
- UK Quality Code for Higher Education
- The University of Bolton awards framework
Aims of the Programme
The principal aims of the programme are to:
- enable students with a background in software engineering or computer science to develop a deeper understanding of advanced software methodologies
- ensure students have access and exposure to the latest methodologies and development techniques.
- deepen understanding of approaches such as design patterns and their applicability to particular problems
- stimulate creative thinking and enhance problem-solving and decision-making techniques
- enhance essential skills such as group work, report writing and research skills
- equip students with the knowledge necessary to understand the ethical and environmental issues they will encounter in the industry in general.
- develop sophisticated intellectual capabilities of research, critique, synthesis and innovation culminating in a master's level dissertation/project.
Distinctive Features of the Programme
- The Software Engineering Master's programme at the University of Bolton has been designed collaboratively, working with industrial partners to ensure that students study a comprehensive program of relevant industry topics.
- The success of our post-graduate students is directly related to the practical research aspects covered in the course laboratory work.
- Coursework throughout the course utilises realistic scenarios intended to prepare students for their post-graduate careers after university. This applies both to the technical areas studied but also to the output required from the student, such as technical proposals or reports to management.
- You will build on subject specialist knowledge and understanding through the completion of a Dissertation which will be showcased to employers and others.
- Social, Public and Ethical Responsibility: All our student project work conforms with the university’s policies on ethics and uses the university’s research ethics procedure before work commences.
Support for Student Learning
- The programme is managed by a Programme Leader
- Welcome Week introduces the student to the University and their programme
- Each student has a Personal Tutor who is responsible for support and guidance
- Personal Development Planning integrated into all programmes
- Feedback is available on formative and summative assessments
- The Student Centre provides a one-stop shop for information and advice
- Comprehensive guidance is available from the University Student Support Services, including housing and accommodation advice, counselling, financial and career advice, and support via the University disability team
- The Chaplaincy where Chaplains and Pastoral Assistants are available from different traditions, faiths and world-views
- Library and IT services are a very good source of advice and support with excellent study skills sessions and materials
- There are Student Liaison Officers attached to each School
- The Students' Union advice services
- Programme Handbooks and Module Guides which provide information about the programme and University regulations
- The opportunity to develop skills for employment
- English language support for international students
- The online Student Information – Policy Zone provides all regulatory and policy information in one place
Methods of Evaluating & Enhancing the Quality of Learning Opportunities
- Student Staff Liaison Committees
- Module evaluations by students
- Programme and University Student Surveys
- Annual quality monitoring and action planning through Programme Plans including data analysis, Subject Quality Enhancement Plans, School Quality Enhancement Plans, University Quality Enhancement Plan
- Peer review/observation of teaching
- Professional development programme for staff
- External Examiner reports
Admissions
Curriculum
The MSc Software Engineering programme comprises 5 modules at level HE7, which are all core. 180 credits are required for the award by successfully completing 4 modules at 30 credits each and the project at 60 credits.
Validated Modules
| Title | Module Code | COE* |
| Masters Project | SEC7001 | C |
| Research Methods | SWE7004 | C |
| Contemporary Software Engineering Practices | SWE7101 | C |
| Advanced Software Development | SWE7102 | C |
| Dev Ops | SWE7103 | C |
*Core, Optional, Elective
Learning & Teaching Strategies
Learning and teaching methods apply a blended learning approach. This may include lectures, seminars, tutorials and critiques, self-directed learning, e-learning and laboratory/workshop sessions, as well as online sessions and support. Practical skills are acquired through technical introduction and support, workshop sessions, demonstrations and activity-based assignments. Active learning is promoted with a strong practical theme throughout. This programme adopts a blended style of learning and teaching including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.
Learning Activities (KIS entry)
| Course Year | Level 3 | HE4 | HE5 | HE6 | HE7 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 15% |
| Guided independent study | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 85% |
| Placement/study abroad | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Assessment Strategy
Assessment is carried out at key points during teaching. Formative assessment with either verbal and/or written feedback is offered during each module. Written feedback is provided following the summative assessment. Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are normally completed by the end of each module. Types of assessment evidence can include assignments, projects, examinations and presentations.
Assessment Methods (KIS entry)
| Course Year | Level 3 | HE4 | HE5 | HE6 | HE7 |
| Written exams | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 7% |
| Coursework | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 60% |
| Practical Exams | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 33% |
Role of External Examiners
External examiners are appointed for all programmes of study. They oversee the assessment process, and their duties include: approving assessment tasks, reviewing assessment marks, attending assessment boards and reporting to the University on the assessment process.
Program Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding
On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of:
- Business, professional and ethical application of computing in industry
- Gathering, processing, and securely storing information
- Developing software solutions to meet business requirements
- Building appropriate security into all aspects of software development
- Using appropriate tools and methodologies to manage the process of software engineering
- Gathering research from appropriate sources and putting it to use solving particular problems
- Have knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to computing and computer applications.
- The importance of personal development: learning skills for employability and career development
Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills
On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- identify and solve complex problems using innovative approaches to reach creative solutions.
- apply advanced knowledge in modelling and design of computers and applications to meet specific requirements in the absence of full data
- use effective analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills in order to formulate creative solutions
- apply theoretical concepts and critical reasoning when examining work-based issues of a strategic nature in the absence of full data
Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills
On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- specify, design and construct reliable, secure and usable computer-based systems.
- evaluate systems in terms of quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the given problem.
- plan and manage complex projects to deliver computing systems within constraints such as requirements, timescale and budget.
- identify and critically evaluate risks and safety aspects that may be involved in the deployment of computing systems within a given context.
- deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications, with particular emphasis on a holistic understanding of the process involved in the effective deployment of computers to solve practical and complex problems.
- critically evaluate and analyse complex problems, including those with incomplete information, and devise appropriate solutions within the design constraints.
Transferable, Key or Personal Skills
On completion of the programme, successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- construct well-argued, referenced documents underpinned by relevant ideas, which make cases for action.
- work unsupervised, plan effectively and meet deadlines, and respond readily to changing situations and priorities.
- succinctly present rational and reasoned arguments that address a given problem or opportunity to a range of audiences (orally, electronically or in writing)
- undertake effective team working and project management and recognise and make the best use of the skills and knowledge of individuals to collaborate
- undertake lifelong personal development: The ability to develop learning skills and recognise their application in employment and industry.