The M.Sc. in Software Engineering is designed to be completed in one calendar year of full-time study. It consists of two taught semesters followed by a practical project, referred to as a practicum, completed between May and September. During the first two semesters, students undertake an integrated group of taught modules in advanced software engineering. These modules enable participants to use the latest methods to design and implement software systems across multiple complex distributed software platforms. Students also learn up-to-date programming and specification techniques, formal and informal, theoretical and practical. They will become familiar with advanced algorithms and learn how to deploy them in practical situations. They will be well prepared to undertake their work within defined software processes using the best techniques currently available. In addition, participants are introduced to the professional issues surrounding the development and implementation of software systems.

Over the duration of the programme, students will develop employment-enhancing skills across a number of key areas. Their ability to engineer software will be enhanced considerably, as will their knowledge of operating systems and networks. Team working skills will be developed by the significant amount of project work associated with the course. Communication skills will be enhanced by exercises in presenting work to lecturers and peers. Students' view of the profession will be enriched, and they will understand the business and social context of their work. Importantly, graduates will also develop research skills that will enable them to investigate new ideas, methods and tools as they arise in their professional careers.

The programme has a strong practical focus, culminating in the practicum over the summer months following the end of lectures. Here, students typically develop prototype software systems that solve a real-world problem. They may also analyse software engineering techniques, processes or methods, and propose and evaluate alternatives. Most practicums are carried out in small teams, although individual projects are possible. Students may be sponsored by external clients or develop some of their own ideas. Typically they begin with a feasibility study followed by the creation of a project plan and the development of a software application or a rigorous theoretical analysis. The practicum is written up in the form of a dissertation.