Software Engineering / with Management Studies MSc
Subject and course type
- Engineering, Electronics and Robotics
- Computing and Information Systems
- Postgraduate
Gain the skills you need to kickstart your career with the Software Engineering / with Management Studies MSc, accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
This course provides the option to combine your course with Management Studies. Whichever route you choose, you will be taught by industry experts and experience a stimulating balance of lectures, practical lab work, group working, case studies and presentations.
You are reading:
Examine all stages of the software development lifecycle at an advanced level
This course will equip you with an advanced knowledge of the latest methods and tools for software engineering.
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- dedicated postgraduate computing laboratories, fully-equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors
- state-of-the-art hardware and the latest software, including:
- development software and tools, such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver MX, Flash 8, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits
- Digital Signal Processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers)
- IP Set Top Box development environment (NXP's STB810)
- Electronics Laboratory
- a mix of wireless LAN technologies
- the learning resources centre, offering subject libraries, online database subscriptions and resource materials
- a postgraduate teaching suite
- the dedicated Graduate Centre on campus, providing seminar rooms and social spaces
Our dedicated team of IT technicians support our labs and are always on-hand to provide assistance.
Plus, Kingston is just a 30-minute train journey from central London, where you can access a wealth of additional libraries and archives. These include the British Library and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Deciding to study my MSc at Kingston was probably one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. After three years' study at Kingston for my Software Engineering BSc degree, I was very much aware of Kingston's reputation for quality of teaching, course content and the good relationship between students and staff.
Why choose this course
Some of the most challenging problems in industry and commerce are associated with software development. Throughout this course, you will study software project management and business processes, software architecture and design aspects, implementation and software construction, testing and quality assurance.
You will also acquire the practical skills for planning and implementing systems development projects. These projects will meet customer needs and integrate software solutions into the business environment.
The taught modules on this course aim to prepare you for the job market and gain skills in:
- problem solving and organisation
- data collation, review and synopsis
- communication (oral, written and electronic)
- time management
- cooperation and teamwork
You can choose one of two pathways on this course: Software Engineering MSc or Software Engineering with Management Studies MSc. If you choose to follow the core pathway, you will gain an in-depth understanding of strategies and architectures for designing and developing modern high-quality software applications. Via the management pathway, you will develop the skills to successfully lead teams and manage innovation.
On either pathway, you will pursue a dissertation project and explore an area of interest in depth. This can offer valuable industry experience and help you develop research skills. As the project you pursue is usually relevant to your career, it can provide an excellent selling point when you are looking for a job or promotion. For example, one student produced an engineering design advice site in association with the Steel Construction Institute.
Accreditation
The British Computer Society (BCS) accredits this course. This means that you can gain some exemption against BCS professional examinations, leading to Chartered membership and CEng, IEng or CSci status.
Please note: the programme delivered at our partner institution overseas is not currently accredited by the BCS.
Course content
You will study state-of-the-art concepts in software engineering and focus on the fundamental concepts and principles of systems analysis, design, implementation and testing. The course concentrates on cost-effective development of high-quality software. You will have an opportunity to improve your practical skills so that you can plan and conduct complex systems development projects to meet customer needs and integrate software solutions into an evolving business environment.
The Software Engineering course can be combined with Management Studies, enabling you to set your technical knowledge in a management context, ready to work effectively with business managers to develop systems for business advantage. An understanding of the business and management context is a key skill employers look for. It is essential for those aiming to set up their own business.
The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and project dissertation.
For a student to go on placement, they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Please note: optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Software Engineering MSc modules
Core modules
30 credits
This core module focuses on various approaches to agile development and deals with agile project and risk management, techniques, documentation and testing.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and explain the concepts, strengths, limitations and suitability of agile development techniques.
- Develop appropriate use of project management qualitative techniques within an agile framework, such as feasibility study, planning, control and estimating, risk management and configuration management and quantitative techniques such as PERT and CPN.
- Apply management and team-building techniques to appropriately managing an information systems development project.
- Select and apply object oriented development techniques within an agile development environment.
- Critically discuss social and professional issues associated with information systems project and risk management.
- Manage the development of a system by applying an agile framework.
30 credits
This core module aims to provide a strong theoretical and practical skills and techniques necessary to build high quality software architecture and system models. This module includes concept of software architecture as part of software design and reuse which can be viewed as components and interfaces. Practical aspects of service-oriented and component-based technologies, and the corresponding programming models and paradigms will be covered.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse architectural styles of software systems and evaluate the role of software architecture in the design and evolution of software.
- Apply the principles of software architecture construction, particularly using component- and service-oriented programming.
- Evaluate the benefits of software architectures and their corresponding programming paradigms in terms of software quality factors such as reusability, maintenance and extendibility.
- Apply technical proficiency in the component and service oriented analysis and design.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of service-oriented and component technologies.
- Build a complex business application that satisfies in architectural design using a service-oriented component technology.
60 credits
This module constitutes the major individual piece of work of the masters programme where the student carries out a project involving independent critical research, design and implementation (where applicable).
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Select, justify and use effectively the research methods and techniques appropriate for particular cases in order to carry out a literature search and an independent work of research
- Critically identify the need to position their research in the wider academic or business context and structure the dissertation format to agreed conventions
- Plan, manage and critically evaluate the project using the techniques and tools needed in order to bring it in successfully on time and within resourcing limits
- Identify and critically analyse real-world problems or knowledge gaps to which academic concepts and methods can be realistically applied to improve or resolve the problem situation
- Apply skills to show an ability to engage in academic and professional communication with others in their field through report and presentation
- Present critical awareness in applying appropriate legal, social or ethical obligations and when required, respond to the financial and other constraints of a corresponding business environment.
30 credits
This module aims to provide a systematic view of principles in software quality engineering and the formal theories and practical techniques involved in software quality assurance and software testing. The module will cover what software quality means and to how to achieve high quality in software developments.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Describe the concepts and terms defined in software quality assurance, and the metrics together with related industrial standards for software evaluation.
- Explain the functions and importance of software quality assurance in the context of software development lifecycle management.
- Analyse the benefits and pitfalls of applying software quality assurance and testing plans in different software development contexts.
- Compare, evaluate and select appropriate tools for different software processes to achieve high quality software developments.
- Develop software quality assurance and testing strategies and plans for given projects.
Optional modules
30 credits
This module focuses upon the usability testing, detailed design and prototyping of single-user interaction with data-intensive, web services and applications via the desk-top, particularly for information seeking and shopping. The emphasis is upon quantitative measurement for optimisation and efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction.
- Coursework: usability test report, prototype, presentation
- Schedule: allow approximately one day per week during the first semester
- Staff: Dr Martin Colbert
30 credits
This module emphasises a practical and applied approach to programming and software skills for data scientists which differs from typical software engineering approaches in that the emphasis is on the use and manipulation of data using languages and platforms designed for use in real-life, data-driven problems. The languages and platforms are considered only as far as their use for data manipulation are needed with limited exploration of underlying theory or data structures. This prioritises practical implementation including locating, accessing, loading, manipulating, securing, storing and describing data, and enables the introduction of aspects of data analysis, data-mining and machine learning provided by the chosen languages and platforms.
Software Engineering with Management Studies MSc modules
Core modules
30 credits
This core module focuses on various approaches to agile development and deals with agile project and risk management, techniques, documentation and testing.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and explain the concepts, strengths, limitations and suitability of agile development techniques.
- Develop appropriate use of project management qualitative techniques within an agile framework, such as feasibility study, planning, control and estimating, risk management and configuration management and quantitative techniques such as PERT and CPN.
- Apply management and team-building techniques to appropriately managing an information systems development project.
- Select and apply object oriented development techniques within an agile development environment.
- Critically discuss social and professional issues associated with information systems project and risk management.
- Manage the development of a system by applying an agile framework.
30 credits
This core module aims to provide a strong theoretical and practical skills and techniques necessary to build high quality software architecture and system models. This module includes concept of software architecture as part of software design and reuse which can be viewed as components and interfaces. Practical aspects of service-oriented and component-based technologies, and the corresponding programming models and paradigms will be covered.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse architectural styles of software systems and evaluate the role of software architecture in the design and evolution of software.
- Apply the principles of software architecture construction, particularly using component- and service-oriented programming.
- Evaluate the benefits of software architectures and their corresponding programming paradigms in terms of software quality factors such as reusability, maintenance and extendibility.
- Apply technical proficiency in the component and service oriented analysis and design.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of service-oriented and component technologies.
- Build a complex business application that satisfies in architectural design using a service-oriented component technology.
30 credits
This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts including Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector. This module explains and puts business concepts into context within a variety of sectors.
You will investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and to cope with their complexity.
60 credits
This module constitutes the major individual piece of work of the masters programme where the student carries out a project involving independent critical research, design and implementation (where applicable).
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Select, justify and use effectively the research methods and techniques appropriate for particular cases in order to carry out a literature search and an independent work of research
- Critically identify the need to position their research in the wider academic or business context and structure the dissertation format to agreed conventions
- Plan, manage and critically evaluate the project using the techniques and tools needed in order to bring it in successfully on time and within resourcing limits
- Identify and critically analyse real-world problems or knowledge gaps to which academic concepts and methods can be realistically applied to improve or resolve the problem situation
- Apply skills to show an ability to engage in academic and professional communication with others in their field through report and presentation
- Present critical awareness in applying appropriate legal, social or ethical obligations and when required, respond to the financial and other constraints of a corresponding business environment.
30 credits
This module aims to provide a systematic view of principles in software quality engineering and the formal theories and practical techniques involved in software quality assurance and software testing. The module will cover what software quality means and to how to achieve high quality in software developments.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Describe the concepts and terms defined in software quality assurance, and the metrics together with related industrial standards for software evaluation.
- Explain the functions and importance of software quality assurance in the context of software development lifecycle management.
- Analyse the benefits and pitfalls of applying software quality assurance and testing plans in different software development contexts.
- Compare, evaluate and select appropriate tools for different software processes to achieve high quality software developments.
- Develop software quality assurance and testing strategies and plans for given projects.
Professional placement
Professional placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
Graduates from this course go on to work for organisations such as:
- IBM
- Hewlett Packard
- Capgemini
- JDA Software
- Ernst & Young
- Marks & Spencer
- Waitrose
- Virgin Media
- Sky
- the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement
The British Computer Society (BCS) accredits this course. This means that you can gain some exemption against BCS professional examinations, leading to Chartered membership and CEng, IEng or CSci status. For full details of exemption and accreditation levels, please check the BCS course search.
Please note: the programme delivered at our partner institution overseas is not currently accredited by the BCS.
The Faculty is a long-time member of BCS. For many years we have hosted meetings of the local BCS Kingston and Croydon Branch, contributing to members' continuing professional development programmes.
We work with a variety of employers such as hospitals, community health care, NHS foundation trusts, academic publishers, and pharmaceutical companies. Many of which also offer professional experience opportunities for the students on this course.
To ensure your studies are kept up to date and answer the needs of business, our courses are created and reviewed in consultation with an advisory board of key industry experts and senior academics. The Board also provides input and advice on our research portfolio.
With members from Google, Microsoft, EasyJet, games developer Colossal and Chief Information Officers from local government - our Advisory Board represents the diverse spectrum of industries and public sector organisations that make up the jobs market for our graduates.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
Year 1 Core pathway
15% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.
- Scheduled teaching and learning: 224 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,276 hours
Year 1 Management pathway
16% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.
- Scheduled teaching and learning: 284 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1,516 hours
Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:
Core pathway:
- Year 1: Coursework 99%; practical 1%
Management pathway:
- Year 1: Coursework 95%; practical 5%
(repeat for each year, if part time)
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Software Engineering / with Management Studies MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Kevin Walsh Scholarship is a one-year scholarship for a taught masters course in the School of Computer Science & Mathematics. It covers the cost of the home fees for a masters degree as well as providing a maintenance grant.
For more information, visit the Kevin Walsh Scholarship page.
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
I did a lot of research into the options and applied to a number of UK universities but I was really impressed with the course content and structure of the MSc courses at Kingston. This, as well as the University's reputation for computing courses and the quality of the information provided, made Kingston my first choice.
After passing my course with a distinction, the University's job shop helped me get my first position with an IT company, dealing with financial services located at the heart of the City of London. The job was fantastic and I gained a lot of experience and knowledge, which helped me to secure a new role as a software engineer with GlaxoSmithKline.
