Courses

Programme Specification

MSc Software Development

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

MSc Software Development

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Science

Programme Code

CSC-MSC-SD

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100374 - Software engineering - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

Full Time - 1 Academic Year

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 7
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf	Computing (2016)
Accreditations (PSRB)
No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Programme Specific Regulations

Assessment and Progression

The programme is subject to the University General Regulations which can be found at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/

Normally, students must have satisfactorily completed the required taught modules (120 CATS points) before they will be permitted to begin their individual software development project.

Students who have failed the same module twice, will normally be required to withdraw from the MSc programme and may be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate.

Students who obtain 120 CATS points in the taught modules are required to undertake an individual software development project. The project is assessed via continuous assessment, the delivered software system and final dissertation. The project supervisor, a second internal assessor and the external examiner assess project work. The pass mark for the project module is 50%. Students who fail to achieve at least 50% in the project at the first attempt will normally be permitted one resit attempt to pass with the mark used in calculating the final award being capped at 50%. Students who fail to achieve at least 50% in the project will be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

Students who have achieved 120 CATS points in the taught modules, may decide to withdraw from the MSc and be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

Students, who have achieved at least 60 CATS points in the taught modules, may decide to withdraw from the MSc and be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Educational Aims Of Programme

The overall aim of the programme is to provide a broadly-based education in Software Development, which will produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, key skills and competencies required to take a variety of roles within the software development industry.

Consistent with the general Educational Aims of the Programme and the specific requirements of the Benchmarking Statement for Master’s degrees in Computing, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the Masters in Software Development programme, and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Specifically, students graduating from the Masters programme will have achieved the following learning outcomes, commensurate with award attained, relating to subject specific knowledge and understanding; intellectual, practical and key transferable skills.

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

Use the necessary skills, tools and techniques needed to embark on careers as professional Software Engineers or undertake research and teaching in Software Engineering.

Apply their knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of Software Engineering and Computer Science.

A solid grounding in the design and development of software systems and the analysis of their correctness and complexity, which will remain applicable through changes in technology.

Display a broad understanding and experience of the professional context and the wider business and legal environment in which Software Engineers operate.

Implement the skills necessary to critically evaluate new developments in technology and take advantage of them where appropriate.

Adhere to the values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers.

Practice timely exposure to, and practical experience in, a range of current, emerging, novel and exciting developments in software development.

Avail of opportunities for the development of practical skills in software development in a business/industrial context.