MEng Software Engineering
Academic Year 2020/21
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 | MEng Software Engineering | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master of Engineering | |||||||||||
Programme Code | SOE-MENG | UCAS Code | G602 | HECoS Code |
100374 - Software engineering - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Undergraduate Master | Length of Programme | 4 Academic Year(s) | Total Credits for Programme | 480 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available |
INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sci |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Computing (2016) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
|
British Computer Society (BCS) |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 17-10-13 |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations The programme is subject to the University General Regulations which can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/ |
Students with protected characteristics N/A |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
The overall aim of the programme is to provide a broadly-based education in Software Engineering, supported by fundamental topics in Computing Science, which will produce graduates equipped to apply best practice in software engineering to the design and development of a wide range of software systems in organisations. As an integrated Masters programme, students will have the opportunity to undertake advanced study within Software Engineering.
• Embark on careers as professional Software Engineers or undertake research in Software Engineering.
• Understand the fundamental principles of Software Engineering and Computer Science.
• Understand and able to use a range of current, emerging, novel and exciting developments in Software Engineering theory and practice.
• Apply the skills necessary to critically evaluate new developments in technology and take advantage of them where appropriate.
• Maintain a rigorous approach to the design and development of software systems and the analysis of their correctness and complexity, which will remain applicable through changes in technology.
• Exercise high levels of professionalism and an awareness of the wider business and legal environment in which software engineers operate.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, encompassing team-working skills and effective oral, written, presentation and listening skills.
• Uphold the values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers.
• Understand and be able to use a range of specialised and advanced topics in Software Engineering.
Consistent with the general Educational Aims of the Programme and the specific requirements of the Benchmarking Statement for Computing, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the 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 programme will have achieved the following learning outcomes, commensurate with degree classification, relating to subject specific knowledge and understanding; intellectual, practical and key transferable skills:
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Analyse, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Pervasive across all modules and comprises the forms of thinking needed to specify, design, implement, evaluate or maintain software systems. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4). |
Critically evaluate and balance quality indicators in the design and development of software solutions |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed through software design modules and programming/project based modules. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4). |
Critically evaluate a given software design, component or project, identifying and resolving deficiencies. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed through software design modules Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4). |
Appraise the professional, legal and ethical framework within which a software engineer must operate |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4). |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Grasp the underpinning mathematics and theoretical framework of Software Engineering. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed through programming modules (including those that primarily focus on algorithms) alongside software design modules. The theoretical frameworks underpinning software engineering are developed and expanded throughout the degree. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Understand the essential principles, theories, practices, languages and tools that may be deployed for the specification, design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software systems. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Forms a core component of the degree and is developed throughout all modules that involve the specification, design, implementation, evaluation or maintenance of software systems Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Recognise good engineering practice in the specification, design, |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed through software design modules and project based modules Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Comprehend the importance of quality and fitness for purpose of the software engineering process and resulting artefacts. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed through software design modules and capstone projects, although, this learning outcome is developed, to a lesser degree, within all programing modules Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Adhere to the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of Software Engineers and their role within an organisation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Apply a range of software engineering concepts, tools and techniques to the solution of complex software engineering problems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed within most modules and reflects the practical and problem-based nature of software engineering Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer based systems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Embedded within most modules with the strongest development of this learning outcome with development oriented modules. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Deploy effectively the tools used for software development and documentation of software systems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed through software design modules and programming/project based modules and to a lesser degree within most modules Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Work effectively as a member of a software development team, recognising the different roles within a team and the different ways of organising teams |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed within modules that involve a team-based project element Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Employ appropriate project management approaches within complex software engineering environments |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed within modules that either involve a software development project element or provide specific coverage of this aspect of software engineering Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Articulate and effectively communicate the design and technological rationale for a given software component or project through appropriate technical reports and presentations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed within modules that involved the justification of design or related technical aspects through appropriate reports, presentations or demonstrations Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
|
Work effectively with and for others, including as part of a team. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed within modules that involve a Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Retrieve information from a variety of sources and by a variety of techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed within all modules and strongly embedded as part of modules that include a strong investigative element. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Use information technology effectively |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Communicate effectively using various modes/media and with a variety of audiences |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed within modules that involve either a presentation/demonstration element or a strong multi-media component. To a lesser degree it is embedded within the submissions required for all modules Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Understand and present information involving a quantitative dimension |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Manage one’s own learning and development including time management and organisational skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and a spirit of critical enquiry |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Plan and manage their career |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module and to a lesser degree within modules that require the student to actively consider and explore roles that map onto a range of software engineering career paths. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Primarily developed within modules that illustrate the evolution and development of software engineering. Methods of Assessment Combination of unseen written examinations |
MODULE INFORMATION
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Algorithms: Analysis and Application | CSC4003 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% | ||
High Performance Computing: Principles of Parallel Programming | CSC4005 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Secure Software Development | CSC3063 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 30% | 40% | ||
Advanced Computer Architecture | CSC3058 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
Databases | CSC1023 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 40% | 30% | ||
Object Oriented Programming | CSC1029 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Digital Transformation: Software Design, Management and Practical Implementation | CSC4008 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Professional Computing Practice | CSC2011 | 2 | 10 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 10% | 90% | 0% | ||
Architecture and Networks | CSC2061 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 60% | 40% | ||
Concurrent Programming | CSC3021 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Network Security | CSC3064 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Software Design Principles, Patterns, Practice and Innovation | CSC3031 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Cloud Computing | CSC3065 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Programming | CSC1027 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Web Technologies | CSC1030 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
Procedural Programming | CSC1025 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
Fundamentals of Maths for Computing | CSC1026 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
Research and Development Project | CSC4006 | 4 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
Fairness, Interpretability and Privacy in Machine Learning | CSC4009 | 4 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 0% | 40% | ||
Service-Oriented Programming | CSC2063 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% | ||
Video Analytics and Machine Learning | CSC3067 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 0% | 40% | ||
Transferrable Skills for the IT Sector | CSC2064 | 2 | 10 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Data Structures and Algorithms | CSC2059 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 0% | 100% | ||
Advanced Computer Engineering | ECS4003 | 4 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 0% | 50% | |
Cyber Security Fundamentals | CSC2056 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 80% | 0% | 20% | ||
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | CSC2062 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
Software Engineering and Systems Development | CSC2058 | 2 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | |
Software Testing | CSC3056 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
Architecture and Networks | CSC1022 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Computer Science Challenges | CSC1028 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
Software Design Principles | CSC1031 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% | ||
Malware Analysis | CSC3059 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 0% | 50% | 50% | ||
Contemporary Team-based Computing Projects | CSC3045 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | Y | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes