The MSc in Software Engineering offers in-depth knowledge on advanced topics in Software Engineering and Computing Science to existing graduates in Computing or a closely-related discipline. This course has been designed to equip students with the necessary skills to find employment as a software developer or system architect in the IT/Computing industry. Computing Science at Stirling has strong links with industry. Students can get a first hand industrial experience through placements and internships with local enterprises and organisations. More specifically, we offer company-based MSc projects to our students where our students can work with an employer to gain valuable commercial experience. We usually place more than 50% of our students with a company for the MSc project duration. We also regularly invite industry experts to share their expertise with students through seminars and talks. The course is designed to complement and extend a student’s previous education and experience. As such the course offers a high degree of flexibility. You will also get prepared for finding and securing a great job after completing this course through an integrated structured personal and professional development programme. This course covers crucial topics such as self-image, body language, interview techniques, assessment centre strategies, conflict resolution as well as CV preparation and job targeting techniques. Course objectives This course has been designed to provide up-to-date and in-depth expertise in specialist areas of computing, such as: * Telecommunication Systems * Mobile Phone Applications * Computer Games Technologies * Enterprise Database Systems * Computer Security and Forensics Approaches This course will equip you with the necessary knowledge and expertise to embark on a successful career in the IT and software development industry. Our company sponsored MSc projects will provide an ideal pathway into the industry.

The MSc in Software Engineering will greatly enhance the employment prospects of students. As a graduate of Software Engineering, you will be in demand in a range of sectors including health, IT software organisations, service enterprises, engineering and construction firms as well as in the retail sector. Stirling computing graduates have a good track record in finding well-paid jobs. Previous students have been very successful in obtaining suitable employment in a considerable diversity of posts – with small companies, with major international organisations including Accenture, IBM, HP, Yammer, Google, Microsoft, Reuters and major financial institutions such as HBOS, as well as with Local Authority and Government bodies. A number of graduates of the MSc Software Engineering have continued their studies towards a PhD. Common job profiles of our graduates are: * As a Systems Analyst, you will work on solving computer problems. This might involve adapting existing systems or using new technologies designing a new software solution In doing so, you will design software, write code, and test and fix software applications. You might also be involved in providing documentation for users. Typically you would work as part of a larger team. * IT Consultants closely work with clients (often at the clients premises) and advise them on how to use computer technology and applications to best meet their business needs. You will work with clients to improve their efficiency of using computer systems. This may involve the adaptation/customisation of software applications, or the development of custom applications for the specific needs of the customer. As well as technical duties, you may be involved in project management. * Applications Developers translate software requirements into programming code, and will usually specialise in a specific area, such as computer games or web technology. Often developers work as part of a larger team. You may be in charge of developing a certain component or part of a larger application.