Computer Science (Software Engineering) Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)
Course Overview - Computer Science (Software Engineering) Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)
Our technological world has created a global demand for skilled professionals who can design, build and maintain computer programmes, databases and applications. This advanced four-year programme offers a thorough foundation in computing and application development, as well as a thorough exploration of software engineering. You will have the chance to showcase your abilities through practical work and extended projects, and the programme is particularly recommended if you have already experienced and enjoyed programming and you want to go on to postgraduate study or a specialist car...
Our technological world has created a global demand for skilled professionals who can design, build and maintain computer programmes, databases and applications. This advanced four-year programme offers a thorough foundation in computing and application development, as well as a thorough exploration of software engineering. You will have the chance to showcase your abilities through practical work and extended projects, and the programme is particularly recommended if you have already experienced and enjoyed programming and you want to go on to postgraduate study or a specialist career in software.
Launched in 2015/16, this specialist programme will give you all the knowledge, skills and professionalism that you need for a successful career. Our software engineering teaching has been used as an example of ‘best practice’ in computer science education by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. You will learn from software professionals and leading academics in the field to apply engineering principles to the design, development, implementation and maintenance of all kinds of software. Our progressive curriculum has been developed in consultation with industry, with a modular structure that gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests. From the outset you will be experimenting with programming games, robots, Gadgeteer kits, Subversion, JUnit testing, Scrum-based Agile software and more, in our well-equipped laboratories. There is also the option of transferring onto our five-year, year in industry programme, subject to good academic progress.
We are a highly respected, research-focused department with award-winning teaching. We offer a summer work placement programme and a dedicated personal adviser to guide you through your studies. You will also be welcome to join our thriving Computing Society. We are one of only seven departments in the UK to hold the Athena SWAN bronze award for our commitment to increasing female participation in computer science.
The BCS has distinguished our teaching of Software Engineering as ‘Best Practice’.
You will be taught by staff with extensive industrial experience, three of whom are certified Scrum Masters.
You will learn to master the process of software engineering, from initial client meetings through to delivery.
In the fourth-year team project, you will run a start-up.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A17-D10
Institution Code
R72
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
A,A,A
A,A,B
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required subject: A Level Computer Science or Mathematics or Physics and GCSE grade B/6 in Mathematics.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
A,A,A,B,B
A,A,A,A,A
AAAAA - AABBB including either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
Access to HE Diploma
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We require English at grade 4/C and B/6 in Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction Distinction and A - Distinction Distinction B in A-level in either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34.0
36.0
6,6,6 - 6,6,5 at Higher Level or 36-34 points overall Including either Physics, Computer Science or 6 HL Maths: Analysis & Approaches/7 HL Maths: Applications & Interpretation/7 SL Maths: Applications and Interpretations
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With significant programming content. Please see our website for the specific BTEC modules you must take in order to meet the entry requirements plus at least B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics for this course.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Distinction plus AA in A-levels - Distinction plus AB in A-level including either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Requirements are as for A-levels, where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| International, EU | £27,900 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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