Advanced Software Technology

Advanced software technology is critical to the functioning of modern society. Computing systems can be found in science and engineering, medicine design and manufacturing, commerce and public service. Software technology dictates how these systems operate and how they are used.

The MSc Advanced Software Technology is suitable you if you are a Computer Science or Software Engineering graduate or if you have relevant experience from a first degree. It may also be suitable if you have substantial experience of working in a related environment and wish to develop your knowledge.

Our brand new £32.5m Computational Foundry lies at the heart of this course. Sophisticated teaching and research equipment include a Vision and Biometric Lab, a Maker Lab, a TechHealth Lab, a Theory Lab, a Cyber Security/Networking Lab, a User Lab and a Visualisation Suite.

You will choose from a diverse range of computer science subjects. These include artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies and operation systems, big data, web application development and graphics processor programming.

Broad learning in the first part of the course is followed by a substantial project module in the second part. This puts you in a strong position for seeking employment or undertaking further study.

Why study here?

Computer Science at Swansea University is widely acknowledged as a leading UK department, with a raft of impressive rankings reflecting teaching and research excellence. The College is ranked:

• 8th in the UK overall [Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019]
• In the UK Top 20 for Research Excellence [Research Excellence Framework 2014]
• 14th in the UK for research [Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019]
• UK University of the Year Runner-up and Welsh University of the Year [Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019]

Computer Science and Engineering at Swansea is world ranked 401-500 in the 2017 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS).

You will be taught by inspiring computer science experts such as Professor Matt Jones, widely recognised as a leader in the empowerment of rural digital communities in the UK and across the developing world.

Your experience

In the first part of the course you undertake four compulsory 15-credit modules on software engineering project management, research methods, software testing and a team project.

You then have the freedom to shape your learning with a series of 15-credit modules totalling 60 credits. A 60-credit project module takes up the second part of the course.

Over the course of this degree you will be taught by staff from internationally renowned research groups. Their knowledge of constant developments in computer science helps to keep your learning fresh and relevant to the wider industry.

Our commitment to keeping up with the technological curve is reflected in the hardware you will be working with every day.

Laboratories at Swansea are continually upgraded to ensure equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently in use are three fully networked laboratories. One runs Windows, another runs Linux, and a third project laboratory contains specialised equipment.

These laboratories support software including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog. Integrated programme development environments include Visual Studio and Netbeans - the widely-used Microsoft Office package, web access tools and many special purpose software tools.

The new Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus is the nucleus of a vibrant community for world-class research leaders in computer science.

Employment opportunities

Completing this MSc will considerably enhance your software technology career prospects. Our graduates often progress to rewarding employment with a respected employer. Below are a number of their recent destinations.

• Software engineer, Motorola Solutions
• Change coordinator, Logica
• Software developer/engineer, NS Technology
• Workflow developer, Irwin Mitchell
• IT developer, Crimsan Consultants
• Programmer, Evil Twin Artworks
• Web developer & web support, VSI Thinking
• Software developer, Wireless Innovations
• Associate business application analyst, CDC Software
• Software developer, OpenBet Technologies
• Technical support consultant, Alterian
• Programming, Rock It

The first part of this MSc contains a series of compulsory and optional 15-credit modules. A wide range of subjects include blockchain, cryptocurrencies and smart contracts, big data, visual analytics and web application development.

Compulsory Modules

• Software Engineering Project Planning and Management
• Software Team Project
• Software Testing

Optional Modules

• Information Security Management        
• Critical Systems
• IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security             
• Visual Analytics
• Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing             
• Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Smart Contracts         
• Big Data and Data Mining          
• Data Visualization         
• Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security         
• Human Computer Interaction   
• Big Data and Machine Learning
• Web Application Development
• High Performance Computing in C/C++
• Graphics Processor Programming          
• Embedded System Design         
• Logic in Computer Science         
• Computer Vision and Deep Learning     
• Hardware and Devices 
• Modelling and Verification Techniques
• Operating Systems and Architectures

A 2:2 honours degree (or above) in Computer Science or other relevant discipline. IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test.

Careers and Employability Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Completing this MSc will considerably enhance your software technology career prospects. Our graduates often progress to rewarding employment with a respected employer. Below are a number of their recent destinations.

• Software engineer, Motorola Solutions
• Change coordinator, Logica
• Software developer/engineer, NS Technology
• Workflow developer, Irwin Mitchell
• IT developer, Crimsan Consultants
• Programmer, Evil Twin Artworks
• Web developer & web support, VSI Thinking
• Software developer, Wireless Innovations
• Associate business application analyst, CDC Software
• Software developer, OpenBet Technologies
• Technical support consultant, Alterian
• Programming, Rock It