StudyQA — Master: Software Engineering

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Description Contents Requirements

Software Engineering has become a crucial discipline in the functioning of the modern world. Information systems, communications, transport, manufacturing and services all require well-engineered and reliable software. This course focuses especially on software systems with a high requirement for dependability.

The MSc in Software Engineering is a full-time 1 year course consisting of eight assessed modules and a six person-month individual project carried out in the department. There are also unassessed one-week refresher modules on maths and on Java.

Learning Outcomes
* A thorough grounding and practical experience in the use of state-of-the-art techniques for developing software-based systems.
* An understanding of the principles behind these techniques, so as to make sound judgements during systems and software design.

Transferable skills
Information-retrieval skills are an integrated part of many modules; students are expected to independently acquire information from on-line and traditional sources. These skills are required within nearly all modules, are an essential part of project work. During the team project, team working skills are developed. Students are also expected to give a presentation of the results of their project work, hence developing presentational skills.

Numeracy is required and developed in most modules. Time management is an essential skill for any student in the programme. The formal timetable has a substantial load of lectures and labs. Students must fit their private study in around these fixed points. In addition, Open Assessments are set with rigid deadlines which gives students experience of balancing their time between the different commitments.

All students in the University are eligible to take part in the York Award in which they can gain certified transferable skills. This includes the Languages for All programme which allows students to improve their language skills.

The MSc course consists of eight assessed modules and a six person-month individual project carried out in the department. A formal programme specification for this course is available.

Here is a list of the current set of course modules.

* Practical Software Management and Management of Software Engineering
* Requirements Engineering
* Formal Specification
* Object-Oriented Design
* Concurrent & Real-Time Programming
* Systems Architectures
* Reactive Systems Design
* Software Management & Testing
* Human Factors Engineering

Most modules have an associated assessed exercise, which takes approximately 35 hours. Three modules involve closed examinations. The project is examined by dissertation; the amount of time required to complete it is approximately six person-months.

Each student is allocated a personal supervisor in the Department who meets the student regularly to discuss progress during both the teaching and project phases.

Team Project
You are taught a broad range of project management skills, which you will directly apply to a medium-sized software project that is conducted in small student teams.

Individual Project
The course concludes with your individual project. You may choose a topic among the many offered by the academic staff, or you may propose your own topic. Some recent topics were:

* "A Business Process Execution Architecture for Integrating Web Services"
* "Cryptographic Protocol Animator"
* "Bioinformatics Sequence Manipulation Tool"

The MSc SWE course is intended for students who possess a strong Computer Science degree.Software Engineering has become a crucial discipline in the functioning of the modern world. Information systems, communications, transport, manufacturing and services all require well-engineered and reliable software. This course focuses especially on software systems with a high requirement for dependability.Applicants should usually have an upper second class degree (or international equivalent) in Computer Science, or a related discipline with an appropriate mathematical basis. However, we are willing to consider applications from those who do not fit this profile. It is assumed that the candidate's knowledge of computer science will include at least the following: * Basic knowledge of Java, including practical programming. Knowledge of C++ would also be suitable. (Suggested textbook: Thinking in Java by Bruce Eckel, 2002). * Basic knowledge of Operating Systems, including concurrent programming, busy waiting, semaphores and monitors. (Suggested textbook: Operating Systems Concepts by Abraham Silberchatz, 2002: chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). * Basic knowledge of software engineering and its processes, including software processes, system models and object-oriented design and software testing. (Suggested textbook: Software Engineering by Ian Sommerville, 2001: chapters 3, 6, 7, 12 and 20). * Basic knowledge of logic, set theory, relations, and functions. (Suggested textbook: Set Theory and Related Topics by Seymour Lipshutz, Schaum's Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, 1998. Chapters 1-6, 14, 15, & 17.)English Language RequirementsThe University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: (6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.