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MSc Software Engineering with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

  • Industry Accreditation: Accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) enabling graduates to register at The Chartered Institute for IT as a chartered IT professional.
  • Employment Prospects: Graduates work as business analysts, consultants, software engineers, and application developers for organisations including Capgemini, Optoma Technology and Ocado.
  • Work Placement Opportunities: You have a one-year paid industry placement option. Previous students have worked for organisations including Apple, Intel and Microsoft.

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.  

About the course

One of a range of degrees from the taught master's programme at the Department of Computer Science

This course considers current research and practice in cyber security. You will build the fundamental and advanced aspects of cyber security in terms of theory, practice, policy and security standard to enable critical cyber security decision marking, the extant threats to current and emerging systems and networks and the effective countermeasures to such threats in compliance with information security management standards, and the social, legal and ethical issues relating to cyber security in the context of digital forensics, information security management, penetrating testing and cyber operations.

The programme offers three award routes that you can choose to study:  

Why choose this course?

  • The award offers the opportunity for students to study advanced research topics in computer science, normally across multiple specialisms, and comprehensive research methods, and to undertake an extended master's project on a cutting-edge research topic.
  • One of a range of advanced courses within our postgraduate master's programme in Computer Science, this particular course provides you with a specialism combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cyber security.
  • You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in identifying and critically evaluating vulnerabilities of and threats to the security and integrity of distributed systems, conducting and managing a comprehensive risk assessment of the distributed systems in a complex and unpredictable environment.  Advanced topics studied include distributed systems security, information security, management and compliance, digital forensics, penetration testing, and cyber operations.
  • Taught by a highly-regarded and long-established computer science department with strong links to business.
  • Computer Science saw 90% of its research ranked as world-leading (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). 

What will I study?

Classes consist of lectures, small group seminars, and practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. We use modern, industry-standard software wherever possible. There are specialist facilities for networking and multimedia and a project laboratory especially for masters students. In addition to scheduled classes, you will be expected a significant amount of time in self-study, taking advantage of the extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres, open 24x7, with 1,500 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment usable on and off campus, and open access to our labs.

Where will I study?

Learn in Spectra, our new state-of-the-art School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, now open, featuring interactive learning zones. Access modeling, simulation, and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator, automotive workshop (including electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay, and controls testing suite.

Benefit from our Academic Support Hub, designed to enhance your employability and academic skills. Connect with industry mentors offering pastoral support, career guidance, and progression opportunities.

Spectra provides collaborative spaces, including workshops, social areas, and meeting rooms. Designed with the University’s net-zero carbon target in mind, it’s part of our commitment to replacing inefficient older sites.

  • Level 7
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    Measures and Models for Software Engineering30 CreditsCompulsory
    Programming for Software Engineers30 CreditsCompulsory
    Software Engineering Practice and Experience30 CreditsCompulsory
    Software Engineering Masters Project60 CreditsCompulsory
    Team Research and Development Project15 CreditsCompulsory
    Advanced Research Topics in Computer Science30 CreditsCompulsory
    Research Methods30 CreditsCompulsory
    Responsible Technology15 CreditsCompulsory
  • Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    MSc Software Engineering - Extended Download
    Programme specifications
    MSc Software Engineering - Extended Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    n/a

    Applications open to international and EU students

    Yes

    Student experience

    At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

    Find out about how we support our students

    You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.