Software Development MSc

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course
 

• If you are interested in learning about programming or wish to update your existing software development skills, this course provides opportunities to equip you with the skills and knowledge of software development professionals.
• The course aims to provide a sound understanding of essential development platforms, protocols and standards with an emphasis on object-oriented modelling, design and programming, big data, security and the development of web-based and mobile applications.
• We offer excellent facilities4, so you have the opportunity to learn core technical competencies of disciplines for software development using industry-standard and up-to-date software, including Microsoft and open-source tools.
• You will be required to focus on advanced topics and investigate areas at the forefront of the software development research community and industry.
• Our modern Engineering and Computing Building and Beatrice Shilling Building feature a large range of specialised computing laboratories in computer security, networks, ethical hacking and forensic computing, together with a games and multimedia studio and open access computer facilities.
   

What you'll study
 

The course focuses on core technical knowledge of and skills in the software development lifecycle, from requirements, design, implementation, to testing with emerging technologies and industry recognised best practices. This will include the key technological advancements in software architecture solutions, big data analysis, cloud systems, security as well as web-based and mobile applications development, in frameworks, such as Java, Microsoft.Net.

You will also undertake a software development project in a teamwork environment and an in-depth individual research project.

Modules
 

• Software Architecture and Engineering – 15 credits

  This module aims to critically evaluate different software development paradigms and architecture design patterns for modern software systems development. The module will review current tools and techniques for each of the software processes, from requirements to automated testing. It should enable you to acquire in-depth knowledge of software design principles, software quality in relation to different architectural patterns.

  Compulsory
   

• Advanced Software Development and Frameworks – 15 credits

  The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to develop well-designed and tested software systems. The module will adopt the object-oriented (OO) approach to software design and development and apply industry-standard frameworks and practices.

  Compulsory
   

• Modern Web Technologies – 15 credits

  This module aims to deliver significant practical experience of developing modern full-stack, cross-platform Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) supported by REST Web APIs. The module will cover the entire design, develop and deploy process, focussing on the application of open standards to produce responsive and adaptive designs that will run in the browser but can also be installed as apps on mobile devices.

  Compulsory
   

• Secure Design and Development – 15 credits

  This module will introduce technical security controls used to prevent, detect and recover from security violations at the application or system level. You will investigate how security controls are implemented alongside business needs in product development, learning the tools, standards and protocols of secure design and development.

  Compulsory
   

• Mobile Platforms and Application Development – 15 credits

  This module will discuss the features and benefits of developing native applications and cross-platform mobile apps. Different approaches to cross-platform app development will be evaluated, including hybrid mobile app development and rapid mobile app development (RMAD) or codeless mobile app development. The module will then focus on the process of building hybrid or native apps that can run on multiple operating systems.

  Compulsory
   

• Software Development Project – 30 credits

  The module aims to enable you to develop a range of professional skills and enhance your employability prospects by undertaking a software development project in a team environment. These include team working, leadership, problem solving, communication. analytical skills and project management, such as project planning and monitoring.

  Compulsory
   

• Data-Intensive Systems – 15 credits

  This module aims to enable you to learn about the theory and technology required to make the correct decisions when developing data-intensive software. It is anticipated that you will gain an understanding of big data and its sources, the theoretical and practical approaches to storing and accessing such data, the architecture that are available to develop data-intensive systems and how to evaluate such systems to meet the requirements.

  Compulsory
   

• Computing Individual Research Project – 60 credits

  The project is intended to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate competence in applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. The project may be a solution to a practical industry requirement or focus on a research topic. The module will require investigation and research as core activities, leading to analysis, final summations and insightful recommendations. The project will culminate in a comprehensive, thorough and professional report, documenting the approach, conduct and outcomes of the project, further supported with a critical review of the project conduct and management.

  Compulsory

To enter the course you need to have one of the following:
 

• A minimum of a second class honour's degree in a computing related subject. Applications from graduates in other disciplines, such as mathematics, physics or engineering, would also be considered on individual merits.
• An unclassified degree plus at least two years' further study or professional experience in computing related subjects.
   

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

International Tuition Fees:

£20050 per year

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
 

• Critically evaluate methodology, tools and techniques to develop software effective solutions through the development lifecycle to real-world problems
• Critically evaluate software architectures, applications and related security issues to deliver appropriate and reusable software solutions to real-world problems
• Develop relevant technical skills in emerging technologies to adapt to the challenges in building modern software systems in a global context
• Develop a wide range of postgraduate level professional and transferable skills in building modern software systems in a team-work environment
• Develop the awareness of professional, social, ethical, and legal issues along with commercial risk and management for software systems
• Develop research skills required for advanced software development topics selected according to the interests of individual students.
   

The course provides potential career aspirations and exciting opportunities for any graduates who wish to pursue employment in software systems development and consultancy, such as software engineer, system analyst, architect, designers, programmers and testers. The programme also enables graduates to further their research as an academic researcher. The inclusion of theories and practical applications supported by industry case studies makes this course highly focussed and relevant to future employability and professional development.

The practical nature of our course means that upon successful graduation, you should have developed a wide range of technical, analytical and professional skills which will support a move into a range of areas in software development. This includes system requirements, design, implementation, to testing with emerging platforms, protocols and standards as well as key technological advancement in big data analysis, security as well as web-based and mobile applications development.