University of Leicester

What you'll study

This programme builds on core software engineering principles and advances into contemporary topics used in industry and research. Teaching combines taught modules, practical coursework, team-based projects and a substantial individual dissertation or industrial project.

• Core topics: software architecture and design, advanced software engineering methods, requirements engineering, software testing and verification, and software project management.
• Advanced and elective topics: cloud and distributed systems, DevOps and continuous delivery, formal methods and model-driven engineering, software security and dependability, and human-centred design and HCI for complex systems.
• Practical components: group software engineering project simulating a real-world development lifecycle, individual coding assignments, and hands-on labs using contemporary toolchains (version control, CI/CD, containerisation and automated testing).
• Dissertation or Industrial Project: an extended research or industry-focused project allowing you to investigate a specialist topic in depth, demonstrating the ability to apply rigorous engineering methods to a substantial piece of work.

Programme structure

The programme typically comprises a mix of taught modules in the autumn and spring terms followed by a supervised project in the summer. You will choose from compulsory and optional modules to align the award with your career goals, with options to take more research-orientated content if you are considering doctoral study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in computer science, software engineering or a closely related subject (equivalent to a UK 2:1). Applicants with a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) may be considered if they can demonstrate substantial relevant professional experience or further study.

Professional experience in software development, systems engineering or a related discipline is viewed positively and can support an application. International applicants should meet the University's English language requirements; typical acceptable qualifications include recognised tests with scores at the University's graduate entry standard.

Applications are assessed on academic background, references and, where relevant, evidence of practical experience or a portfolio of work. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide a coding/sample project if further information is required.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a range of technical and leadership roles across the software industry. Typical career paths include:

• Software engineer or senior developer
• Systems or software architect
• DevOps or site reliability engineer
• Software test engineer, QA lead or verification engineer
• Technical consultant, product developer or solutions engineer
• Roles in research and development or progression to PhD study

The programme emphasises transferable skills — problem-solving, team-working, system design and communicating technical ideas — that are valued across sectors such as finance, healthcare, defence, telecommunications and the tech industry.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has a long-standing tradition of research-led teaching in computer science and software engineering. You will be taught by academics active in research areas relevant to advanced software engineering, and benefit from facilities including computing labs, collaboration spaces and access to current toolchains used in industry.

Leicester maintains links with local and national industry partners, providing opportunities for project collaborations and networking. The University’s Careers and Employability Service offers support with CVs, interview preparation and employer engagement specific to computing and technology graduates.

The programme’s balance of theory, practical work and project experience makes it suitable both for those seeking to accelerate their technical careers and for those preparing for research or higher-level study.