MSc in Software Systems and Internet Technology

The internet is now a key technology for industry and commerce. However, beneath the friendly interface of the world wide web lie sophisticated software systems that support electronic commerce, information retrieval, distributed computing and communication with large databases. There is a buoyant career market for skilled personnel who can harness these technologies and exploit the many opportunities that the internet offers.

The MSc in Software Systems and Internet Technology is designed for graduates of disciplines other than Computer Science, who have some experience of computer programming, and wish to build on their existing knowledge. The programme covers key topics in computer science and software engineering, but with an emphasis on current topics in internet computing.

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with a good first degree in any Engineering subject.

Course content

The programme consists of two semesters of taught modules and a dissertation project, which is completed during the summer. In the autumn semester, the modules introduce core concepts and techniques such as object-oriented programming, computer networking, database technology and software engineering. The spring semester modules build on this by providing more advanced coverage of topics in internet computing, including e-commerce, concurrent and distributed computing, and web intelligence.

Modules

You can find out about the modules in this course on our intranet site.

The Maxi Project

The Maxi project is a group project which runs through both semesters. The project offers an insight into practical aspects of the taught modules, and provides experience of working in teams. The skills necessary for this sort of group work, which play a critical role in commercial software development, can most effectively be learned by experience. The Maxi project is based around a client, usually from outside the University, who has a real software development problem to be solved. Students work co-operatively in teams of about five people on the analysis, design, implementation and testing of the client's software. The project is managed by a highly experienced professional software project manager, rather than a member of the academic staff. Project work of this type is rarely a component of MSc degrees in other universities. Your experience of teamwork in the Maxi project will give you a major advantage in the career market.

Career opportunities

Graduates from this programme are well qualified for employment related to electronic commerce, web databases, and other internet applications. Graduates from a similar programme run previously by the department are now working for employers such as Logica, Mirror Group and EDS.