MSc Advanced Software Engineering

Students build hands‑on expertise in designing, developing and analysing large‑scale software systems, putting theory into practice from day one. The programme is delivered via a blend of lectures, seminars, group tutorials and independent project work in one of London’s premier informatics departments. Within the Department of Informatics you’ll access modern facilities and industry‑aligned project opportunities. Specifically, you’ll work in teams on real software artefacts and have the chance to partner with companies for your major project. The campus setting in central London gives you access to rich computing infrastructure, student communities, and tech‑industry events.

Here’s how it plays out in practice:

• Undertaking a major individual project (60 credits) where you design, build, test and deliver a software artefact — often responding to a research or industry‑partner‑sourced problem.

• Working in multidisciplinary student teams, developing solutions for real‑world problems posed by external partners (such as in finance, aviation, government or consulting) — gaining client‑facing experience, team‑management and real deliverables.

• Engaging in lab‑style classes, tutorials and group work using current software engineering tools and frameworks (for example those in software architecture, verification, testing and security) through the required modules “Software Measurement & Testing”, “Model Driven Development”, “Security Engineering”.

• Selecting from optional modules like “Big Data Technologies”, “Distributed Ledgers & Crypto‑currencies”, “Human‑Computer Interaction”, “Formal Verification” — which allow hands‑on work in emerging domains and application contexts. 

• Benefiting from the central London location: access to industry networking events, tech‑societies, hackathons and guest industry lectures — all helping to translate what you learn into applied environments and connections. 

• Accessing the university’s computing facilities, library collections, and student‑services infrastructure at the Str and and Waterloo campuses — supporting your project‑based and independent work with resources and study environments. 

You’ll be ready to step into high‑demand roles such as Senior Software Engineer, Algorithms / Systems Engineer, Software Development Lead or Product Engineer:

• University services to help you employ: The Department of Informatics alongside the university’s central Careers Service run a dedicated careers programme for Informatics students — including skills frameworks, alumni and employer panel events.

• Employment stats and salary figures: Graduates of KCL’s postgraduate programmes achieve employment or further study at very high rates.  For example, aggregate data suggest an average starting salary around £28,900 ‑ £54,050 for KCL graduates within a year of study. 

• University–industry partnerships: The MSc engages with real industry problems as part of its major project: you’ll have the opportunity to partner with companies (such as IBM, Terranova Software, Aerogility) to design solutions for current industry needs. 

• Long‑term accreditation value: King’s is ranked 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS subject rankings) and 6th for graduate employability (Times Higher Education) — which signals strong long‑term value of the degree.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates land roles in sectors including banking, fintech, major software houses, consultancy, and some go on to found their own start‑ups. Employers mentioned include Google, Société Générale, ThoughtWorks. 

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies after this MSc, you could pursue a PhD in Software Engineering, Computer Science or related areas — focusing on research into architectures, verification, software systems or security. Alternatively you might enrol in a specialised postgraduate certificate or diploma (e.g., in cybersecurity engineering or advanced systems design) to deepen your expertise before taking on leadership roles in industry.