MSc Advanced Software Engineering

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

The MSc in Advanced Software Engineering is perfect if you want to go beyond basic coding and learn how to design, manage, and improve complex software systems. Whether it’s mobile apps, cloud services, or business-critical software, this course gives you the practical skills and industry-aware knowledge to make an impact in today’s fast-moving tech world.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1 (Full-time, 12 months)
You’ll kick off with modules like Computational Intelligence and Software Engineering and Software Measurement and Quality Assurance, giving you hands-on experience with advanced tools and methodologies used in the industry. Modules such as Mobile & Web Applications and Advanced C++ Programming will let you put theory into practice, while electives like Big Data and Predictive Analytics or Foundations of Cybersecurity let you explore the topics that excite you most. You’ll wrap up the year with a substantial Individual Project, giving you the chance to tackle a real-world problem and showcase your skills to future employers.

Focus areas:
“Advanced software engineering techniques; mobile, web, and cloud applications; big data and analytics; cybersecurity; hands-on projects and real-world problem solving.”

Learning outcomes:
“Gain the skills to design, implement, and maintain high-quality software systems; apply rigorous testing, quality assurance, and measurement practices; manage complex software architectures; and complete a professional-level individual project.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While the programme doesn’t list a specific professional accreditation, it’s strongly industry-oriented, preparing you with the skills employers are actively seeking in software development and engineering roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Leicester is a well-established UK institution, respected for research and teaching. Its postgraduate computing courses are recognised for preparing graduates with practical, employable skills for the tech industry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Advanced Software Engineering at the University of Leicester is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience with real software engineering tools, collaborate in teams, and work on projects that mimic what happens in the industry. If you choose the “with industry” route, you even get the chance to spend a year in a professional environment, applying your skills on real-world problems.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Industry-informed teaching and tools: Modules are delivered with insights from industry, so you’re learning the technologies and approaches that companies are actually using.
Team and personal skills development: A dedicated module focuses on teamwork, communication, and project planning — essential skills for any software engineer.
Flexible modules with cutting-edge topics: Study areas like Mobile & Web Applications, Agile Cloud Automation, Big Data & Predictive Analytics, or UX & Interaction Design — all designed to give hands-on experience with current technologies.
Major individual project: Apply everything you’ve learned to a substantial project where you define a problem, develop a solution, and deliver a polished result.
Optional industry placement: For the “MSc with Industry” route, gain 24–28 months of real-world experience in a professional software engineering environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you take the MSc in Advanced Software Engineering at Leicester, you’ll be ready for exciting tech roles like Software Architect, DevOps Engineer, Software QA Lead, or Systems Integration Specialist. This course doesn’t just teach you advanced coding — it gives you the skills to tackle complex software challenges and see how your work fits into real-world businesses.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Support from the university: Leicester’s Careers & Employability Service is there to help you every step of the way, from CV and interview workshops to job-search strategies. If you take the “with Industry” option, you’ll also get extra support from placement tutors.
Job prospects & salaries: Graduates with these advanced software skills are in high demand, often landing well-paid roles in software engineering, development, and consultancy.
Industry connections: The course works closely with industry through its Advisory Board and modules taught by professionals, so what you learn is directly relevant to the jobs employers need you to do.
Accreditation & credibility: The programme is research-informed and designed to give you strong technical depth and practical know-how — a degree that employers trust.
Graduation outcomes: You’ll be ready to work in software companies, digital services, consultancy firms, or large organisations looking to modernise and optimise complex software systems.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your MSc, you could continue with a PhD or MRes in Software Engineering, AI, or Systems Engineering. Alternatively, you could pursue specialist certifications like cloud architecture or cybersecurity, or take leadership pathways to aim for roles like Technical Lead, Product Manager, or even CTO.