MSc Advanced Software Engineering with Industry

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

If you’re ready to go beyond just writing code and want to understand how complex software systems are built, managed and evolved, this MSc is a strong choice. It’s perfect for those who already have a background in computing (or relevant experience) and are aiming to step into roles where high‑end software engineering, agile delivery and cutting‑edge architectures are part of the day‑to‑day.

Curriculum structure:
Full‑time, ~12 months (or ~24 months “with industry” path)
You’ll begin with core modules like Software Measurement & Quality Assurance, where you’ll learn how to assess and improve software systems. Then you’ll pick from options such as Computational Intelligence & Software Engineering, Mobile & Web Applications, Advanced C++ Programming, Agile Cloud Automation, Interaction Design & UX, which let you tailor your learning to mobile/web/cloud or advanced programming interests. In the next stage you’ll dive into modules like Generative Development, Service‑Oriented Architectures, and choose optional topics like Big Data and Predictive Analytics or Foundations of Cybersecurity, deepening your skills in how systems are structured, scaled and secured. Finally, for the MSc you’ll complete an individual project (or in the “with industry” path, a longer placement plus project) that brings together everything you’ve learnt and shows your ability to tackle real‑world software engineering challenges.

Focus areas:
“Advanced software engineering methods; mobile/web/cloud applications; evolving legacy systems and services; individual project work with industry relevance.”

Learning outcomes:
“You’ll gain the ability to design, implement and maintain robust software systems, apply measurement and quality assurance practices, specialise in areas like mobile, web or cloud applications, and complete a professional‑level project demonstrating your software engineering expertise.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While the course does not publicly list a specific external professional accreditation, it is driven by the School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, emphasises industry relevance and gives you the opportunity to choose a path “with industry” involving a placement — enhancing your real‑world credentials.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Leicester is a well‑established UK institution with a strong teaching and research profile, and this MSc is designed to give you the kind of advanced skills that employers in software engineering value.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Advanced Software Engineering at Leicester is built around doing real software work, not just reading about it. You'll spend time working on modern software‑engineering problems, both alone and in teams, using tools and methods that mirror industry practice. You’ll also have the option of taking the longer “with Industry” route — meaning more time working in a professional environment.

Here’s how your learning will be hands‑on:

Team & personal skills module: You’ll take a module called Personal and Group Skills, which brings out team‑work, communication and project‑planning — just like you’d need in a real software‑engineering environment.
Industry‑informed modules: You’ll study core modules like Software Measurement & Quality Assurance, Service‑Oriented Architectures, and a range of options such as Mobile and Web Applications, Agile Cloud Automation, Big Data & Predictive Analytics. These give you exposure to modern tools and methods.
Major individual project: For the MSc route you’ll complete an individual project or dissertation, applying your learning to a substantial challenge from start to finish.
Optional industry placement (“with Industry” route): If you opt for the 24‑28 month version, you’ll spend time working in a real company environment — so you’ll experience professional development processes and real‑world software challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

By completing this MSc, you’ll be geared up for roles like Software Architect, DevOps Engineer or Systems Integration Specialist. The course is designed to give you advanced software methods and tools so you can move confidently into high‑demand tech positions.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: Leicester’s Careers and Employability team supports you with CV help, interview prep, job‑search strategies and the “with Industry” variant gives you an optional professional placement.
Employment stats & salary figures: While this programme doesn’t publish exact salary figures, the tuition and intake details (e.g., £23,650 for international students) suggest it’s aimed at serious career progression in the software field.
University–industry partnerships: The course is strongly industry‑informed — the modules and curriculum reflect real business‑software challenges (e.g., evolving legacy systems, integrating new services). Long‑term accreditation value: This full‑time UK Master’s from a research‑active university gives your profile solid credibility — especially when you pair technical depth with applied skills.
Graduation outcomes: After you finish, you’ll be ready to work in software development teams, IT consultancies or tech divisions of larger organisations — anywhere the modern software lifecycle and system evolution matter.

Further Academic Progression:
After this MSc you could progress to a PhD or MRes in Software Engineering or Systems Engineering, or you might pursue specialised certifications in cloud architecture, cybersecurity or software consultancy — all of which could lead toward senior positions such as Technical Lead, Engineering Manager or CTO.