MSc Software Development at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• provides a pathway into one of the most in-demand professional job sectors for graduates without a computing science background
• focus on programming skills for software engineering, mobile and web applications, and computer security
• initial partial accreditation by the British Computer Society
• specifically designed for graduates without a computing science background

Why this course?

The MSc in Software Development course is specifically designed for graduates without a computing science background.

A skills shortage, particularly around web and mobile applications means graduates are in high demand. This course will provide you with a pathway into one of the world's most in-demand and fastest-growing professional job sectors.

The course has a particular focus on programming skills for in-demand mobile and web applications as well as software engineering and computer security.

You'll gain transferable skills to prepare you for a professional career in software development in the IT sector, as well as many other sectors including:

• education
• engineering
• health
• finance
• government
• manufacturing
• retail
• transport

What you’ll study

The course will equip you with skills in the most widely used programming and database languages. It provides important overarching software engineering skills. You'll study:

• programming in Python and Java, three of the most popular programming languages; for example, Spotify, Twitter and Open Office are built using these languages
• mobile app development providing you with the skills to create mobile applications
• database design and development using Oracle SQL to build and query databases; this will provide you with fundamental skills to enter the rapidly expanding area of Big Data
• state-of-the-art software engineering methodologies, providing you with professional software development skills, including widely used rapid development Agile methods
• cybersecurity tools and technologies including hands-on experience of security exploits that occur in practice

You'll also develop other valuable transferable skills including effective presentation skills, team working and report writing, all of which will further enhance your skills as a future industry leader.

Careers

Software Development graduates are highly employable and can look forward to well-paid professional careers designing and building the digital technologies that underpin the global economy and every aspect of human activity from recreation through healthcare to business and the natural environment.

Graduates are in high demand now and into the foreseeable future with skill shortages widely reported in the media and professional press (egUSAToday, 2017; Forbes, 2017), and with an average growth rate of 17% predicted for software developers 2014-2024, one of the highest average growth rates of all jobs (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). Job market analysis shows that the most in-demand programming skills are around mobile and web applications – key skills developed as part of this degree.

Example roles include:

• Software Developer (Java/Javascript/Python): As a software developer you'll be playing a key role in the design, installation, testing and maintenance of software systems. Your programs will be the key driver for the success of a business and will enhance research
• Software Engineer (Agile/Scrum): As a software engineer you'll apply engineering principles to the creation of software. You will oversee the design process and connect the client’s needs with applicable technology solutions
• Web Developer  (Javascript/HTML5): Similar to the software developer role, but with a focus for web sites and services developed using web-specific languages such as Javascript, HTML5 or PHP
• Database Developer (SQL/Oracle): You will develop databases that satisfy the information needs of your organisation. This will support decision-making within a business and knowledge-discovery in research
• Business Analyst: as a business analyst you will identify improvements that can be made to organisational systems, write specifications for their modification and enhancement, and be involved in the design of new IT solutions to improve business efficiency

The University provides a range of professional development services, including career support services from induction, throughout your studies and after graduation, to help you achieve your career ambitions.