MSc Software Engineering

To find out how you can meet us, including virtual taught master’s information sessions, guided campus visits and postgraduate study fairs in the UK and overseas, visit our open days and visits page .

As the entry requirements are the same across all Advanced Computer Science programmes, we ask that applicants place only one application for their preferred pathway. Those who receive an offer will be able to switch between Advanced Computer Science programmes up until the start date of the course.
When applying for a specific pathway applicants must select Advanced Computer Science on the application portal to be presented with the optional pathways.
As there is high demand for this course we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year. Please see below for the staged admissions schedule.
Apply online

We require the following documents before we can consider your application:

Official Bachelor degree transcripts, including official translations and original language copies if study not undertaken in English. 2+2 and 3+1 applicants must provide official transcripts and certificates from both institutions.
An official document from your university verifying your current weighted average mark (not arithmetic average) if this information is not included in your transcript of study. Please note: where grades are given as a percentage, the weighted average mark must also be recorded as a percentage, not as a GPA grade.
Degree certificate if you have already graduated.
If still studying, please provide an official list of all the modules you are taking in your final year.
A CV if you graduated more than three years ago.
References and personal statements are not required for your application to this programme.

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application.

You must submit all these supporting documents with your application. If any of the above information is missing, we will not be able to consider your application and it may be withdrawn.

Applications received after the deadline will be considered at our discretion.

Be it developing award-winning software verification tools or exploring the application of artificial intelligence techniques, our research in software engineering continually pushes development forward. During your time on this course, you will gain a practiced understanding of complex technology systems and both user behaviours and interactions.

Versatile and needed across many sectors, software engineers have been consistently in wide demand for many years. Not only that, but this is also a specialisation known for its collaborative and creative nature – working within teams to build new solutions from scratch.

On this course, you will study software systems, human-computer systems, and secure software engineering – following 75% of taught material whilst also enjoying the freedom to tailor the rest of your study with optional units.

You may find one of the most rewarding elements of your course is your Master’s Project, which enables you to carry out a substantial technical task which truly focuses in on your area of interest.

As a postgraduate of this course, you will enter, or re-enter, the world of work confident in your skillset.

As a postgraduate of this Master’s, not only will you depart with sought-after advanced technical skills but an enviable knowledge of emerging technologies and techniques.

The aim of the Software Engineering programme enables graduate computer scientists to deepen their knowledge of contemporary end-to-end software engineering. At the end of this programme, students will be able to:

1. Characterise conceptual frameworks for the engineering of software systems, and apply core software engineering concepts in practice.
2. Develop software solutions that reflect the needs, requirements, and constraints of applications, and deliver these as packages or services.
3. Select, critically analyse and apply/organise information, computational techniques, and tools to the analysis, synthesis and appraisal of complex problems.
4. Apply technical knowledge at the forefront of computer science, informed by a critical awareness of new developments. Design solutions for complex problems that exhibit some originality, and that meet societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate.
5. Author and present technical information in a variety of media to varied audiences including technical reports and non-technical summaries.
6. Operate as responsible computer scientists who are aware of their professional responsibilities.

Flexibility
You have the opportunity to complement core elements of this programme with your choice of optional theme. Each theme combines two related course units that build on top of each other.
Strong links with employers
We maintain close relationships with potential employers and run various activities throughout the year, including career fairs, guest lectures, and projects run jointly with partners from industry.
Excellent facilities
You will have access to a fantastic range of facilities and equipment. In Kilburn Building, our hub of Computer Science, this includes our hardware library – equipped with everything from basic electronic components to VR headsets and drones. You can also study, research and benefit from Our Home for Engineering and Materials.
Welcoming community
You can join some of the Department's various student societies, such as the Manchester University Data Science and AI Society, UniCS, Sustainable Engineering Initiative, Volunteering and Outreach in Science and Engineering, Women in Science and Engineering, and many more. Meet like-minded people, make new friends, master your subject, and discover just how powerful collaboration can be!
Championing gender diversity
It's our priority to make sure students feel seen and supported on their journey, so we're always looking to spotlight and uplift women, non-binary, and otherwise marginalised voices.

At Manchester you will be taught by academic staff who are leading experts in computer science, in a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
We use a combination of methods, including lectures, tutorial classes, computer-based sessions, and blended learning.
You can choose from a broad range of units spanning the full breadth of computer science, from hardware through to formal methods, artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction.

You will learn through a mix of lectures, seminars and interactive practical sessions. Skill development is augmented through an MSc project, enabling you to put into practice the techniques you have been taught throughout the course.

Would you like to discover authentic stories when it comes to life at, and after, The University of Manchester? Engage with our student community at @uomscieng on Instagram and TikTok , and tune into our conversations with students, lecturers, and industry professionals on our popular podcast, Big Sisters in STEM .

Faculty of Science and Engineering Blog
Explore more about our student's experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in our blog .

Our facilities are second to none. Based within Kilburn Building – hub of Computer Science – we have over 600 computers, newly refurbished labs, and substantial collaborative working labs with specialised computing and audio-visual equipment.
As our student, your projects and extra-curricular pursuits also benefit from our hardware library – equipped with everything from basic electronic components to VR headsets and drones.
You can also study from Our Home for Engineering and Materials – an academic playground signifying our 200-year history of innovation in Science and Engineering at Manchester. The University of Manchester also offers an extensive library and online services , helping you get the most out of your studies.

Benefit from teaching informed by award-winning research in software verification and testing, alongside pioneering work in software engineering education. Our researchers are helping to shape both the future of software systems and the future of software engineering practice in an age of AI. As a graduate of this programme, you will be exceptionally well positioned for a successful career in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

Software Engineers are consistently sought-after across a wide variety of industries because this skillset has become integral to virtually all modern organisations. Technology, healthcare, finance, government, insurance, not-for-profits, business – where, and how, will you apply what you learn?

Able to provide cutting-edge, highly creative software and technology solutions, a career in software engineering can be both challenging and rewarding.

Example careers:

• User Experience Designer
• Security Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Software Development Engineer

Beyond your course-specific opportunities, it is also important to consider the supplementary career events and company visits organised by our faculty, Science and Engineering. What's more, our award-winning University Careers Service provides an outstanding support on career pathways, graduate jobs, internships, and postgraduate study.