The MSc Software Engineering degree presents students from a diverse background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects with the opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience required to be effective as a commercial software engineer.

The MSc Software Engineering degree presents students from a diverse background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects with the opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience required to be effective as a commercial software engineer.

Although students may have some prior programming knowledge, students will undertake hands-on development using current leading edge commercial tools and techniques and be exposed to direct industrial involvement in a dynamic commercial-like environment.

The programme covers a wide range of topics that are sought after by employers including programming for web applications using languages such as Python, HTML and JavaScript, Databases, DevOps and emerging technologies. Throughout the degree there is a focus on teamworking and the techniques of Agile project management.

You will apply for a paid 7-12 month professional work placement to be undertaken on completion of the taught phase of the program. This provides valuable work experience to develop your IT Professional skills.

On successful completion of the placement phase you will move to the dissertation phase. You will work with a real client from industry on an exciting, team-based project that brings together all your knowledge and skills acquired during the degree.

After graduating from this programme you will be ideally placed for employment in a career within software engineering or for careers requiring a wide range of STEM-based skills.

Careers and placements

As a student at the National Software Academy you will get many opportunities to meet and work with companies and build your industrial contacts. Skilled software engineers are in extremely high demand. This means the employment prospects for graduates in the computing and ICT industry are superb. You will be equipped with transferable skills that open doors to careers in many sectors.

In recent years, almost 90% of the School’s graduates were in employment or engaged in further study within six months of graduation. Recent statistics show that the vast majority of our graduates are following their chosen career paths in roles such as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Computer Programmer, Associate Software Developer, Business Analyst and Systems Development Officer. They go on to work for a companies including Airbus Group, Amazon, BBC, BT, Capgemini, Confused.com, GCHQ, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, MoD, Morgan Stanley, Sky, South Wales Police and Thomson Reuters. Others have chosen further study or research at Cardiff or other top universities.

In addition to the University’s Careers and Employability Service for students, the School has a Careers Officer and a dedicated Placement Officer.