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Undergraduate Programme Specification

MEng Software Engineering

Academic Year 2021/22

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MEng Software Engineering Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Engineering
Programme Code SOE-MENG UCAS Code G602 HECoS Code 100374 - Software engineering - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Undergraduate Master Length of Programme Full Time - 4 Academic Year(s) Total Credits for Programme 480
Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sci

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Computing (2016)

Accreditations (PSRB)

British Computer Society (BCS)

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 17-10-13

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

The programme is subject to the University General Regulations which can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/

Progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2:

At the end of Stage 1, students enrolled on a Computer Science, Software Engineering or Computing and Information Technology programme may choose to swap programme and transfer into Stage 2 of any of these listed programmes subject to meeting the normal Stage 1 to Stage 2 progression requirements of the chosen programme. Students will not normally be permitted to swap from a Bachelors to Masters programme or from a programme with Professional Experience to a programme without Professional Experience.

Progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3:

In order to proceed to Stage 3, Stage 2 students must normally have passed a minimum of 6 Level 2 modules, to include any prerequisite modules for core Level 3 modules, and have passed 6 modules at Level 1 and aggregate an overall mark of at least 55% based on the marks achieved in the 6 Level 2 modules of equal weight = 75% of overall mark and the 6 Level 1 modules of equal weight = 25% of the overall mark.

Students achieving an overall mark at the end of Stage 2 less than 55% will normally be required to transfer to the equivalent BEng programme.

Progression from Stage 3 to Stage 4:

To proceed to an MEng degree, students, at the end of Stage 3, must normally have passed 18 modules and aggregate an overall mark of at least 55% based on the marks achieved in the best 6 modules at Level 3 of equal weight = 60% of overall mark, best 6 modules at Level 2 of equal weight = 30% of the overall mark and 6 other modules at Level 1 of equal weight = 10% of the overall mark.

Students who do not achieve an overall mark of at least 55% will normally be required to transfer to Stage 3 of the equivalent BEng degree.

Stage 4 Students:
Those students who have successfully progressed to Stage 4, but have not attained sufficient module passes at Stage 4 to graduate from the MEng Degree will normally be required to transfer to Stage 3 of the equivalent BEng degree.

Award of Degrees:

For the award of an MEng Honours Degree students must normally have passed at least 24 modules to include CSC4006 and have achieved a weighted average mark of at least 50%.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The overall aim of the programme is to provide a broadly-based education in Software Engineering, supported by fundamental topics in Computing Science, which will produce graduates equipped to apply best practice in software engineering to the design and development of a wide range of software systems in organisations. As an integrated Masters programme, students will have the opportunity to undertake advanced study within Software Engineering.

• Embark on careers as professional Software Engineers or undertake research in Software Engineering.

• Understand the fundamental principles of Software Engineering and Computer Science.

• Understand and able to use a range of current, emerging, novel and exciting developments in Software Engineering theory and practice.

• Apply the skills necessary to critically evaluate new developments in technology and take advantage of them where appropriate.

• Maintain a rigorous approach to the design and development of software systems and the analysis of their correctness and complexity, which will remain applicable through changes in technology.

• Exercise high levels of professionalism and an awareness of the wider business and legal environment in which software engineers operate.

• Possess strong interpersonal skills, encompassing team-working skills and effective oral, written, presentation and listening skills.

• Uphold the values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers.

• Understand and be able to use a range of specialised and advanced topics in Software Engineering.

Consistent with the general Educational Aims of the Programme and the specific requirements of the Benchmarking Statement for Computing, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme, and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Specifically, students graduating from the programme will have achieved the following learning outcomes, commensurate with degree classification, relating to subject specific knowledge and understanding; intellectual, practical and key transferable skills:

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Analyse, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises the forms of thinking needed to specify, design, implement, evaluate or maintain software systems.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

Critically evaluate and balance quality indicators in the design and development of software solutions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules and programming/project based modules.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

Critically evaluate a given software design, component or project, identifying and resolving deficiencies.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

Appraise the professional, legal and ethical framework within which a software engineer must operate

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Grasp the underpinning mathematics and theoretical framework of Software Engineering.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through programming modules (including those that primarily focus on algorithms) alongside software design modules. The theoretical frameworks underpinning software engineering are developed and expanded throughout the degree.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(KU1, KU2, KU5), assessed practical work
(KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2),
assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations
(KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4),
technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Understand the essential principles, theories, practices, languages and tools that may be deployed for the specification, design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software systems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Forms a core component of the degree and is developed throughout all modules that involve the specification, design, implementation, evaluation or maintenance of software systems

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(KU1, KU2, KU5), assessed practical work
(KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2),
assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations
(KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4),
technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Recognise good engineering practice in the specification, design,
implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software solutions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules and project based modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(KU1, KU2, KU5), assessed practical work
(KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2),
assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations
(KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4),
technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Comprehend the importance of quality and fitness for purpose of the software engineering process and resulting artefacts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules and capstone projects, although, this learning outcome is developed, to a lesser degree, within all programing modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(KU1, KU2, KU5), assessed practical work
(KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2),
assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations
(KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4),
technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Adhere to the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of Software Engineers and their role within an organisation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(KU1, KU2, KU5), assessed practical work
(KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2),
assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations
(KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4),
technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply a range of software engineering concepts, tools and techniques to the solution of complex software engineering problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within most modules and reflects the practical and problem-based nature of software engineering

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(P2), assessed practical work (P2), practical
examinations (P2), online MCQs (),
assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2,
P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6),
demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports
(P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer based systems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Embedded within most modules with the strongest development of this learning outcome with development oriented modules.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(P2), assessed practical work (P2), practical
examinations (P2), online MCQs (),
assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2,
P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6),
demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports
(P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

Deploy effectively the tools used for software development and documentation of software systems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules and programming/project based modules and to a lesser degree within most modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(P2), assessed practical work (P2), practical
examinations (P2), online MCQs (),
assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2,
P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6),
demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports
(P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

Work effectively as a member of a software development team, recognising the different roles within a team and the different ways of organising teams

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within modules that involve a team-based project element

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(P2), assessed practical work (P2), practical
examinations (P2), online MCQs (),
assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2,
P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6),
demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports
(P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

Employ appropriate project management approaches within complex software engineering environments

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within modules that either involve a software development project element or provide specific coverage of this aspect of software engineering

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(P2), assessed practical work (P2), practical
examinations (P2), online MCQs (),
assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2,
P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6),
demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports
(P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

Articulate and effectively communicate the design and technological rationale for a given software component or project through appropriate technical reports and presentations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within modules that involved the justification of design or related technical aspects through appropriate reports, presentations or demonstrations

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(P2), assessed practical work (P2), practical
examinations (P2), online MCQs (),
assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2,
P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6),
demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports
(P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Work effectively with and for others, including as part of a team.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed within modules that involve a
team-based project element and to a lesser degree
within all modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Retrieve information from a variety of sources and by a variety of techniques

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within all modules and strongly embedded as part of modules that include a strong investigative element.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Use information technology effectively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed within all computing modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Communicate effectively using various modes/media and with a variety of audiences

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed within modules that involve either a presentation/demonstration element or a strong multi-media component. To a lesser degree it is embedded within the submissions required for all modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Understand and present information involving a quantitative dimension

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed within all computing modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Manage one’s own learning and development including time management and organisational skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed to successfully complete
computing modules, particularly for those after
Stage 1.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and a spirit of critical enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed within all computing modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Plan and manage their career

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module and to a lesser degree within modules that require the student to actively consider and explore roles that map onto a range of software engineering career paths.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed within modules that illustrate the evolution and development of software engineering.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Architecture and Networks CSC1022 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Databases CSC1023 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 40% 30%
Programming CSC1027 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 30% 20%
Object Oriented Programming CSC1029 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 30% 20%
Procedural Programming CSC1025 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Fundamentals of Maths for Computing CSC1026 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Computer Science Challenges CSC1028 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Web Technologies CSC1030 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Software Design Principles CSC1031 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 70% 30% 0%
Cyber Security Fundamentals CSC2056 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 80% 0% 20%
Software Engineering and Systems Development CSC2058 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Data Structures and Algorithms CSC2059 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 50% 0%
Architecture and Networks CSC2061 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 0% 100%
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning CSC2062 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Service-Oriented Programming CSC2063 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 70% 30% 0%
Professional and Transferrable Skills CSC2065 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Concurrent Programming CSC3021 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Contemporary Team-based Computing Projects CSC3045 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Software Testing CSC3056 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Software Design Principles, Patterns, Practice and Innovation CSC3031 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Computer Architecture CSC3058 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Malware Analysis CSC3059 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 50% 50%
Secure Software Development CSC3063 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 30% 40%
Network Security CSC3064 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Cloud Computing CSC3065 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Video Analytics and Machine Learning CSC3067 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%
Algorithms: Analysis and Application CSC4003 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 0% 70%
High Performance Computing: Principles of Parallel Programming CSC4005 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Research and Development Project CSC4006 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Digital Transformation: Software Design, Management and Practical Implementation CSC4008 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Computer Engineering ECS4003 4 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Fairness, Interpretability and Privacy in Machine Learning CSC4009 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 0% 40%

Notes