Date of Revision Date of Previous Revision
Programme Specification (2015-16)
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
and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title
MEng in Software EngineeringFinal Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
MEng
Programme Code
SOE-MENGUCAS
Code
G602
JACS
Code
I300
Criteria for Admissions
(Please see General Regulations)
A-level: AAB including Computing, Mathematics or Software Systems Development + GCSE Mathematics OR AAA including Chemistry, GCE A-level ICT (not Single Award Applied ICT), Physics, Technology or Double Award Applied ICT + GCSE Mathematics.
BTEC Extended Diploma: a relevant computing, engineering or scientific BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits + GCSE Mathematics.
Irish Leaving Certificate: AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Mathematics OR AAB2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry or Physics + Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics
Mode of Study (Full-time, Part-time, other)
Full-timeType of
Programme
Single Subject Length of Programme4 years
Total Credits for Programme480
Awarding Institution/Body
Queen’s University BelfastTeaching Institution
Queen’s University BelfastSchool/Department
Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceFramework for Higher Education
Qualification Level
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationan
dguidance
Level 7
QAA Benchmark Group
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuringstandardsandqualit
y/subject-guidance/pages/subject-benchmark-statements
Computing
Collaboration (if applicable)
Accreditations
(PSRB)
Accredited by the British Computing Society.Date of next
scheduled
accreditation visit
2018
ATAS Clearance
Not requiredExternal Examiner Name:
External Examiner Institution/Organisation
Professor Faron G Moller Swansea UniversityDoes the Programme have any approved
exemptions from the University General
Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)
Yes
□
No
x
(If yes, please state here any exemptions to regulations which have been approved for this programme)
Programme Specific Regulations
ExaminationsThe programme is subject to the University General Regulations which can be found at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/Academi cAffairs/
Progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2:
In order to proceed to Stage 2, Stage 1 students must have passed a minimum of 6 Level 1 modules and have passed CSC1012. Progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3:
In order to proceed to Stage 3, Stage 2 students must normally have passed, at the first attempt, a minimum of 6 Level 2 modules (taking account of any prerequisites) 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% may be required to transfer to the equivalent BEng
programme.
Progression from Stage 3 to Stage 4:
To proceed to an MEng degree, students must, at the end of Stage 3, pass in 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% may be required to graduate with the equivalent BEng degree.
Students with protected characteristics
N/AAre students subject to Fitness to Practise
Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)
Please indicate 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 information systems in organisations.
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
Embark on careers as professional Software Engineers or undertake research and teaching in Software Engineering.
Implement the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of Software Engineering and Computer Science.
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 a broad understanding and experience of the professional context and the wider business and legal environment in which Software Engineers operate.
Apply the skills necessary to critically evaluate new developments in technology and take advantage of them where appropriate.
Adhere by the values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers.
Timely exposure to, and practical experience in, a range of current, emerging, novel and exciting developments in software development.
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 Single Masters Software Engineering 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 Single Masters Software Engineering 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: Cognitive Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will
be able to:
Teaching/Learning Methods and
Strategies
Methods of Assessment
I1 Analyse, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information. pervasive across all modules and comprises the forms of thinking needed to specify, design, implement, evaluate or maintain software systems.
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). I2 Critically evaluate and balance quality indicators in the design and development
of software solutions. primarily developed through software design modules and programming/project based modules. I3 Critically evaluate a given software design, component or project, identifying and
I4 Appraise the professional, legal and ethical framework within which a computer
games developer must operate. explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome.
Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will
be able to:
Teaching/Learning Methods and
Strategies
Methods of Assessment
T1 Work effectively with and for others, including as part of a team. primarily developed within modules that involve a team-based project element and to a lesser degree within all modules.
combination of unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9). T2 Retrieve information from a variety of sources and by a variety of techniques. developed within all modules and strongly
embedded as part of modules that include a strong investigative element.
T3 Use information technology effectively. pervasive across all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules. T4 Communicate effectively using various modes/media and with a variety of
audiences. 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.
T5 Understand and present information involving a quantitative dimension. pervasive across all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules. T6 Manage one’s own learning and development including time management and
organisational skills. pervasive across all modules and comprises a core competency needed to successfully complete computing modules, particularly for those after Stage 1.
T7 Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness
and a spirit of critical enquiry. pervasive across all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules. T8 Plan and manage their career. 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. T9 Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of
the need for lifelong learning. primarily developed within modules that illustrate the evolution and development of software engineering.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding
On the completion of this course successful students will be able to: Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies
Methods of Assessment
KU1 Grasp the underpinning mathematics and theoretical framework of SoftwareEngineering. 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. (KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4), technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5). KU2 Understand the essential principles, theories, practices, languages and tools that
may be deployed for the specification, design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software systems.
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.
KU3 Recognise good engineering practice in the specification, design,
implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software solutions. primarily developed through software design modules and project based modules. KU4 Comprehend the importance of quality and fitness for purpose of the software
engineering process and resulting artefacts. primarily developed through software design modules and capstone projects, although, this learning outcome is developed, to a lesser degree, within all programing modules.
KU5 Adhere to the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of Software
Engineers and their role within an organisation. explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome.
Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific Skills
On the completion of this course successful students will
be able to
Teaching/Learning Methods and
Strategies
Methods of Assessment
P1. Apply a range of software engineering concepts, tools and techniques to the
solution of complex software engineering problems. developed within most modules and reflects the practical and problem-based nature of software engineering.
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)
P2. Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design,
implementation, and evaluation of computer based systems. embedded within most modules with the strongest development of this learning outcome with development oriented modules.
P3. Deploy effectively the tools used for software development and documentation
of software systems. primarily developed through software design modules and programming/project based modules and to a lesser degree within most modules.
P4. Work effectively as a member of a software development team, recognising the
different roles within a team and the different ways of organising teams. developed within modules that involve a team-based project element. P5. Employ appropriate project management approaches within complex software
engineering environments. developed within modules that either involve a software development project element or provide specific coverage of this aspect of software engineering.
P6. Articulate and effectively communicate the design and technological rationale for a given software component or project through appropriate technical reports and presentations.
Programme Requirements
Module Title
Module
Code
Level/
stage
Credits Availability Duration Pre-requisite
Assessment
S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Examination %
Introduction to Software Engineering and Project Management
CSC1009 1 20 X 12 weeks X 100 0
Fundamentals of Programming CSC1011 1 40 X X 24 weeks X 40 60
Programming Challenges CSC1012 1 0 X X 24 weeks X 100 0
Reasoning for Problem Solving CSC1017 1 20 X 12 weeks X 100 0
Foundations of Computing
Systems CSC1018 1 40 X X 24 weeks X 60 40
Tournaments in Computing I CSC1019 1 20 X X 100
Data Structures and Algorithms CSC2001 2 20 X 12 weeks CSC1011 and
CSC1012 X 60 40
Networks and Communications CSC2008 2 20 X 12 weeks CSC1011 X 40 60
Professional Computing
Practice CSC2011 2 10 X X 24 weeks X 50 50
Software Engineering and
Group Project CSC2018 2 20 X 12 weeks CSC1011 and CSC1012 X 60 40
Advance Programming using
C# and C++ CSC2021 2 30 X X 24 weeks CSC1011, CSC1012 X 100 0
Database Systems CSC2036 2 20 X 12 weeks CSC1011 and
1012 X 20 80
Tournaments in Computing II CSC2037 2 20 X X 100
Concurrent Programming CSC3021 3 20 X 12 weeks CSC2001 X 20 80
Agile & Component Based
Development using .NET CSC3045 3 20 X 12 weeks CSC2001 X 60 40
Advanced Computer
Architecture CSC3058 3 20 X 12 weeks X 60 40
Software Design Principles and
Patterns CSC3031 3 20 X 12 weeks X 20 80
Software Testing and
Verification CSC3056 3 20 X 12 weeks X 60 40
Information System Security CSC3048 3 20 X 12 weeks CSC2008 X 20 80
Tournaments in Computing III CSC3057 3 20 X X 100
