University College London (UCL)
Software Systems Engineering MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The MSc in Software Systems Engineering is designed to give students a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of building software systems. The program covers key topics such as software design, development, testing, and management. It emphasizes practical skills, encouraging students to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry partners. This approach helps students understand how to create reliable and scalable software solutions that meet current industry standards.
The course also explores advanced areas like software architecture, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, preparing students for the challenges of modern software engineering. It aims to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, equipping students to adapt to rapid technological changes. The program encourages students to engage in research activities and gain experience through internships, fostering a well-rounded understanding of software systems. Overall, it prepares graduates to take on roles in software design, engineering, and project management across various industries.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes, and self-directed learning supported by online resources.
You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, exams, and a summer research project/dissertation.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 12-14 contact hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.
Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.
Modules
Full-time
The Software Systems Engineering MSc is a one-year programme.
In Term 1, you will study Requirements Engineering and Software Architecture, which will introduce you to fundamental concepts and the latest techniques to develop your modelling skills and your ability to communicate requirements and architectures with clarity and precision to business stakeholders and software developers. You will improve your knowledge and understanding of the nature and variety of current software development practice. You will be introduced to cutting-edge research methods in software engineering, emphasising the close reading of research papers, the critical yet balanced evaluation of research ideas, and writing a research project proposal. You will choose from a range of specialist optional topics, which may include automated software engineering, computer security, malware, complex networks and web, and networked systems.
In Term 2, you will study Validation and Verification, which will cover not only the state-of-the-practice in validation and verification, but also the most significant trends, problems and results in validation and verification research. You will also study responsible software engineering, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a responsible and successful career in modern software engineering. You will choose from a range of optional topics, which may include machine learning, further computer security, and information retrieval and data mining, practical program analysis, and automated software engineering.
In Term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/dissertation (either group or individual) and any examinations that take place in the main examination period.
Compulsory modules
- Requirements Engineering and Software Architecture
- Validation and Verification
- Software Development Practice
- Research Methods in Software Engineering
- Professional Practice
- MSc Software Systems Engineering Research Project
- MSc Software Systems Engineering Group Project
Optional Modules
- Networked Systems
- Computer Security I
- Computer Security II
- People and Security
- Malware
- Information Retrieval and Data Mining
- Complex Networks and Online Social Networks
- Machine Learning for Domain Specialists
- Applied Deep Learning
- Engineering for Data Analysis 1
- Automated Software Engineering
- Engineering for Data Analysis 2
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Software Systems Engineering.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.
What this course will give you
Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. Additionally, UCL was named the Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.
High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research or engineering project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in software systems engineering.
Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.
The foundation of your career
Graduates work in various sectors, including tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, the finance sector, and start-ups. Some pursue further research, leading to PhDs at prestigious institutions.
Employability
The programme equips you with a strong skill set in software systems engineering, preparing you for roles in software engineering, development, and architecture. The research-based curriculum also prepares you for doctoral studies.
Networking
- During the programme, you have ample opportunity to network with peers and members of academia and industry, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.
- As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to a UCL careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.
- UCL also has a large number of clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.
- Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company.