Masters in Critical Software Engineering (MSc)
As mission-critical systems become more and more distributed and embedded in society so does the complexity and consequences when they fail. Only by understanding the full interdisciplinary mix of software and distributed systems and the social context in which they are deployed, will mission-critical systems work effectively and reliably. This MSc builds on Lancaster’s long-standing reputation in the field of software engineering; combining cutting-edge software engineering expertise with more human-centred sociologically derived modes of requirements capture and design. The course provides hands-on expertise in the use of advanced software modularity mechanisms such as aspect-oriented software development when engineering such complex software systems.
This masters is designed for students who have already studied Computer Science or a closely related subject as their first degree and now wish to apply their skills to challenging problems in mission-critical and sensitive domains where dependability, sensitivity and performance are crucial (e.g. healthcare, emergency response, air traffic control, social networking). This course is a good primer for IT jobs and research careers in these domains.
- Study core design, requirements, software engineering and technical skills to design and deploy mission-critical systems.
- Choice of complementary advanced level courses closely aligned to our areas of research expertise, including Aspect-Oriented Software Development.
- Taught by internationally renowned researchers, leading experts in their field.
- Unique state of the art interactive learning including novel methods of teaching including joint modules with shared live and recorded lectures with carefully selected international partners.
- Significant individual research or industrial led projects in the area of critical software engineering, with one-to-one supervision.
- Block mode delivery offers the luxury of focusing on one course at a time.
Students on these masters initially study modules shared across the programme and have up to two months to choose which options best match their interests and goals.
Students study six modules, some of which may be compulsory depending on which MSc you decide to take. Even though students may register for one MSc, they may change between them at any time provided they take the required modules.
Compulsory Modules
- Advanced Distributed Systems
- Advanced Interactive Systems Design
- Systems Engineering
- Research or Industrial Project
Optional Modules
- Advanced Networking & the Internet
- Mobile Computing
- Network & System Security
- Ubiquitous Computing
- Advanced Topics in Networking
- Contemporary Operating Systems: Inside Microsoft Windows and Linux
- Aspect-Oriented Software Development
- System Dependability
- Multimedia Systems Engineering
Assessment
Assessment is by a combination of coursework, exams and dissertation.
Timetable
Download a course timetable.
At least a second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in Computer Science or a closely related discipline. Applicants who do not meet this criterion but who have significant industrial experience will also be considered subject to individual circumstances.
Overseas Students
For students whose first language is not English, there may an additional requirement to demonstrate fluency in English. The department requires IELTS 6.5 min or TOEFL 580 (paper-based test), 238 (computer-based test), 93 (internet-based test).
You will require a visa to be able to study with us in the UK (you do not also need an ATAS certificate). From April, the UK Border agency will be scoring applications against a new points based system. There is more information on the Home Office website
To get a visa you will need to show that you have the money to pay the course fees (£) and to support yourself for 9 months (£5,400). You must have held the funds for 28 days when you apply for the visa.
Tuition fees
| For UK & EU students | £3,900 |
|---|---|
| For overseas students | £12,200 |
Fees are normally payable on Registration Day. Alternatively, you may opt to pay the fees in three instalments with the first instalment being due on Registration Day.
Course fees do not cover residential accommodation or living expenses. However, as a campus based University, Lancaster is a relatively inexpensive place to study. As a guide, a reasonable estimate of living expenses is about £8,500 for 12 months including rent.
Additional information is available on the University website.
Many students choose to work during their studies to help make their studies here more affordable. Normally the visa permits part-time work of up to 20 hours per week and full time over the vacations. More information about this can be found on the University website.
The Post-Study Work Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after your degree to work full time. Starting salaries of a Software Engineer in UK are approx. £20K (~1.5m INR, ~223K CNY). Our ICT centre of excellence (InfoLab21) can help you find full and part-time work using their ICT JobShop.
Now is an excellent time to be studying in the UK, the current downturn in exchange rates make this cheaper than ever for International students and you will find that both the fees and the cost of living significantly reduced. Being in the North West, you will also find that the cost of accommodation, food and entertainment are all cheaper than more major cities like London and Birmingham.