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Computing (Software Engineering)
Specialise in the application of engineering to the design, development, and maintenance of software.
Specialise in the application of engineering to the design, development, and maintenance of software
Plan, conduct and write-up a programme of software development as part of a team
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2025
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£23,400 Home
£43,800 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
First-class Honours in a subject with a substantial Computing component
Course overview
Specialise in the application of engineering to the design, development, and maintenance of software on this Master's course.
You’ll explore key aspects of software engineering including computational finance, computer networks and distributed systems, and graphics.
The course examines emerging trends in computing and how these techniques can be adapted in industrial applications. Practical programming training using Prolog and Matlab will also be provided.
You’ll also enhance your project management and research skills on both individual and group projects.
We also offer the following MSc Computing specialisms for those looking to advance their knowledge of other areas of computing:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Management and Finance
- Security and Reliability
- Software Engineering (this course)
- Visual Computing and Robotics
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take all of these core modules.
Core modules
Examine the tools and techniques that software engineers use on a daily basis to successfully build and maintain large software systems.
Demonstrate independence and originality on an individual project, specialising in an area of software engineering.
Entry requirements
First-class Honours in a subject with a substantial Computing component.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Practical work
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Laboratory
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Group work
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Research project
Assessment methods
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Written exams
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Coursework
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Lab work
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Presentations and demonstrations
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Technical report
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Dissertation
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2025 entry
£23,400
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Get the advanced training required to pursue a specialist career in software engineering.
A degree in Imperial Computing will open up a variety of career opportunities in other areas of IT and computing.
Graduates are sought after in roles such as application/web development, networking, AI, media, finance, robotics, and computer games.
Other potential career paths include chip design, cyber security, data management, bio-medical systems and transport.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7594 8298
- Email: doc-mscadmissions@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Robert Craven
Visit the Department of Computing website.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications