Why study this course?
Software engineers design creative and innovative solutions to complex, real-world, problems. This course will teach you advanced software engineering concepts, methods and techniques, and give you practical experience of applying your learning through labs and assessments.
- Enjoy a specialist course offering you flexibility to pursue other areas of computer science alongside the compulsory modules.
- Extend your specialist knowledge and critical thinking with a project involving a wide-ranging investigation and a substantial software development, leading to your dissertation.
- Access modern computing laboratories 24 hours a day. These labs are student spaces which support the close-knit community within the School where students at different stages of study and disciplinary interests can meet. There are also areas where groups can work together on projects.
You may switch to an MSc in Computer Science or in Computing and Information Technology after the first semester.
Teaching
Lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes.
Class sizes
Typically from 20 to 110 students.
Dissertation
A three-month project leading to a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Practical coursework exercises and exams.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming: introduces and reinforces object-oriented modelling, design and implementation to provide a common basis of skills, allowing students to complete programming assignments within other MSc modules. The module assumes a substantial amount of prior programming experience equivalent to having completed an undergraduate degree in Computer Science.
- Fundamentals of Software Engineering: examines the key concepts in software engineering. Module does not involve programming.
You will also take two or three of:
- Software Architecture and Design: introduces students to the concept of software architecture, as an aid to software design, reuse and evolution.
- Software Product and Project Management: introduces principles, processes and tools for managing large, realistic software projects and products.
- Software Quality: covers essential tools and skills for ensuring and maintaining software quality. It considers the range of possible software quality attributes, and the factors affecting their prioritisation in various contexts.
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The following modules are optional for Computer Science programmes. Not all combinations of modules will be available for all programmes, and some modules are subject to pre-requisites being satisfied.
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered:
- Critical Systems Engineering
- Data Ethics and Privacy
- Data-Intensive Systems
- Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
- Information Visualisation
- Interactive Software and Hardware
- Language and Computation
- Machine Learning
- Principles of Computer Communication Systems
- Symbolic Artificial Intelligence
- Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence
- User-Centred Interaction Design
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Students may take up to two of the following:
- Advanced Communication Networks and Systems
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Security
- Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
- Constraint Programming
- Databases
- Distributed Systems
- Logic and Software Verification
- Programming Language Design and Implementation
- Signal Processing: Sound, Image, Video
- Video Games
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During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually (students are assessed individually in either case).
The dissertation typically comprises:
- a review of related work
- the extension of existing ideas or the development of new ideas
- software implementation and testing
- analysis and evaluation
Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and reviews of software and dissertation drafts.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
What it will lead to
Careers
Software engineering can lead to highly diverse, varied, and well-paid career paths and graduates in this field are in high demand. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a success of your career in a wide range of sectors.
We are committed to supporting your aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. We offer:
- Access to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring
- One-to-one guidance covering everything from career choice to application support and interview coaching
- Employer connections, global vacancies, and practical experiences
- Academic and professional skills development
Elevate your career
Alumni of Computer Science MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:
- Accenture
- Capgemini
- The Hut Group
- UK Government Digital Service
Further your education
The EngD programme in Computer Science is a four-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner. If you have already completed an MSc you may be able to proceed directly to the individual research component of the EngD.
Go your own way
Our Entrepreneurship Centre offers training and start-up support, gives you access to experienced and expert mentors and an investor network, and one-to-one advice to help you realise your commercial potential.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Computer Science is highly rated for its theoretical and practical research in areas such as:
- AI
- symbolic computation
- networking
- distributed systems
- human computer interaction
- systems engineering
Get to know us
Join our optional 'Transition to CS@St Andrews' online hub to get early information about learning, teaching, assessment and student support. You can chat with staff and current students during live monthly Question and Answer sessions over the summer before the start of your course.
Events
The School of Computer Science organises a regular programme of colloquia, talks and seminars by external and internal speakers from both industry and academia. The talks are aimed at bringing the diversity, excitement and impact of computer science from around the globe to staff and students within the School.
The St Andrews Computing Society (STACS) and Women in Computer Science at St Andrews (WICS) regularly organise hackathons and other events open to local and external participants, including Masters students. These are very popular events, often supported by industrial sponsors.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“There are quiet labs if you need total concentration but also ones for teamwork, which is important. I have gained so many extra skills – I am much better at time management and have learnt great research techniques. The student community and the teaching staff are among the best things here – everyone is so eager to help. ”
- Banjul, The Gambia
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
2025 and 2026 entry
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in Computer Science. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- Applicants to this programme are expected to be competent programmers with prior practical experience in a programming language such as Java, C, Python, C++ or JavaScript.
English language proficiency
For direct entry to a Masters in Software Engineering, you will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
2025 entry
- CV. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- Personal statement (optional).
- Two original signed academic references.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates. Please only provide certified copies with official English translations if applicable. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
2026 entry
- CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- personal statement (optional)
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates. Please only provide certified copies with official English translations if applicable. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
- evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
2026 entry
Fees for 2026 entry will be confirmed shortly.
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 31 July 2025