Overview

Software sits at the heart of the modern world, powering global platforms, financial systems, healthcare technologies and critical infrastructure. The worldwide demand for engineers who can build, scale and maintain these systems has never been stronger. This course prepares you to step confidently into that space.

Our MSc Software Engineering course prepares you to design, build and scale modern software systems in that fast-moving environment.

You’ll build industry-ready skills in key areas such as:

advanced programming
software architecture
web application development
DevOps
Cloud computing.

Learning is practical and applied. You’ll learn how to create secure, reliable and scalable applications that meet real user and business needs. Team-based projects and real-world scenarios reflect how software is developed in industry, helping you strengthen your problem-solving ability, technical confidence and collaboration skills.

The course is closely aligned with current industry practice. You’ll gain experience with widely used tools, frameworks and cloud platforms, including AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. You’ll also explore continuous integration, deployment and system design, helping you understand how modern software is built and maintained at scale.

Whether you're a recent graduate looking to specialise or a professional aiming to move into more senior technical roles, this course gives you the depth and credibility to make that step. By the end of the course, you’ll have a portfolio of work that demonstrates your technical ability and applied experience. This gives you a clear route into software engineering roles across a wide range of sectors in the UK and globally.

Why study Software Engineering at GCU?

Study a course shaped by current employer needs. Gain the specialist depth to move into senior roles or pivot into a new technical specialism. Graduate prepared for roles across global technology sectors.
Gain hands-on experience through real-world projects and team-based development. Experience how software is designed, built and delivered in professional environments, not just in theory.
Work with industry-standard tools and platforms. Gain experience with AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud technologies used across global organisations.
Build industry-ready skills across software engineering and cloud computing. Learn modern development practices, including DevOps, continuous integration, scalable systems and software architecture.

What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

Software engineering skills are in demand across a wide range of sectors. On this course, you build the technical and practical skills needed to move into roles across technology, finance, healthcare, energy, government and consultancy.

Typical roles include:

Software Engineer
Software Developer
Full Stack Developer
Cloud Engineer
DevOps Engineer
Software Architect.

The course is built around current employer needs, with a focus on cloud platforms, modern development practices and scalable systems. You’ll also build a portfolio of work through projects and your dissertation. This gives you evidence of your technical ability and experience when applying for roles. Opportunities to engage with industry run throughout the course. Guest speakers and project work provide insight into professional practice and help you build your network.

Demand for software engineering skills remains high in the UK and globally. This creates strong long-term career prospects, with opportunities to progress into senior technical and leadership roles as your experience grows.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	3 years	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Sep 27	Glasgow	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	3 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	Enquire

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Standard entry requirement

Minimum academic requirement

UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in computing with software development, for example, computing, computer science, software engineering and web technologies. We also welcome applicants with industry qualifications/experience within the GCU Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.

English Language requirement

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Teaching methods

This course uses a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Lectures and seminars are combined with real-world software development activities. You’ll engage with industry-relevant scenarios, working individually and in teams to design, build and evaluate software systems.

Learning is supported through a blended approach, with a mix of on-campus teaching and online resources available through the virtual learning environment. This allows you to develop both independent and collaborative working skills while maintaining flexibility in how you learn.

You’ll gain experience using industry-standard tools, frameworks and platforms commonly used in modern software development. This includes exposure to cloud technologies such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, alongside tools that support DevOps practices, version control and continuous integration.

Assessment methods

Assessment is designed to reflect professional practice and is primarily coursework-based. You’ll complete a range of assessments including:

practical development tasks
technical reports
presentations
project work.

The team project provides an opportunity to collaborate on a substantial software development challenge, helping you develop communication, leadership and project management skills. Your dissertation allows you to explore a specialist topic in depth, producing a piece of independent research that showcases your technical and analytical capabilities.

Industry relevance and employability

The course is aligned with current industry practices and employer expectations, ensuring that the skills you develop are relevant and up to date. You’ll benefit from guest lectures, industry engagement and opportunities to work on realistic projects that reflect the challenges faced by software engineers today.

Where appropriate, module content supports preparation for industry-recognised certifications in cloud platforms, helping you further enhance your employability.

By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a strong portfolio of work demonstrating your technical ability, problem-solving skills and readiness for professional software engineering roles.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.