Software Systems Engineering MSc - Virtual Open Day

About this programme

This MSc is ideal for a software engineering career in large IT companies and start-ups or in preparation for a PhD. The programme provides an opportunity to conduct a substantial research or engineering project, many of which are in collaboration with our leading industry partners.

Large-scale software systems provide the backbone of many industries and sectors. This advanced software engineering programme enables you to learn from world-renowned lecturers in this field, who are also esteemed leaders in research and industry practice.

In this programme, you will learn about identifying software requirements, understanding and designing software architecture, software development, including a range of tools and practices used today, software testing, and professional practice such as project management and ethics. Elective modules enable you to gain specialist skills in subjects ranging from security and networks to data engineering and finance. You will also undertake a substantial project, which could be a group industry project or an individual research project. 

Most of our group projects are with industry clients, where you will apply your knowledge to real-world problems. Research projects will give you exposure to the most recent advances in software engineering research and are a brilliant option if you are considering a PhD in the future.

Why study this programmme?

• Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
• 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.

Modules

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 may include:

• 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
• Networked Systems
• Computer Security I
• Computer Security II
• People and Security

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.

Who is the programme for?

Entry requirements

This programme is for you if:

• you have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard in computer science, computing, or software engineering.
• you want to develop an advanced understanding of the engineering of complex software systems and are looking for a career in the software engineering sector or further doctoral research;
• you have a background in software engineering, either through a previous degree in computer science or professional experience. Applicants without a background in computer science are encouraged to apply to our Computer Science MSc.

Employability 

Many sectors rely on large software systems, and you will gain exposure to some of these throughout the programme due to the strong industry ties UCL has. You will acquire a strong skillset in the many aspects of software systems engineering during this programme, enabling you to pursue a career as a software engineer, software developer or software architect when you graduate.

The research-based curriculum promotes strong research skills, which you will develop through your final research project/ dissertation; you will be well- equipped to undertake doctoral research in software systems engineering.

Computer Science Postgraduate students earned on average £53,000* per year.  

(*This figure is the mean salary taken from the most recent aggregated Graduate Outcomes Data (2018-2023) for postgraduate taught graduates from UCL Computer Science.)

Career destinations

Graduates from this programme go on to a range of career destinations. Some work for large companies such as Amazon, Google, or Meta, and others work in the finance sector or start-up world. One graduate gained employment with Zühlke and soon became a main contributor to NHS Track and Trace, the Covid-19 app. 

The fast pace of development and innovation in the software world means there are ample opportunities in research and academia, too, with some students going on to do PhDs at UCL and other renowned universities across the world.

Future Events 

We're planning two exciting in-person events for early 2026. To receive a personalised invitation once the booking form goes live, fill out the form below. 

In-person Open Event, Bloomsbury

• Date: Thursday 5th February 2026
• What to expect: Meet staff and students from UCL Computer Science to learn more about our MSc programmes.  

In-person Open Evening, UCL East 

• Date: Wednesday 25th February 2026
• What to expect: Meet staff and students from UCL Computer Science based at UCL East and visit our new state-of-the-art campus. This event is for students interested in the following programmes: Disability, Design and Innovation MSc; Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc; Software Engineering for the Internet of Things MSc.
• Once registrations open, you'll receive an email inviting you to sign up for the event. To ensure you receive an invitation, please select Graduate Studies as your Intended Level of Study and agree to be contacted via email.

To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus.