Queen's University Belfast

Software Development MSc

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom

Course overview

The MSc in Software Development is designed in collaboration with industry to provide a year of intensive education in software development and is specifically designed for graduates of non-computing disciplines. It has an extremely high graduate employability rate and is the highest rated MSc computing course for student satisfaction in the UK. COURSE CONTENT: You will learn the foundations of computing and acquire industry relevant skills.

These core skills include programming, databases, web development, software engineering and problem solving. You need no computing background at all to do this course, but on successful completion, you will be equipped with the technical, analytical and professional skills required to take on a range of roles in the computing industry. The curriculum was designed and is continually reviewed in collaboration with significant industrial partners, who helped ensure the most relevant module content.

This helps ensure that our graduates are highly trained and much sought after by employers. WHO WILL BE TEACHING YOU: Many of the course teaching team have worked in the computing industry and have particular research specialisms in developing novel and effective methods for teaching computing. Several of the team have been awarded student-nominated teaching awards for their work.

WHAT YOU'LL GET UP TO: You’ll learn how to analyse problems and design robust and elegant software systems to solve the problems. This includes gaining skills in programming, web development, database design, software testing and software engineering. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to work as part of a development team using modern development techniques and tools.

We've created a short taster session to give you a hands-on introduction to coding and a sense of what to expect during your first week of class. You can access it here: http://go.qub.ac.uk/try-software-dev PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this course received after 12th August 2026 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

Key highlights

  • Designed for graduates of non-computing disciplines, no coding experience needed
  • Curriculum designed and continually reviewed with significant industrial partners
  • Core skills in programming, databases, web development and software engineering
  • Includes software testing, database design and problem solving
  • Learn to work in development teams using modern tools
  • Taught by staff with industry experience and student-nominated teaching awards

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — 2.2

Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship

    Year one award of between £2000 and £5000.

    Up to £2,000
  • The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships

    For Home Students: Tuition fees £7,665 Stipend £10,250. For International Students: Tuition fees £24,295 Stipend £17,000

  • Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught

    Value: 50% of tuition fees paid for up to a maximum of two years.

    Up to 50% of fees

Careers this course leads to

  • Software developer
  • Web developer
  • Software engineer
  • Database developer
  • Software tester
  • Full-stack developer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB) | International: £27,600

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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