Why choose St Mary's University?
Why choose St Mary's University
Top 10 in UK for student experience (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
96% of graduates in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2024)
Top 5 in UK for teaching quality (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
100% online part-time learning
Pay your fees per module, as you go
11 industry-focused MBA degrees, 5 MSc Computer Science programmes, and 3 MSc Psychology pathways
Get in touch
Explore the opportunities of our data-driven world with St Marys’ 100% online MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering
You'll deepen your knowledge in a diverse range of topics relevant to both computer science and software engineering and explore fundamental and advanced concepts, including software design, development methodologies, programming languages, and software architecture. In our digital classroom, you'll engage in hands-on learning experiences, working on practical assignments, projects, and assessments to hone your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technical proficiency in software engineering methodologies. Upon programme completion, you will be well-equipped to contribute significantly across various industries and sectors, leveraging innovative software solutions for informed decision-making and technological advancement.


You’ll develop your capacity to:
- Develop expertise at the intersection of computer science and software engineering by equipping you with a deep understanding of both computer science principles and software engineering practices, enabling you to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills to address complex software challenges.
- Apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, honing your problem-solving abilities, technical proficiency, and software development expertise.
- Develop expertise in software development tools and methodologies becoming equipped with advanced skills in the use of industry-standard software development tools, frameworks, and methodologies, enabling you to effectively design, implement, and maintain software systems that meet the evolving needs of modern organisations.
- Make meaningful contributions to the field by leveraging your expertise in software engineering to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions across a variety of industries and sectors, positioning you as a valuable asset in the global technology landscape.


And grow your career


With a programme designed for you
Programme Modules
Gain a comprehensive understanding of computer networks, covering both theoretical concepts and practical implementation aspects and explore the fundamentals of networking protocols, network architectures, and various technologies used in modern computer networks.
Gain an in-depth understanding of operating system concepts, principles, and functionalities. You will delve into both theoretical foundations and practical applications, focusing on contemporary operating system architectures and their roles in managing hardware resources, enabling user interaction, and supporting software applications.
Acquire a thorough grasp of software development principles, methodologies, and procedures. This module spans both theoretical foundations and hands-on implementation, with a focus on the software development lifecycle, agile methodologies, coding, debugging, and testing best practices.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of database systems and their significance in various applications. You will explore both theoretical concepts and practical implementation, focusing on the relational model and the use of SQL.
Equip yourself with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary web development principles and practices. You will explore a diverse range of topics essential for crafting interactive and responsive web applications. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and hands-on implementation, you will learn the foundational technologies, frameworks, and best practices prevalent in modern web development.
Explore the critical domain of software testing, which serves as an essential pillar in ensuring the robustness, reliability, and functionality of software applications. You will develop a deep understanding of the integral role that testing plays throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). You will explore the strategic application of testing to detect and mitigate errors, thereby enhancing software quality and meeting user expectations.
Develop your understanding of data structures and algorithms, essential components of computer science. You will explore various data structures such as arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs, along with algorithms for searching, sorting, and graph traversal. The module emphasises both theoretical concepts and practical implementation, preparing you to design efficient algorithms and use appropriate data structures to solve computational problems.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) principles, techniques, and applications. You will deep dive into AI, covering both theoretical foundations and practical implementation aspects, and explore a wide range of topics, including problem-solving methods, knowledge representation, reasoning, intelligent agent design, and ethical considerations in AI development and deployment.
Gain an immersive exploration into the realm of computer-generated imagery with both theoretical foundations and practical applications. This module serves as a gateway to understanding the principles, techniques, and applications of computer graphics across various industries, including entertainment, design, simulation, and visualisation.
Learn fundamental cybersecurity principles and practices with a focus on ethical hacking methodologies to identify, assess, and mitigate security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. You will delve into the intricacies of offensive security techniques while maintaining a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and professional responsibilities.
Gain an understanding of mobile application development that encompasses both theoretical principles and practical implementation techniques. Mobile applications have become indispensable in the contemporary digital landscape, and this module provides you with a deep dive into the intricacies of designing, developing, and deploying applications for iOS and Android platforms.
Learn about the DevOps principles, practices, and tools essential to modern software development and IT operations. DevOps, a portmanteau of "development" and "operations," represents a cultural and technical movement that emphasises collaboration, automation, and integration between software developers and IT operations professionals. You will delve into various aspects of DevOps, including version control systems, continuous integration, and continuous deployment (CI/CD), infrastructure as code (IaC), configuration management, containerisation, and monitoring.
Online Postgraduate Courses
MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering
Build cutting-edge software and accelerate your tech career with St Mary's University London's online MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering.
Why choose St Mary's University?
Why choose St Mary's University
Top 10 in UK for teaching quality (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
12th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
78% of graduates in skilled employment and on track to achieve their future goals (Complete University Guide 2026)
100% online, part-time learning
Pay your fees per module, as you go
11 industry-focused MBA degrees, 5 MSc Computer Science programmes, and 3 MSc Psychology pathways
Get in touch
Programme overview
Engineer your career in software with St Mary's University London's online MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering
Designed for ambitious professionals ready to advance in the fast-moving world of computing, this MSc prepares you for roles across sectors – from finance to healthcare – where innovative software solutions and data analysis drive organisational success.
You'll study online with expert tutors at St Mary's University London, applying your learning to workplace challenges immediately while building a global professional network.
Through hands-on modules, practical assignments and group projects, you'll develop the critical thinking and technical skills to programme code, design algorithms and develop innovative software systems that inform strategy and solve organisational challenges.
Why should I choose St Mary's University London?
St Mary's University London is ranked:
- Top 10 in the UK for teaching quality (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
- 12th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
- 78% of graduates are in skilled employment and on track to achieve their future goals (Complete University Guide 2026).
Our 100% online MSc is built for working professionals. With fully flexible, part-time online learning, you can balance your studies with career and personal commitments. Supported by expert tutors and a collaborative virtual environment, you'll gain practical, career-relevant knowledge without putting your life on hold.
What you'll learn
What will I learn?
You'll develop expertise at the intersection of computer science and software engineering, empowering you to address complex software challenges. Throughout the programme, you will:
- Integrate software engineering theory and practice solving complex software challenges
- Apply problem-solving and technical capabilities to design efficient software solutions
- Master industry-standard tools and frameworks for modern software development
- Design, build, and maintain robust systems for evolving organisational needs
- Drive innovation and make informed technical decisions across diverse sectors
Modules include:
Student testimonials
What our students say
The flexibility of studying online was essential for me due to the long hours at work. Knowing the student support team was there, willing to help me work through challenges whenever I felt overwhelmed, was strength-inducing. I appreciated the availability of instalment plans per module rather than being forced to pay the tuition fee at once, and being able to break my study at different stages while still coming away with a certification helped alleviate the pressure I felt at times. I recommend SMU every chance I get.
Career advancement
How will an MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering boost my career?
Software engineering skills are in demand across sectors, from finance and healthcare to retail. Graduates are well prepared to step into roles including:
Engineering Manager
leading high-performing teams to deliver impactful software solutions.
Business Developer
driving organisational growth by identifying and advancing technology-led opportunities.
Software Engineer
building reliable, scalable software that solves real-world user challenges.
DevOps Engineer
blending software development and IT operations to make software faster, smoother, and more reliable.
Cloud Software Engineer
optimising cloud systems for speed, resilience, and continuous delivery.
IT Support Specialist
keeping organisations running smoothly by resolving technical issues efficiently.
Entry requirements
What qualifications do I need for the online MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering at St Mary's University London?
We welcome ambitious professionals from a wide range of backgrounds.
Academic requirements
A 2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) or three years of relevant professional experience in a managerial role. Applicants without a degree but with substantial experience may also be considered.
If English isn't your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications (or equivalents):
- IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5
- Pearson PTE 55 overall minimum
- Other recognised tests including TOEFL, LanguageCert and Cambridge qualifications
You must have completed your English test within two years of your programme start date.
You may not need to provide evidence if you're from a majority English-speaking country or have completed a degree in English within seven years of your intended start date.
Fees
How much does it cost to do this course?
The total cost for the MSc Computer Science with Software Engineering is £7,740. You can choose to pay in full at the start of your programme or pay per module.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
If you meet the academic and language requirements above, you can apply even if your undergraduate degree isn't in computer science. Applicants with significant professional experience are encouraged to apply.
Yes, the programme is designed to be studied fully online and flexibly, allowing you to balance learning with work and personal commitments.
Absolutely – this programme is ideal for professionals who want to transition into software engineering and computer science careers.
You will need to meet one of the accepted qualifications listed above (such as IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
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