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Software Systems MSc

2 years including placement year, starting in September 2021

Develop specialist skills to design and develop complex software. You’ll gain the ideal foundation for a career in software engineering.

You’ll learn about the challenges of engineering a complex piece of software, and discover how issues can be successfully managed by a software team. You will design and realise systems to meet a specification, giving you the confidence to manage your own software development projects. You’ll gain the knowledge to engineer complex software systems, and experience working in a true to life software team.

You'll have access to our bespoke computer laboratory and our strong links to industry ensure you'll get experience of the latest developments in software and technology. You will focus on combining practical application with theoretical knowledge, preparing you for a career in computer science or a related area.

You’ll finish your studies with the skills looked for in a variety of sectors. The majority of our master’s graduates move directly into computer science careers in software development, research or technology.

Find out more about studying at Bath:

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2021 and ends in 2023. Welcome week starts on 27 September 2021.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Summer (Year 1)

Semester 3

Semester 4

Summer (Year 2)

Optional course units

These are examples of optional units currently being studied by our students.

Placement

Going on placement gives you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge during a year working in industry. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and transferable skills.

We have links with some of the industry’s leading companies.

Placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.

Find out more about going on placement

Learning and assessment

Learning

  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Multiple choice examination
  • Online assessment
  • Oral assessment
  • Practical work
  • Thesis
  • Written examination
  • Other

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a first or strong second-class bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Nigerian qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least a 2:1.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If within the last 2 years, you completed your degree in a country where English is the official first language, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Pakistani qualifications

A four-year bachelor’s degree from a high ranked (HEC) university with a final overall result of at least a First Class (Divison 1).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Saudi Arabian qualifications

A four-year bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least 75% (GPA of at least 3.5 out of 5.0 or 3.0 out of 4.0).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

American qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 2.8 out of 4.0 (B).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.  

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Other qualifications

We welcome applications from graduates from all countries so if you can’t see your country in the list, please contact our admissions team for advice about your specific entry requirements.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Hong Kongese qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (B or 2:1).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Egyptian qualifications

A bachelor’s degree awarded by a university with an overall score of at least 75% (very good).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Malaysian qualifications

A bachelor degree with an overall final result of at least a 2:1.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Mexican qualifications

A Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) de (subject area) with a final overall result of least 8 out of 10.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Turkish qualifications

A Lisans Diplomasi with a final overall GPA of at least 2.8-3.0 depending on the institution you have attended.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

French qualifications

A licence, diplôme d'ingénieur or a maîtrise with a final overall score of at least 14 out of 20 (bien).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Greek qualifications

A university bachelor's degree (Ptychio) or diploma with a final overall score of at least 6.5 - 7.5 out of 10 depending upon the institution attended.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Italian qualifications

A laurea with a final overall score of at least 100 out of 110.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Chinese qualifications

A four-year bachelor’s degree with a final overall score of at least 75% depending on the institution attended.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Ghanaian qualifications

A bachelor's degree with a final overall result of at least B (Good, GPA 3.5 or 60%).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If within the last 2 years, you completed your degree in a country where English is the official first language, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Indian qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a final overall result of at least a First Class.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Spanish qualifications

A titulo de licenciado or titulo de ingeniero with a final overall score of at least 5.0 (aprobado).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Kenyan qualifications

A bachelor's honours degree with a final overall result of at least a 2:1.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If within the last 2 years, you completed your degree in a country where English is the official first language, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Tanzanian qualifications

A bachelor's degree with a final overall result of at least an upper second (very good or GPA 3.5).

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer science with mathematics, mathematical sciences or informatics.

We will also consider mathematics, engineering and physical sciences providing there is a computing and programming element.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Software Systems MSc including placement year

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

Placement fees

Placement fees vary

You will normally pay a reduced tuition fee while on a placement period or studying abroad. Find out more about placement fees and study abroad fees.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

Course enquiries

Apply for 2021 entry

Apply now

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