Software Development (AI) (Part Time) MSc

The MSc in Software Development (Artificial Intelligence) is designed in collaboration with industry to provide an intensive education experience in software development and is specifically designed for graduates of non-computing disciplines. Traditionally the programme has had a significant graduate empolyability rate and is consistently one of the highest rated MSc computing courses for student satisfaction in the UK. This part-time programme is taught in the evenings (one to two evenings a week per semester) and spread over 3 years to allow you to study while in full-time employment. The course is completed entirely online, with live online lectures and lab sessions. All learning materials are hosted on our virtual learning environment, Canvas, in addition to pre-recorded bite-sized lecture topic videos, feedback quizzes to check your progress, as well as individual support from our lecturers and lab demonstrators. You can also optionally attend our on-campus labs on the teaching nights for additional support or if you need a quiet environment to work in. You also have the option of completing the MSc programme in 2 years. A dissertation project or set of specialised Mini Project modules can be undertaken in the third semester of the second year of the course, once all the taught modules are successfully completed. The project or set of Mini Project modules can be undertaken on a full time to enable successful completion in that semester. COURSE CONTENT: You will learn the foundations of computing and develop the industry-relevant skills required for modern software development careers. These core skills include theoretical and applied knowledge of programming, databases and web development, alongside software engineering principles and practices. In addition to technical capability, the programme develops the analytical, professional and transferable skills increasingly sought by employers across the global technology sector. Students gain experience in communication, teamwork, project delivery, critical thinking and adapting to new technologies - skills that are essential for working effectively in modern multidisciplinary software teams. You do not need a computing background to undertake this course. On successful completion, graduates will be equipped with the technical, analytical and professional competencies needed to pursue a wide range of careers within the computing and software industries. The curriculum has been designed and is continually reviewed in collaboration with industrial partners to ensure that module content reflects current industry practice and emerging technologies. This helps ensure that graduates are highly skilled, adaptable and well prepared for employment in a rapidly evolving digital economy. 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, perform problem decomposition and design robust and elegant software systems to solve the problems. This includes gaining skills in procedural and object-oriented programming, web development technology stacks, database design and development, AI-augment development approaches, and software project management. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to work as part of a development team using modern development techniques and tools. We have created a short taster session to give you a hands-on introduction to programming and a sense of what to expect during topics on the programme. 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.

IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is require

International students: £27,600

UK students: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB)

UK/Home: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB)

International: £27,600

Academic Year 2026/27

• Belfast, United Kingdom