About the programme
Software engineering was established as a subject area in order to apply sound engineering principles to software development, ensuring a rigorous approach and high-quality software products. The software engineering methods and development principles have proven so successful that they are now being adopted by other engineering disciplines.
Upon completing our Master's program in Software Engineering, you'll emerge with comprehensive expertise in the complete software development lifecycle. This encompasses essential skills like requirements engineering, software processes, software modeling and analysis, software design, and ensuring software quality through verification and validation processes.
The program goes a step further, equipping you with a deep understanding of important knowledge of algorithms, how to handle complexity, human-computer interaction (HCI), and artificial intelligence (AI). With these advanced insights, you'll be well-prepared to excel in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, capable of creating software that's not just efficient and reliable but also user-friendly and capable of harnessing the power of AI for intelligent applications.
You will have acquired the skills needed to become a master software engineer.
International focus
Students from around the globe come together in your program to create a unique and international environment. The program is fully taught in English, and you will study together with students from Sweden as well as international students from countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America.
Most of your instructors also have international experience in both research and education. This will enhance your cultural experience and English-language proficiency.
Work Integrated Learning
University West is Sweden’s leading university when it comes to work-integrated learning (WIL). The university was tasked with the development of WIL by the Swedish government 15+ years ago and continues to lead the field today. WIL allows you to focus on problem-based learning for industry, with real projects from partner companies.
The master program in Software Engineering has been built in close collaboration with software companies and industry experts and is founded on the pressing needs for skilled software engineering professionals with a comprehensive understanding of modern software engineering and industry best practice.
Professors and instructors have a wealth of research and industry experience and will introduce you to both frontline research and industry best practices within the software engineering area. Through guest lectures, company visits, and company-proposed topics for degree projects, you’ll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of software engineering and development. There are also real-life case studies where you can discuss your understanding, raise questions and propose ideas to experts in the field – and to potential employers.
A strong job market
The software engineering field is experiencing unprecedented demand, with statistics reflecting the robust job market:
- The demand for software developers is projected to grow by 21% from 2020 to 2030, (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Over 50% of CIOs in the last five years have reported that lack of software engineers is making it hard for their companies to keep up with the latest technologies and is halting innovation (KPMG).
- There are almost 1 million open positions for software engineering jobs in the US alone, and it is rising. (Analyzing the Software Engineering Shortage in Forbes).
- Software engineer is one of the top four in-demand professions over the next 10-years, and the number of unfilled jobs will expand by 25% to 2031 (US Labor Department).
Rewarding career in software engineering
A career in software engineering is not just a job; it's a journey into a world of endless possibilities and intellectual challenges. It is a field that rewards innovation, problem-solving, and creativity, making it an incredibly fulfilling choice for those with a passion for technology and programming.
In the realm of software engineering, you have the power to shape the digital future, develop new applications, and solve complex problems. The satisfaction of seeing a product come to life in the form of user-friendly software or cutting-edge systems is unparalleled.
Moreover, the software engineering field offers a broad spectrum of opportunities. Whether you're interested in web development, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, industrial systems or distributed computing, there are opportunities to explore and excel in. As a software engineer, you become part of a global community of innovators, collaborating on exciting projects and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Building the future
Software engineering was established as a subject area in order to apply sound engineering principles to software development, ensuring a rigorous approach and high-quality software products. The software engineering methods and development principles have proven so successful that they are now being adopted by other engineering disciplines.
Upon completing our Master's program in Software Engineering, you'll emerge with comprehensive expertise in the complete software development lifecycle. This encompasses essential skills like requirements engineering, software processes, software modeling and analysis, software design, and ensuring software quality through verification and validation processes.
The program goes a step further, equipping you with a deep understanding of important knowledge of algorithms, how to handle complexity, human-computer interaction (HCI), and artificial intelligence (AI). With these advanced insights, you'll be well-prepared to excel in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, capable of creating software that's not just efficient and reliable but also user-friendly and capable of harnessing the power of AI for intelligent applications.
You will have acquired the skills needed to become a master software engineer.
Course overview
The total programme consists of 60 credits in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The courses focus on development and use of rigorous methods for designing, constructing, and quality validation and verification of effective and reliable software programs and systems. A software engineer must be knowledgeable of the entire software development lifecycle, including but not limited to; requirements engineering, software processes, software modelling and analysis, software design, and software quality, verification, and validation.
- Requirements Engineering, 7,5 credits
- Algorithms and Complexity, 7.5 credits
- Software Analysis and Design, 7.5 credits
- Applied AI and ML, 7.5 credits
- Software Quality, Verification, and Validation, 7.5 credits
- Human-Computer Interaction, 7,5 credits
- Master of Science Thesis in Computer Science, 15 credits
Educational methods
- Lectures (20%)
- Seminars (5%)
- Practical/group work (30%)
- Independent work or self-study (20%)
- Thesis work (25%)
Degree
Upon completion of this master’s programme, you will receive a Master of Computer Science (MSc, 60 credits).
Career and further education
Career opportunities in Sweden
Sweden offers numerous job opportunities for software engineers, hence it is a good place for those looking to start their careers. The Swedish industry features high tech companies like Spotify, Ericsson, Volvo and Klarna, offering a range of roles in software development, system architecture, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Sweden's investment in research and development ensures graduates have access to innovative projects and opportunities. Its education system emphasizes practical experience and collaboration with local companies, often leading to job offers upon graduation. The country's openness to international talent, English proficiency, and work-life balance makes it a favorable environment for software engineering professionals to pursue their careers. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in both the private and public sectors or for further studies worldwide.
Positions
A master’s degree in software engineering qualifies you to excel in a variety of roles, with your specific focus often determined by the nature of your degree project. Potential career paths include:
Software Developer: Designing, coding, and maintaining software applications.
Requirements Engineer: Gather and prioritize system requirements, facilitating effective communication between teams and clients.
Quality Assurance Engineer: Testing software to identify and fix bugs and ensure it meets quality standards.
Systems Engineer: Building and managing complex computer systems, make sure they run efficiently and securely.
DevOps Engineer: Focusing on the integration of development and IT operations to streamline software deployment and infrastructure management.
Data Scientist: Analyzing and interpreting data to derive insights and build data-driven applications.
Cloud Solutions Architect: Designing and implementing cloud-based solutions, often utilizing platforms like AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, or Google firebase.
Software Product Manager: Overseeing the development of software products, from requirements to deployment.
IT Consultant: Providing expertise to organizations on technology solutions, system improvements, and IT strategy.
Machine Learning Engineer: Building and deploying machine learning models for various applications, such as recommendation systems and natural language processing.
Software Development Manager: Leading and coordinating development teams, overseeing project timelines and budgets.
Big Data Engineer: Managing and processing large volumes of data using tools like Hadoop and Spark.
Entrepreneur: Starting your own software development company or tech startup to bring innovative ideas to market.
Potential employers
Software engineers are in exceptionally high demand in today's global job market, with the European Union (EU) and Sweden being no exceptions. Their expertise in developing and maintaining software solutions has become invaluable across industries worldwide. Nearly all larger companies rely on software, whether they operate in healthcare, manufacturing, or the software industry, employ software engineers.
Thus, many organizations around the globe are actively seeking these professionals to drive their digital initiatives, create cutting-edge applications, and enhance their competitive edge. In the Trollhättan and Gothenburg region, where University West is located, there are?promising opportunities in multinational companies?such as:
- Capgemini
- Combitech
- GKN Aerospace
- NEVS
- Volvo Group
- Sigma Technology
- SKF
Further education
This programme helps you build a strong foundation in software engineering and develop the qualifications you need to pursue your PhD in software engineering or in the broader fields of computer science and computer engineering.
After graduation, you will be eligible to continue studying as a PhD student at University West or other universities in Sweden and abroad.
