Overview
Please note the course details apply to 2026 entry.
Our Advanced Software Engineering MSc is designed for Computer Science graduates and professionals who want to become seasoned experts in their craft, designing, developing and analysing complex software systems. With a huge market for skilled software engineers across virtually all sectors, this programme opens the door to an exciting array of careers across everything from tech and finance to healthcare, government, and entertainment.
The curriculum provides you with a thorough grounding in tried and tested software architectures and their underlying principles, enabling you to build sophisticated software from the ground up. You’ll also develop robust approaches to security, measurement, verification and testing to ensure your work stands up to scrutiny. A wide range of optional modules allow you to apply your learning to different contexts and domains.
Key benefits
- 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings by subject 2025).
- The Department of Informatics has a reputation for delivering research-led teaching and project supervision from leading experts in their field.
- You'll study a wide range of innovative modules, covering both the theory and practice of modern Computer Science.
- Possibility to gain real work experience as part of your degree, working with companies such as IBM, Terranova Software and Aerogility to design solutions for current industry needs, boosting your employability and expanding your networks.
- 6th in the UK for producing the most employable graduates (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2025).
- A thriving culture of student societies covering tech, game development, women in computer science, robotics and more, with regular hackathons, careers panels, talks, and social activities.
King’s is very well ranked and has an excellent Informatics department. The central location means you are close to big tech companies and you can interact with them, also thanks to the different events that King’s organises with them.
Course essentials
Our Advanced Software Engineering MSc focuses on current and emerging techniques for the development of software systems, with an emphasis on the construction and management of large and secure software systems. You’ll also develop a robust understanding of cybersecurity engineering, to ensure this is built in from the start. An in-depth grounding in measurement, verification, and testing will allow you to thoroughly analyse and evaluate your work.
You can choose from a range of optional modules to deepen your understanding of software systems in a wide range of contexts, including information security, financial systems, big data, multi-agent systems, human-computer interaction and more.
Halfway through your degree, you will tackle a major project, producing an artefact – an original piece of software, code or prototype in response to a research or industry problem. This hands-on experience will allow you to develop essential project management, design, and evaluation skills as you research, build, test, and improve your product.
To gain valuable work experience, there is the potential to partner with a company on your project. You'll join a team of students with varied backgrounds to develop a software solution for one of our external partners in sectors ranging from computing and law to aviation and government.
The course is taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses, putting you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Informatics is based in Bush House on the Strand Campus.
Key Information
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September
Credit value:
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Administrative bodies
Awarding body
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating body
Application closing date guidance
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.
Waterloo Campus
Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.