Course Based M.Sc.

Course-Based M.Sc. Computer Science with a specialization in Software Engineering

The course-based M.Sc. specialization will provide B.Sc. graduates with advanced academic education and industry experience in software engineering. The program is suitable for both full-time and part-time mature students who are already in the workforce with relevant work-experience and wish to obtain an advanced degree.

Course Requirements:
The course component of the M.Sc. consists of five full course equivalents. A project may be undertaken as a half or a full course as part of the five full courses required. Course-based students should select the equivalent of ten half courses with the approval of their advisor. At least six half courses must be selected from the Approved Course List. One half course or one full course may be a project in software development or software "best practice and experience" submitted as part of the course requirement. The project courses are:

• SENG 651 (throughout year). Project Half Course. (Students register for course in semester when they will complete it).
• SENG 652 (throughout year). Project Full Course. (Students register for course in semester when they will complete it).

Required Examinations:
A comprehensive oral examination is required for the course-based SENG program. There is no written examination. The oral exam cannot be attempted until grades are reported for all of the required five full course equivalents. Guidelines for this oral examination are as follows:

• The exam will be based on four half course equivalents, chosen by and agreed upon by the candidate and the supervisor, from the courses taken as part of the program, excluding the project course (SENG 651 or 652).
• Student-prepared summaries describing the content of each course are required. Each summary is to be two to three pages (1,000 to 1,500 words) in length. These summaries shall be prepared at least one month in advance of the exam. They will be distributed to the oral examining committee at least two weeks prior to the exam day.
• The student is required to make a 20-minute presentation at the start of their examination. The focus of this presentation will be on the synthesis of ideas in the courses chosen for examination.
• The oral examination questions posed to the candidate will normally be the on synthesis of ideas and concepts, rather than on specific technical course content.

Time Limit:
An expected pattern for an industry student would be to take one or two half courses a semester (three hours contact time per week per course). It would be realistic to complete an M.Sc. in three or four years. Course based M.Sc. students have a maximum of six years in which to complete the degree. Students admitted to the course-based program may be able to transfer to the thesis-based program at the anniversary of their first registration if they have a research topic and a supervisor.