Introduction To Software Engineering

Module description

Aims and Learning Outcomes

This module aims to provide an introduction to the main components of the software development process and techniques to enhance its quality. Students will develop their practical understanding and appreciation of frameworks for the Software Development Process by considering various case studies.

On successfully completing this module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the foundational concepts of software engineering;
• Understand the main issues in the development of software systems;
• Analyse and choose a suitable life-cycle model;
• Plan and organise one-person and simple group projects;
• Construct and use simple models in the development of software systems and construct tests for a required system.

Syllabus

This module covers the following topics:

• Software engineering and software modelling in the software development process.
• Software life cycle: feasibility analysis, requirements analysis, specification, design, implementation, testing, maintenance, decommissioning.
• Software project management and software quality assurance. Software safety and trustworthiness.
• Software system risk analysis.
• Introduction to software modelling: specification with UML use cases, class diagrams, OCL. UML behaviour models: state machines, interactions, activities.
• Software design and architectures: architecture diagrams, refactoring, design patterns, libraries and reuse.
• Software development processes: waterfall process, agile development, Model-based development.
• Professional issues in software development.

Assessment details

Please note: The below assessment details for the 2025/26 academic year may be updated. The confirmed details will be available on the Student Handbook and on the module KEATS page at the beginning of the semester.

• 100% Examination

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.