Reflections on a UK Masters level software engineering programme intended for the home and international market

There are currently insufficient skilled software engineers to meet the needs of industry across the world. Intensive taught Masters level programmes represent one solution to this shortfall. One such programme is the MSc in Software Engineering offered by the University of Sunderland in the UK. This was developed to satisfy student needs both within and outside the European Union.. The constraints and challenges that needed to be addressed in the development of the programme are outlined. The programme and the various pathways through it are described. Student feedback on the programme is reported. The programme is evaluated and some of the lessons learned since its inception in 1999 are reviewed.