There are many challenges in delivering a software engineering curriculum by distance learning. The Open University has offered distance learning master's programs in computing and software engineering for over 20 years. The nature of the main student constituency shapes the curriculum's structure, content, and delivery for its master's in software development and related programs. Theses programs are characterized as part-time, open, large-scale distance learning, professionally accredited, and primarily aimed at practitioners in the IT industry. The article discusses the implications of each of these characteristics for the curriculum and its delivery and outlines the program's future directions.