Degree Information:

Overview

The M.Sc. in Computing offers a choice of Majors, designed to equip graduates with a range of cutting edge skills, which enable them to produce high quality software and systems that deliver solutions to business and the economy.

Exposed to the latest ideas and best industry practice, students gain the opportunity to hone analytical, creative and critical faculties, as well as acquire novel techniques and experience. The importance of a developed awareness of the professional responsibilities, required in the software engineering profession, is also emphasised.

Graduates from the programme will be well positioned to advance their careers in a fast changing industry.

Aims and Objectives:

The strong practical focus of the programme culminates in a project, carried out over the summer months. Typically, students will develop a prototype software system in their Major area that targets a real-world problem. They may also analyse processes or techniques, and propose and evaluate alternatives. Most projects are individual but, exceptionally, may be carried out as part of a team.

Students may also be sponsored by external clients or develop their own ideas. Typically, projects commence with a feasibility study, followed by the creation of a project plan and the development of a software application or rigorous theoretical analysis.

Over the duration of the programme, students will develop employment-enhancing skills across a number of key areas. These include amongst others:

· Enhancement of their proven ability to engineer software

· Improvement of their knowledge of operating systems and networks.

· Development of strong team-based skills, developed through significant project work during the course.

· Enhanced communication skills through scheduled presentations to lecturers and peers.

· Improved understanding of the business and social context of their work and awareness of new directions

· Development of research skills to enable contribution of novel ideas, methods and tools to new challenges in their professional careers.

Programme Structure:

Programme Structure

The M.Sc. in Computing, (with Major), is designed to be completed in one calendar year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. It consists of two (full-time) or four (part-time) taught semesters, followed by a practical project, completed between May and September. During semesters, students undertake an integrated group of taught modules, as follows:

Students take five core modules in their chosen sub-discipline (Major) to gain the necessary specialised expertise. Three elective modules from non-Major area of interest, may also be chosen from a range offered.

Please note: Not all modules may be offered every year, and choices of elective modules are subject to normal timetabling constraints. Some lectures will be scheduled between 4-7 to accommodate part time students.

Students will acquire up-to-date programming and specification techniques, covering formal and informal, theoretical and practical aspects. They will familiarise themselves with advanced algorithms and how to deploy these in practical situations, and will be well prepared to undertake work within defined software processes, using the best techniques currently available. Additionally, they will be introduced to professional issues surrounding the development and implementation of software systems.

Indicative Academic Structure for Majors in areas below:

To see academic structure, see link below:

Practicum Work: May - late September

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Fees Reduction

This programme is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under their Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, resulting in a reduced fee for European Union citizens. This is subject to review each year and the most up to date information on fees is available on this website.

Career Prospects:

The M.Sc. in Computing, MCM (Major) aims to help meet the demand from industry for recruitment of personnel, with significant exposure to relevant advanced topics in computing. The programme is suitable for both experienced professionals and recent graduates. It enables software professionals with a number of years' experience, to improve proficiency across a range of key disciplines in the field and to update skills beyond the narrow remit of training courses. It also supports recent graduates of computing and cognate disciplines to gain specialised knowledge and skills for higher level industry entry at an early stage in their careers.

Entry Requirements:

The entry requirements for this programme is a 2.1 or higher in computer science or related discipline. Students with a 2.2 may, in exceptional circumstances be considered but will have to attend DCU for an interview and may be asked to carry out a short excercise to ascertain their suitability for this programme.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2013

EU Applicants: Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 30th August 2013.

Non-EU Applicants: Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 12th July 2013. Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible.

Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to registry.pac@dcu.ie

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Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)