MSc in Computing

Course details

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.

Major 1 - Data Analytics

This exciting new Major, delivered in conjunction with leading industry players,builds on the School's expertise and its participation in Insight, Science Foundation Ireland's Centre for Data Analytics. Technologies such as the internet, sensor nets, social media and cloud computing are generating vast amounts of data. To say we are drowning in information is an understatement. Yet in this vast sea of raw data, there are gems of knowledge that can be used to improve processes and generate value. This Major provides students with a deep understanding of the issues, techniques and tools to examine large amounts of raw data in order to extract meaningful conclusions from the information these contain.

Major 2- Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is a paradigm that is changing the way we access computing resources. Computing resources can be accessed anytime, from anywhere. This Major examines the techniques required for this paradigm shift and investigates fundamental issues relating to cloud architecture, cloud security, data mining and networks.

Major 3 - Software Engineering

This Major builds upon the expertise within the School of Computing and its participation in Lero, the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre. This Major will equip software engineering professionals with additional cutting-edge skills to produce high quality software and systems that deliver value to business and the economy.

Major 4 - Security and Forensic Computing

Computer security is a topic that is constantly in the news and is becoming a central issue in our IT-driven society. The programme focuses on security of all software systems and attacks the problem through emphasising preventive approaches. The programme's dual approach studies system fundamentals and cryptographic methods, as well as exploring forensic investigative techniques.

Major 5 - Human Language Technology

Recent years have seen substantial return on investment derived from deployment of large-scale commercial HLT applications. Benefiting from the School's key role in the SFI-funded CNGL Centre for Global Intelligent Content and from its industry partners, this new major aims to equip students with the specialised multi-disciplinary skills to develop novel HLT applications, together with an understanding of the advanced capabilities required for next generation HLT systems.

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 inpidual 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.

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 exercise to ascertain their suitability for this programme.