MSc Software Engineering & Database Technologies (MScSED)

Course details

This programme provides a flexible, part-time, online learning route for students to gain the necessary professional skills, conceptual frameworks, methods, technologies and hands-on experience of software development as a basis for a career in the IT industry. Students also acquire specialised knowledge of specific IT topics, particularly in the area of software development and database systems, and develop advanced research and/or development skills. The programme is offered jointly by NUI Galway and Regis University, Denver, USA.

Who is the course for?

• This is an ideal programme for students who:
• wish to update their Information and Communication Technology development skills
• wish to learn about information technology with a specific emphasis on software development or database technologies while gaining advanced research skills
• already work in the area, but would like to gain a recognised Masters qualification

Key facts

Entry requirements

The MScSED Degree is open to honours degree graduates (minimum 2nd class honours) in IT, Science, Engineering, or another relevant discipline. It is also open to other degree graduates with three or more years of relevant experience, and to those otherwise satisfying the MSc entry standards (degree equivalent qualifications). Applicants with an ordinary or pass degree or Level 7 diploma must have at least three years relevant experience to be considered for the programme. If the applicant has no formal qualification at all then he/she is not eligible to apply.

Course outline

The core syllabus of the MSc in Software Engineering and Database Technologies comprises equally Software Engineering and Database design and development modules. Students undertake a number of optional modules during the second year allowing them to specialise in advanced software engineering or database disciplines. Students also undertake a major research and/or development project, leading to a thesis.

The programme content is extensive and varied, and includes modules on:

• Computer Architecture & Operating Systems
• Fundamentals of Programming
• Software Engineering
• Database Architecture
• Database Concepts

You must complete 3 of these Database Elective modules:

• Database Administration
• Service-Oriented Architecture Concepts
• Database Warehouse Design
• PL/SQL Programming

You must complete 2 of these Software Engineering elective modules:

• Object Oriented Design
• Object Oriented Programming
• Distributed Systems
• Artificial Intelligence
• Real-Time Systems
• Graphics Programming

Requirements and assessment

The MScSED programme is delivered entirely using online learning technology so students can study when and where they want. Course materials are easy to follow and are accompanied by continuous assessment exercises, research/review questions and recommended course textbooks.

Each module is delivered over an eight-week period via asynchronous online technologies using web-supported learning. The programme coordinators provide a recommended outline of study for each of the eight-week modules to ensure students keep their progress on track. Course tutors are highly experienced in facilitating online programmes and will provide all the support students need with the programme content, as well as giving feedback on weekly assignments.

Each module is individually assessed. Students are assessed by online examinations, online assignments and a Software Development Project and Thesis or an IT Research Project and Thesis in year 2 of the programme.