The Masters in Science in Computing programme is designed for IT graduates, or IT professionals, seeking to strengthen their discipline knowledge and skills to enhance their employability and support career progression. The programme assumes prior learning in core computing subjects and seeks to build upon this with 60 ECTS of taught modules addressing subject matter pertinent to the current computing landscape, including programming, computer architecture and networking, blockchain, databases and embedded systems. On completion of the taught component, subject to meeting the academic standard required, students will then complete an applied computing project of 30 ECTS.
It is designed for graduates of level 8 honours degree or Higher Diploma in IT (or cognate discipline) and IT professionals who wish to develop advanced knowledge and skills in computing, including developing their research capacity with the opportunity to complete a research development project as a core part of their studies.
The programme has been designed to produce graduates with the attributes required of computing today and the ability to continue to develop knowledge, skill and competence to remain competitive and employable in an ever-advancing discipline. On successful completion of the MSc in Computing, graduates will be well placed to progress to further study, including level 10 doctoral studies, subject to the requirements of the institution to which they apply. They also will be equipped to secure employment opportunities in a range of IT roles, including leadership positions, and will have a firm appreciation of the need to maintain currency in their discipline as well commit to continuous professional development.
The masters in Computing programme is available full-time on-campus and part-time via blended learning mode of delivery. Contact hours for the programme are a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom learning and virtual classroom also incorporating face to face and virtual lab sessions / workshops. Full time learners are required to attend 15 hours per week. Part time learners attend 8 hours per week, spread over 2 evenings and some weekend attendance would be required for campus based / virtual practical labs/workshops.
The programme leads to an award by QQI at Level 9 of the NFQ and consists of 60 credits of taught module work + 30 credits of an applied project. Learners who decide to leave the programme, after completing the taught elements only, may be entitled to receive the embedded exit award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing.
On completion of this programme the learner will be able to:
Contact hours for the programme are a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom learning and virtual classroom also incorporating face to face and virtual lab sessions / workshops. Full time learners are typically required to attend three days per week. Part time learners typically attend two evenings per week plus some weekend attendance for campus based / virtual practical labs/workshops. Students will also be required to undertake independent study to complete some out of class activities and assessment tasks each week.
This module aims to give students a thorough understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles and practices in the context of computing systems. With an emphasis on usability, accessibility, and aesthetics, the module will analyse, design, and evaluate interactive systems. Creating wireframes, mock-ups, prototypes, user testing, and feedback gathering will give students practical experience in iterative design processes. Students will leave this module with a solid foundation in UX/UI design principles and methods they can use on various computing systems. For those interested in careers in user research, web design, or software development, this knowledge and experience will be beneficial. Moreover, the module will also cover the latest trends and technologies in the UX/UI design field, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how to create engaging and effective user experiences.
This module aims to equip the learner with the necessary knowledge of programming paradigms to facilitate the evaluation of different approaches to developing software, as well as develop the skills to successfully implement them.
The module aims and objectives are to explore how operating systems and hardware work. This knowledge will help better understand the performance of software systems and create more efficient solutions. Multiple operating systems will be reviewed, and practical examples will be discussed. The student will be exposed to different computational architectures and required through research and experimentation to choose specific architectures and OS systems to solve real world problems
This module aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and appreciation of software development management to enable them to apply this in making research-based recommendations best suited to specific contexts. The module will explore software process models and software development models and metrics as well as considering the different approaches to working with people and teams in software process management.
This module reviews the basic concepts, technologies, architectures and standards involved in computer networks, together with methods for their design and implementation. This will include discussion of data transmission protocols, TCP/IP, LANs and WANs, communication mechanisms and synchronization issues. Having a solid foundation of conventional Networking Technologies will provide a foundation for exploring state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. A range of state-of-the-art networking technologies will be studied, including Internet of Things (loT), IoT Network structures, Software Defined Networking (SDN), Open Flow SDN Network Architecture and the role of Virtual Machines in Cloud-based networks.
The purpose of the module is to provide students with an understanding of blockchain applications in industry and financial services. The students will comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of blockchain technologies and differentiate permissionless (public) and permissioned (private) blockchains. The module will provide an introduction to the cryptographic concept and its use in forming a blockchain, as well as, the concept of mining and decentralised cryptocurrencies, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Real-world case studies will be included for students to learn specifics about blockchain characteristics, tokenization, GDPR, the concept of smart contracts and their applications, as well as regulatory environment and challenges as well as regulatory environment and challenges.
The aims of this module are to enhance students’ ability to analyse complex problems and develop solutions using computing concepts and techniques. This involves developing critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The module aims to provide students with the expertise and knowledge of different Embedded systems and the ability to assess, research and implement embedded solutions tailored for a specific domain. It also aims to develop students’ ability to design and implement computing systems. Students will apply software engineering principles and methodologies to create software systems that meet user requirements and are scalable, secure, and maintainable. The module will provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills through authentic assessment and learning activities, drawing from real-world scenarios.
The objective of this module is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to recognize the research gap in the project’s chosen area of research and to identify a research idea that incorporates an innovative component. The students will perform a critical analysis of the literature, select an appropriate framework for methodology, and write a thorough research report to support and illustrate their research ideas.
The aims of the capstone module are to provide students with the opportunity to coalesce and apply their knowledge from the taught elements of the programme into a coherent real-world project which will have Computing as the domain area. The capstone module facilitate the investigation and integration of insights gained throughout the course of study and disseminate these findings to diverse audiences. This module also aims to facilitate the formation of a personalised world view of the students own learning through the use of reflective techniques to identify skill and knowledge gaps and to actively seek out new knowledge to enhance their contribution to both their own professional development and self-efficacy.
On completion learners should be able to identify, source, retrieve and analyse information independently, from a variety of sources and by a variety of techniques and work independently to create novel and unique solutions to technically challenging computing problems in a research context.
As this is a blended learning programme students will be required to engage in a combination of on campus and online activities. All students will be introduced to the CCT online learning environment as part of the induction to the programme and will have access to further support as required.
Online activities can include live or pre-recorded lectures, independent learning and assessment activities such as research tasks, discussion forums, simulations, quizzes and e-portfolio work along with online group activities such as live classes, group project work, virtual labs and tutorials. Completing the online elements of the programme each week is essential to successfully complete the programme. On campus activities can include small group tutorials, labs, project supervision, problem solving case studies, library research and seminars.
A combination of both formative and summative assessment is employed within the Masters programme. Summative assessments are completed during the taught modules and through end of module assessments. The programme engages an authentic assessment approach to provide learners with an insight into real work tasks, scenarios and challenges. Opportunities for integrated assessment are maximised to better reflect the authentic work-based problems and scenarios. The programme uses a combination of continuous assessment, examination, and research project assessment methodologies.
The project stage culminates in a peer presentation and solution demonstration. There will be an opportunity for students to present a poster presentation of their work to industry representatives to informally evaluate and discuss solutions with learners, further enhancing the professionalism of the learner and engaging industry in the programme. This module incorporates learning from all modules in the taught components and aims to ready learners for industry and/or academic Computing and IT work.
CCT College Dublin has identified entry criteria and processes that will enable it to determine an applicant’s potential to succeed on the proposed programme.
The direct entry route to this programme requires applicants to evidence numerate, technical and analytical ability to a minimum of NFQ level 8 standard. Strong programming skills (a level 8 standard) are an essential requirement for admission.
The following are accepted as appropriate evidence for direct entry:
or
Applications are also welcome from individuals who do not meet the standard entry requirements but wish to apply for entry based on prior learning (RPL) or prior experiential learning (RPEL). The College will thoroughly assess applications received through RPL and RPEL to ensure that candidates are able to evidence learning to an appropriate standard – normally the framework level equivalent to the direct entry qualifications requirement and demonstrate potential to succeed and benefit from the programme. Applications submitted on this basis will be assessed in line with the College RPL policy.
Applications on the basis of experiential learning or informal / non-formal learning must evidence an applicant’s potential to succeed through demonstration of ability to pursue the programme at the applicable NFQ level, in the discipline area concerned, and benefit from the programme of study in question. The ability to produce written summaries, discussions and projects on academic and applied matters will be important.
Evidence may be provided through:
For applicants whose first language is not English, English language competency required for entry must be equal to or greater than B2+ in the CEFRL. English language credentials endorsed by other systems (viz. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, Duolingo etc.) will be assessed to ensure they meet this minimum standard.
This programme is designed for individuals who have previous knowledge in computing, through professional experience and/or educational qualifications. This programme is not suitable for individuals with only basic computer literacy.
This programme requires students to be able to actively engage in teaching, learning and assessment activities. To do so, student will be expected to provide their own laptop with the following hardware configuration:
The MSc in Computing programme has been designed to produce graduates with the attributes required of computing today and the ability to continue to develop knowledge, skill and competence to remain competitive and employable in an ever-advancing discipline. On successful completion of the MSc in Computing, graduates will be well placed to progress to further study, including level 10 doctoral studies, subject to the requirements of the institution to which they apply. Upon completion, graduates will also be equipped to secure employment opportunities in a range of IT roles, including leadership positions, and will have a firm appreciation of the need to maintain currency in their discipline as well commit to continuous professional development.
We are hosting a number of events in the lead up to the next academic year to give prospective students the opportunity to find out more about their course and the College. At the moment these events are virtual and you can pre-register here.
You can also book a one to one appointment with an Admissions Advisor in person or online via Zoom by email.
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
