Computer Science - Advanced Software Development - Grangegorman

What is Computer Science (Advanced Software Development)?

The MSc in Computer Science (Advanced Software Development) aims to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to develop the complex software solutions that organizations need to compete in the emerging global digital economy.



The target audience is those with an undergraduate qualification in computer science or software development. Students will study advanced technical modules in programming, design, databases, architecture and web development to acquire the technical knowledge needed to practice as software developers working on leading edge development projects. In addition students will be equipped with key professional, technical communications skills needed to practice as a professional in the computing industry.

Specialist Core Modules

• Programming Paradigms: Principles & Practice

• Software Design

• Advanced Databases

• Systems Architectures

• Web Application Architectures

• Secure Systems Development



Critical Skills Core Modules

• Research Writing & Scientific Literature

• Research Methods and Proposal Writing

• Research Project & Dissertation or a Team Project



Option Modules

• Geographic Information Systems

• Universal Design

• Programming for Big Data

• Problem Solving, Communication and Innovation

• Social Network Analysis

• User Experience Design

• Security

• Deep Learning

• Speech & Audio Processing



Students can also take specialist core modules from the Data Science stream as option modules, subject to availability and schedules.

Minimum Entry Requirements?

The minimum admission requirements for entry to the MSc programme are a BSc (Honours) in Computer Science or a related discipline at level 2.1 or at level 2.2 with at least 2 years of relevant work experience. Applicants with other qualifications at Honours 2.1 level or better and relevant experience may also be considered.



If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants must present a minimum IELTS English proficiency score of 6.5 overall with at least level 6.0 for each component.



Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate courses satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the course of study applications will be assessed based on academic grades and any work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview.

Applications for full-time and some part-time postgraduate programmes commencing in September 2026 are now open. Applications for the remaining part-time programmes will open in February 2026. Please check individual course pages for application details.

2 years part-time, blended delivery.



Schedule

Teaching will be in the evening with classes starting at 18.00. Some critical skills modules are scheduled on a Saturday. Part-time students can progress through the course at their own pace. The recommended pathway to complete the part-time course in 2 years requires either taking modules two evenings (and 3 Saturdays per term) or for three evenings per week in each semester.



TU060 will be delivered in a blended mode: the majority of learning activities are delivered online. There is also the option of a number of onsite face-to-face touch points in each semester. These touch points include the induction event at the beginning of the academic year and face-to-face lectures and lab in weeks 1, 7 and 13 of each semester. In order to facilitate students who cannot attend, each face-to-face activity will be accompanied by an online version of the event, lectures and labs will be livestreamed from the classroom.

Commencement Date: September 2026.

What are my career opportunities?

Graduates completing the MSc will be qualified to take up strong technical roles in software development teams in a range of organisations. Specific opportunities include: software developer, software engineer, test engineer, software designer, systems analyst, web developer, technical consultant.