Computer Science - Conversion

MSc Computer Science (Conversion)
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 120)

MSc Computer Science (Conversion) is a skills conversion graduate programme for individuals who hold a primary degree in another discipline (e.g., Arts, Commerce), and would like to enter into an IT related career.

- Programme tailored to the needs of non-Computer Science graduates

- Modules covering the fundamental skills required by modern technology companies complemented by one semester of advanced specialised modules

- Significant research-oriented project with presentation

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Vision and Values Statement
The MSc. Computer Science (Conversion) is an NFQ Level 9 skills conversion programme aimed at students holding a primary degree in another discipline (e.g., Arts, Business, Social Science, etc.) who wish to gain a postgraduate qualification in Computer Science. Building on key transferable graduate outcomes of communication, reflection, critical thinking and independent learning that our students bring to the programme, we seek to develop individuals with a passion for Computer Science and the skills and experience necessary to enter into an IT-related career. We aim to provide a learning environment that is practically-oriented and place a strong emphasis on developing competence in core Computer Science topics and programming skills. As such, the teaching, learning and assessment approaches focus on hands-on practical sessions with assignments and MCQs, individual/group projects and presentations, and enquiry-based learning activities. All of these approaches are designed and delivered by leading academics at the UCD School of Computer Science specifically to facilitate the transition of non-Computer Science graduates into the IT sector. MSc. Computer Science (Conversion) students undertake a significant project-based research practicum during the summer months and create an individual portfolio with specific project and overall programme outcomes. The final semester allows students to specialize or tailor the programme to their interests with advanced and research-led modules.

Programme Outcomes
Apply the core principles of software engineering, database design and programming to solve real-world problems

Demonstrate an integrated knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles which underpin modern Computer Science

Demonstrate competence and specialist knowledge in other advanced areas of Computer Science (e.g. Data Science, Cloud & Distributed Computing, Software Engineering, forensics & Security, Artificial Intelligence & Cognitive Science)

Discover patterns in data and understand how decisions and predictions can be made using data analytics techniques

Employ web application development concepts and technologies to design and create feature-rich and versatile websites

Synthesise a range of "Big Ideas" in Computer Science and critically reflect on how they relate to current applications and state-of-the-art research within and beyond the field

Undertake independent innovative research and development related to real-world computer science applications with a full project life-cycle and present the outcomes to technical and lay audiences

Work with confidence both autonomously and as part of a team on IT-related projects and in a professional environment

This is a 120-credit MSc which runs over 16 months. During the first year you take 60 credits of taught modules and a research practicum. In the final semester, you choose from a range of modules on offer on the MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) programme.

Stage 1 - Core
Programming I (Conversion) COMP10280
Data Structures & Algorithms (Conversion) COMP20230
Relational Databases & Information Systems (Conversion) COMP20240
Python OOP (Conv) COMP20270
Operating Systems (Conversion) COMP30640
Networks & Internet Systems (Conversion) COMP30650
Computer Architecture & Organistion (Conversion) COMP30660
Web Application Development (Conversion) COMP30680
Java Programming (Conv) COMP30820
Software Engineering (Conv) COMP30830
Computational Thinking (Conversion) COMP47340
Data Analytics (Conversion) COMP47350
Research Practicum (MSc Conversion) COMP47360

- An Upper Second class honours degree, or the international equivalent, in a discipline other than Computer Science is required for entry. (In exceptional circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree (2:2 grade) will be considered if the applicant shows evidence of significant relevant prior experiential learning.)

- Computer Science is a mathematical subject involving logical understanding and reasoning and therefore applicants must be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of mathematics.

- If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Computer Science (Conversion) FT (T195)
Duration 16 Months Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

120

16 months full-time.

MSc Computer Science (Conversion) (T195) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9650
nonEU fee per year - € 25600

***Fees are subject to change

Next Intake: 2020/2021 September

Careers & Employability
Ireland is home to the world's top 10 technology companies. It is known as the Internet and Games Capital of Europe and is among the world's most technologically developed nations. There are excellent job opportunities, with 5,000 job vacancies in the sector at present.

Some of the roles graduates of this MSc have worked in include the following:
Software Engineer
Computer Programmer
IT Project Analyst
Performance Engineer
SAP Support Engineer
Python Developer
Web Applications Developer
Business Analyst
Technical Analyst
Technical Consultant

Companies that have employed graduates include IBM, Dell, Accenture, SAP, Mastercard, Computershare Ireland, Deloitte Ireland, First Derivatives, General Motors, Bearing Point, Logentries, AIB, Eircom and Paddy Power.

High achieving graduates from this programme may also be eligible to pursue a graduate research degree in a Computer Science related field.