Computer Science - Enterprise Software Systems - Waterford

This MSc programme equips graduates with the advanced technical and analytical skills needed to design, develop, and manage enterprise software systems in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Grounded in software engineering and emerging technologies, the programme supports the full lifecycle of enterprise software, from architecture and development through to deployment and strategic management.



The programme aims to produce graduates who can:



Apply advanced problem-solving and engineering skills to the design and development of robust, scalable enterprise software systems;



Contribute strategically to technology-driven transformation within organisations;



Lead and manage the delivery of high-quality software products and services;



Conduct research-informed projects for industry;



Navigate innovation and change in dynamic, technology-intensive environments.



A distinctive feature of this programme is its broad and flexible elective offering, which spans core software engineering disciplines as well as emerging specialisations. Students can tailor their learning pathway to align with their career goals.



The programme can be taken on a full-time or a part-time basis. Full-time students complete it in 12 months. Industry professionals participating on a part-time basis can complete the programme over two years, or over a longer period if a less intensive pace is preferred. It is a 90-credit programme, comprising six taught elective modules and a dissertation (which is structured into two mandatory modules). The programme was developed in close consultation with technology companies in the South East region.



There is also the option for students to sign up for shorter “stackable” Certificate programmes, each of which is a subset of the MSc.

All modules are worth 10 credits except where stated



Mandatory Modules

Research Methods & Dissertation Proposal

Dissertation (20 credits)



Elective Modules

Agile Software Development

Business Intelligence

Cloud Architecture

Design Patterns

Enterprise Web Development

Information Security

Machine Learning

Mobile App Development

User Experience & Design



Affiliated Electives

The following modules from other programmes may also be taken as electives on this programme (with some restrictions).



From MSc in Computing (Information Systems Processes):

Business Process Analysis & Design

Human Centred Systems

Information Systems Project Management



From Certificate in Artificial Intelligence:

AI Principles and Practice

Building AI Systems

AI Optimisation



From Certificate in Mainframe Technologies:

Mainframe Programming 1

Mainframe Programming 2

Mainframe Technologies (5 credits)

Mainframe Cloud Computing (5 credits)

Applicants will normally require a second class honours degree in computer science, or equivalent. Exceptions to this are considered on a case by case basis where the applicant has substantial relevant work experience.



Applicants whose previous higher education took place in a country where English is not the majority language must provide certification to meet SETU's English Language requirements.



The course is suitable for full-time students who complete it over a 12-month period and also for IT professionals who can participate in the programme on a part-time basis and complete it over a time frame that suits their needs, for example over two years.

1-2 years, full-time or part-time.



Course Delivery

Some modules take place in a classroom format and others are offered online. With classroom-based modules, lectures are typically directly followed by practical laboratory sessions on the same day to allow those working in industry to take specific modules on a day-release basis. A balanced subset of elective modules is run each semester subject to demand and capacity.

Next Intake September 2026

Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are well positioned for employment in advanced technical, professional and research roles in the ICT industry. Examples of typical roles are: software developer; DevOps engineer; security analyst; business systems analyst; project manager. Some graduates go on to pursue PhD research, building on the research skills developed on the programme.