Computer Science - Software Engineering

The emphasis of the MSc in Computer Science (Software Engineering) is on the principles of good scientific software engineering practice, grounded in a hands-on understanding of the applicability of these practices, so that successful participants will be able to design and lead major software engineering projects.



Topics include requirements engineering, system design, testing strategies, software development and augmented software development, with an overall emphasis on the development of reliable software systems. The course is designed to give participants a strong foundation in advanced computer science topics ensuring longevity of their skills and their ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving field.

Each module is delivered as a series of intensive lectures. Each module also has associated practical work.



Participants submit a dissertation based on a Software Engineering topic.



Course Duration: 1 Year Full Time

Applicants must hold a minimum of a 4 year bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 1 (2:1) in a Computer Science discipline or a discipline with Significant Computer Science content. Mandatory subjects include Programming, Databases, Data Structure, OOSE etc. Applicants with less Computer Science should consider MHG68. Applicants who have achieved a 1st Class Honours (1:1) from MHG70 Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) are encouraged to apply.



Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 3 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 June 2026

1 year full-time.

Students graduating from the MSc in Software Engineering are well-regarded in the software industry. Most graduates end up employed either locally in Ireland's thriving software industry or internationally. Additionally, some students opt to continue in higher education by pursuing a PhD in Computer Science.