Computing

MSc in Computing
Course overview
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:
• Evidence expert knowledge of current and emerging trends and technologies in computing, including operating systems, software development methodologies, hardware interfaces and programming paradigms.
• Critically evaluate the design, development, and deployment of recent and emerging computing systems, including cloud-based, embedded and distributed systems.
• Undertake research, synthesise and apply knowledge acquired from multiple sources, including academic and professional literature, to inform approaches to real-world scenarios and the development of new technologies and applications.
• Demonstrate advanced computing skills and competence including functional programming, distributed systems, architecture, software development, data structures, and optimisation, and be able to apply this to develop efficient and scalable software applications.
• Design, implement, evaluate and critique computing solutions for real-world case studies/ problems drawing upon preliminary research, legal guidelines, ethical practice and IEEE/ ISO/ ANSI professional standards.
• Work autonomously and collaboratively in leading or contributing to resolving complex computing challenges or projects, engaging effectively with stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for progressing own learning through critical self-analysis, peer interaction, feedback or input from others, professional development, and undertaking preliminary research.
• Act with integrity and professionalism, evidencing sound knowledge and appreciation of ethical and social issues in computing, including privacy, security, and intellectual property.
• Undertake independent research to build an innovative design of a potential authentic computing solution, develop and implement this artefact, employing emerging or current industry practice/ frameworks / techniques.

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.

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.

Stage 1 (Taught Stage)
• Computer Interaction and Communication (UX/UI) – 10 ECTS
• Programming Paradigms – 5 ECTS
• Operating Systems and Architecture – 5 ECTS
• Software Process Management – 10 ECTS
• Advanced Networking and Security – 10 ECTS
• Blockchain and Distributed Storage – 10 ECTS
• Embedded Systems – 5 ECTS
• Research and Professional Ethics – 5 ECTS
• Capstone Project – 30 ECTS

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:
1. An NFQ level 8 major award in IT (or cognate discipline) with strong programming skills
or
1. An NFQ level 8 major award from a non-cognate discipline with a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience, and evidencing strong programming skills

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:
• Prior study and qualifications, including CPD, short courses and professional awards as well as NFQ awards
• Work experience and achievements
• Other experiential learning obtained through volunteering or non-employment experience
• Successful completion of an entry assessment set by the College
A combination of the above

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:
• 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended)
• a modern 64-bit ×86 processor (Intel i5 or superior)
• 250+ GB of available space in hard disk
• WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS or Windows.

Study Modes:
Full-time (day) or Part-time Blended (evenings and weekend)

Intakes: Autumn (September) and Spring (February)
Next Intake Commencing: September 2024

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.