Computing

Overview
Take the next step in your career and become a computing and IT specialist.

This specialist Level 9 MSc in Computing aims to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue an active and leading role in a dynamic, evolving industry.

Why Study Computing at Griffith College?
Designed specifically to address a growing need in the industry, the MSc in Computing at Griffith College is a 1-year programme which aims to give students an insight into the world of academic and industrial computing research.

Delivered on a full-time basis, as a graduate of this course, you will:
• Obtain specialist knowledge and skills essential for a career in computing or IT.
• Learn about mobile app development, but also how the current hardware can be used, i.e. learn how to use the built-in sensors; linking of devices, i.e. smartwatches, etc.; integration of mobile with the web and cloud
• Gain a practical understanding of how to research and master technical issues, analyse and present your findings coherently, and document your work in a professional manner.
• Explore the theories of cyber & information security with the practical aspects of secure programming.
• Build upon your knowledge of supporting topics in the many disciplines of computing.
• Fantastic job prospects with a 100% employment record from a sample of 35 graduates from our class of 2017

Course Highlights
• Finish early with Postgraduate Diploma
• Small class sizes
• Access to state of the art facilities
• A dedicated experienced lecturing Team
• Industry guest speakers.

Stage One
Research Methods
This module aims to significantly deepen the learners' research skills, both in relation to their module related assignments and later in the completion of their major dissertation/dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends their abilities as self-directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing, and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, they are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends in computing science. The module also addresses the need for good project management skills and techniques for the successful delivery of any project.

Computer Networks & Internetworking
This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the issues involved in the design and analysis of telecommunication networks, as well as a knowledge of such systems in terms of physical implementation, protocols, routing algorithms, management, software interfaces, and applications. The module focusses on high-speed telecommunication networks.

Mobile Development
This module aims to introduce learners to mobile application development. Learners explore the differences in the computation model between desktop and mobile. Learners are also exposed to the reduced capabilities of this hardware and assess how this impacts their application development. They are also introduced to the sensors available on these devices and how they can be exploited. Learners evaluate advanced topics in mobile applications including different form factors (including, smartwatch, tv, etc.), VR and AR applications, integration with the web and cloud.

Information Retrieval and Web Search
This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of Information Retrieval (IR) and web search algorithms. The module introduces fundamental techniques and relevant approaches from information retrieval used in a variety of applications such as web search and document matching systems. Learners get an understanding to the practical techniques used in IR systems and approaches used in ranking and evaluating these systems. Recent developments in IR and web search are introduced with the use of most recent academic papers.

Stage Two
Information Security
This module aims to provide learners with a mastery of the core aspects of Information security. Learners gain an understanding of security services and mechanisms such as confidentiality, integrity, authentication, access control, secure communication, digital signatures, and the practical aspects of secure programming. Learners also critically understand the need for an information security policy and mechanism to test such policies as well as identifying and reacting to information security incidents.

Agile Software Development
The module aims to introduce learners to Agile Software Development practices. Learners are introduced to the Agile Manifesto and methods and, through practical agile software development, create a software artefact. Learners work in groups to realise a software solution to a problem proposed by a customer. They learn to work with the customer at all stages creating user stories, designing sprints, and reviewing sprints.

Cloud Platforms & Applications
The module aims to introduce learners to cloud computing infrastructure. Learners evaluate state-of-the-art solutions offered by major cloud providers. Learners also explore important topics of research around the cloud such as energy optimisation, and the efforts to introduce standardisation in the cloud to give them an appreciation for the current and future direction of cloud-based services. Learners are given the opportunity to develop applications for a cloud-based platform and evaluate the differences between normal computation and a cloud-based model.

Parallel & Distributed Programming
The module aims to introduce learners to different models of parallel and distributed programming. Learners study the theory, advantages and reduced processing time of this model compared to the single-threaded model. The concepts of critical sections and mutual exclusion are explored, initially with the use of multiple threads. Learners also study the distributed memory model of parallel processing where multiple physical machines will process and coordinate together to compute the solutions to a range of problems. The theory, design, and implementation of such solutions are explored.

Dissertation Stage
Dissertation/Dissertation by Practice
The aims for learners to produce a significant piece of development work as the capstone of their Master of Science in Computing Science, using the skillset developed over the duration of the programme. Learners are expected to rely particularly on the skillsets developed in the Research Methods module to bring a systematic piece of research and development work from initial requirements gathering through to final completion. Learners are individually supervised to ensure requirements are met and they are kept on track.

Candidates applying for this course should have a 2.2 Level 8 honours degree in Computing Science, or a 2.2 Higher Diploma in Computing or related discipline or international equivalent and/or relevant work experience.

English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.

How to Apply
To apply for the Master of Science in Computing please submit an online application
A member of our admissions team will then be in contact with you to request to following documents:
• A copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts
• A copy of your passport or driving licence.

1 year full-time.

Intake Dates
We run 2 intakes for this course commencing in Spring and Autumn.
February 2020*
September 2020

*subject to sufficient numbers.

Academic Progression
On completion of the Level 9 MSc in Computing, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.

Career Progression
Through the MSc in Computing you will have gained valuable professional experience, specialised in a key emerging field and developed many technical skills.

There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
• Technical Applications Developers
• Computing Consultant
• Systems Analysts
• Database Administrators
• Network Managers
• Head of Data Science
• Digital Designer
• IT Operations Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Web Developer