Information & Communication Studies - Information Systems

MSc Information Systems
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

The MSc in Information Systems incorporates aspects of information technology and data analytics with a firm grounding social science. The programme is interdisciplinary in nature and examines how information is gathered, analysed and communicated along with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence within the broader context of emerging ethical questions concerning the impact of technology in society.

Students will learn the core theoretical principles involved in the design, development and deployment of technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning and will gain the skills to utilise machine learning and social network analysis to uncover new information from datasets. They will also gain the skills to critically evaluate artificial intelligence and identify issues that pose potential ethical risk to organisations and society. The programme is flexible allowing for a range of specialisations such as human-computer interaction.

The MSc in Information Systems is designed for both non-technical and technical backgrounds. A central aim of this course is to ensure that all students gain the skills needed to participate in the design and critical evaluation of emerging technologies.

The programme engages students primarily through lectures, online learning exercises and group work as well as individual assignments

UCD School of Information & Communication Studies is an active member of the iSchools consortium – a global collection of Information Schools dedicated to advancing the information field and sharing a fundamental interest in the relationships between information, people, and technology.

Vision and Values Statement
The MSc in Information Systems introduces students to core disciplines integral to the deep exploration of the practical and theoretical issues related to the design and deployment of human centered information systems. The degree incorporates a strong interdisciplinary and human-centered focus, combining theory and practice-based perspectives from across a range of disciplines. We envisage students to become critical thinkers as to the role of the human within the development and design of interfaces and systems and impact that technology has upon individuals, organisations and society.

The learning environment of the programme encourages the development of research and design as well as analytical and group work skills. Students conduct a range of individual and group based assignments that focus on key theoretical, research and design based challenges in human centered computing.

The programme engages students primarily through lectures, online learning exercises and group work as well as individual assignments.

Programme Outcomes
The MSc in Information Systems introduces students to core concepts in information systems, practical skills in processing and analysing information along with critical skills to evaluate ethical risks of technology in organisations and society. Students will gain:

· Knowledge of the foundations along with key theories and principles associated with information systems.

· Understanding of the historical context and principles of artificial intelligence.

· Skills in uncovering new information from large data sources using techniques such as machine learning and social network analysis.

· Critical skills required to evaluate the collection and processing of information and the broader impact on society.

· Ability to integrate ethical frameworks and conduct ethical risk assessments on artificial intelligence systems.

· Expertise to participate in cross-disciplinary teams on the design and deployment of emerging technologies.

· Project management competencies.

· A solid understanding of how to research a topic using published sources.

· Understanding of information technology and social computing, including its limitation, strengths and future possibilities, and issues in a constantly changing a complex world of information.

· Skills in conducting collaborative and team-based projects.

Stage 1 - Core
Information Architecture: Designing the WebIS30050
UXD: User-Centered DesignIS40610
Research MethodsIS40640
ThesisIS40710
Quantitative Data AnalysisIS40730
Research Theory and PracticeIS40820
Project ManagementIS40890
Artificial IntelligenceIS40970

Stage 1 - Option
Human Language TechnologiesCOMP40020
Human Computer InteractionCOMP41710
Introduction to Cognitive ScieCOMP47230
Web PublishingIS30020
The Digital SelfIS30350
Information EthicsIS30370
Digital StorytellingIS30380
People, Information & Communication: Our Information BehaviourIS40030
Research PracticeIS40390
Digital LibrariesIS40560
Foundations of Info StudiesIS40600
Digital Curation:Core ConceptsIS40630
Research ExperienceIS40700
Data & SocietyIS40840
Media & SocietyIS40860
Topics in Digital Media & CommIS40870
Communication TheoryIS40880
Media Production CulturesIS40950
Spatialising Social MediaIS40980

This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in any discipline. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required.

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 Information Systems FT (W267)
Deadline
Rolling*

MSc Information Systems PT (W268)
Part Time
Deadline

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

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Careers & Employability
Information Systems encompass every aspect of society. Understanding how data is collected, processed, analysed and the principles underlying technologies such as artificial intelligence is key to the future success of many organisations from industry, government and NGOs.

The MSc in Information Systems teaches key skills currently in demand such as machine learning, data analytics and ethical evaluation of AI. The strong multi-disciplinary ethos of the School of Information and Communication ensures that students who graduate with the MSc in Information Systems will have strong skills in critical thinking and an ability to work alongside people from a range of backgrounds.

There is a growing job marked for information systems graduates with roles within consulting firms, software and technology companies, start-up companies and government and non-governmental organisations. The MSc in Information Systems is design with an eye to both present and future trends within the job market, particularly in relation to emerging trends in data analytics, technology and emerging societal questions.