Information & Communication Studies - Information Systems

GradDip Information Systems
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)

Grad Dip Informaton Systems brings together aspects of information technology, data analytics, information & communication studies with a firm grounding in social science. Students will gain an understanding of informatics and will explore the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on society.

The course is flexible allowing for different areas of specialisation. For instance, students may focus on human-computer interaction, organising information or on using machine learning to mine information from data.

UCD School of Information & Library 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 GradDip 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.

Note that, unlike the MSc Information Systems, students on this programme do not complete a final year thesis or capstone project.

Programme Outcomes
Highly developed knowledge of the foundations and key theories and principles associated with information systems and information management

Excellent personal organisation and time management skills

Highly developed research project competencies, providing the basis to develop, manage and implement the research project process and research projects in a professional context

Highly developed abilities to identify problems and to address problems through the use of published research and research and design methods

Highly developed knowledge of professional issues underpinning the information profession, including the evolving roles of information professionals

Highly developed 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

Highly developed competencies with information management

Highly developed ability to assess clients' needs and then develop, provide and manage a range of socio-technical solutions appropriate for the clients' context.

Highly developed human management abilities, including personal and organisational management skills

Highly developed abilities to learn, adapt and respond to continuous change in different environments

Highly developed collaborative and team-based learning competencies, demonstrating effective interpersonal and leadership skills

Highly developed communication skills, including written and verbal skills, which facilitate the graduate's participation and development in professional careers

Stage 1 - Core
Information Architecture: Designing the WebIS30050
UXD: User-Centered DesignIS40610
Research MethodsIS40640
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.

The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip Information Systems FT (W329)
Deadline
Rolling*

Grad Dip Information Systems PT (W330)
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. No

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
Graduates will be qualified to work in industry, government, universities and NGOs in roles such as:

Web content manager
Social media manager
Webmaster
Knowledge management analyst
Digital publisher
Information architect