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.

Stage 1 - Core
• Quantitative Data Analysis - IS40730
• Data & Society - IS40840
• Project Management - IS40890
• Machine Learning Foundations - IS41070
• AI Ethics - IS41080
• Informatics - IS41090
• Artificial Intelligence - IS41100

Stage 1 - Option
• Human Language Technologies - COMP40020
• Introduction to Cognitive Scie - COMP47230
• Digital Storytelling - IS30380
• Digital Libraries - IS40560
• UXD: User-Centered Design - IS40610
• Research Theory and Practice - IS40820
• Media & Society - IS40860
• Topics in Digital Media & Comm - IS40870
• Communication Theory - IS40880
• Digital Policy - IS40910
• Media Production Cultures - IS40950
• Digital Policy II - IS40960
• Social Networks Online and Offline - IS40980
• Information Ethics - IS41020
• Platform Governance - IS41050
• Media Law & Policy - IS41190
• Creative & Interactive Media - IS41230

Entry Requirements
• 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)
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

W267: 1 year full-time
W268: 2 years part-time

Mode of delivery: Face-to-Face

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.