| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-08 | - |
Program Overview
Interactive Media
Course Fact File
- Code: MSCIM
- Duration: 1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
- Teaching Mode: Full-time, Part-Time
- Qualifications: MSc
- NFQ Level: Level 9
- Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
- Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
- Start Date: 8 September 2025
Course Outline
The MSc in Interactive Media is a Conversion Course; it is an intensive taught course focusing on the practical and technical aspects of interactive media.
The broad aim of the course is to equip students from a wide range of backgrounds with a thorough understanding of the technology and industry-standard tools used in the digital media sector. Interactive digital media seeks to entertain, inform and inspire an audience. The creation of interactive digital media is a challenging and complex activity requiring a blend of creative and technical skills using a range of existing and emerging technologies.
On successful completion of the course, you will have a comprehensive knowledge of the underlying concepts, technologies and practices of interactive digital media and be able to apply these to create interactive digital media products.
The MSc (Interactive Media) is a taught programme that may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme.
Programme Structure
Students must attain 90 credits through a combination of:
- Core modules (60 credits)
- Dissertation (30 credits)
Core Modules
Full-time students 30 credits; part-time students choose three modules each year (15 credits), for a total of six separate modules over the two years (30 credits).
Modules - Semester 1
- CS6100 Authoring (5 credits)
- CS6101 Web Development for Digital Media (5 credits)
- CS6102 Graphics for Interactive Media (5 credits)
- CS6103 Audio and Sound Engineering (5 credits)
- CS6104 Digital Video Capture and Packaging (5 credits)
- CS6111 3D Graphics and Modelling (5 credits)
Modules - Semester 2
Full-time students: 30 credits; part-time students 15 credits.
- CS6105 Future and Emerging Interaction Technologies (5 credits)
- CS6113 Internet-based Applications (5 credits)
- CS6114 Digital Video Compression and Delivery (5 credits)
- CS6115 Human-Computer Interaction (5 credits)
- CS6116 Mobile Multimedia (5 credits)
- CS6117 Audio Processing (5 credits)
Project Phase (After Period 2)
- CS6200 Dissertation in Interactive Media (30 credits)
Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
- Lectures: 12 hours per week (full-time); 6 hours per week (part-time)
- Laboratory sessions: 6 hours per week (full-time); 3 hours per week (part-time)
You are expected to undertake independent reading and study.
Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Media
Students who successfully achieve the pass standard in the examination may opt not to proceed to the digital media project and may opt instead to be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Media.
Why Choose This Course
This Conversion Course is intended for graduates who do not have a Computer Science Degree and would like to attain skills that are in demand by the IT sector.
We aim to equip you with qualifications relevant to the multimedia, broadcast, games, web, social media and general ICT industries. Interactive media is a fast-changing discipline, so we actively engage with industry and the research communities to ensure that the content of the course is continuously evolving and relevant, preparing students for a productive future in the digital media industry.
Skills and Careers Information
The ICT sector in Ireland is a thriving and growing industry with the top 5 global software companies, the top 3 global enterprise software companies, and 9 of the top 10 US ICT companies maintaining a presence in Ireland (IDA Ireland).
This sector is one of the country’s most prevalent employers with over 75,000 people employed by ICT companies in Ireland. There are currently 5,400 ICT companies in Ireland, 233 of which are foreign-owned. The sector is amongst the top three Irish growth industries, with both indigenous and international companies creating large bases in the country (Enterprise Europe).
Numerous reports, both national and international have highlighted the digital media industry as one of the fastest-growing industries in a high-value sector with significant employment and strong revenues.
Our graduates take up employment in areas such as:
- Graphic Design & UI/UX Development
- Senior Developer, Designer, Architect, Management
- Social Media / Digital Content
- Product Management
- Digital Analytics / Visualisation
- Data / Statistical Analysis, Business Intelligence Specialist
Companies actively recruiting our graduates include the following:
- ABB Group
- Amazon
- Apple
- capSpire
- ChyronHego Corporation
- Connecta Ireland
- Core International
- Eden Recruitment
- General Motors
- Ignite Programme
- University College Cork
- Johnson Controls
- Media HQ
- MMD Distribution
- Pentagon 2000
- PFH Technology Group
- Retail in Motion
- SANA Consultants
- Screendragon
- Search4Less
- Teamwork
- TPx
- User-X Ltd
- VMware
- Wave Break Media
- Xanadu Consultancy
- Zahra Media Group
Requirements
- Open to graduates of any discipline who have achieved at least a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), or those with an equivalent professional qualification, are eligible to apply, provided there is no significant overlap between their previous courses of study and the content of this course. Significant overlap may occur where candidates have pursued a Computer Science course with significant multimedia or digital media content. In these cases, the Selection Committee will decide the eligibility of the candidate. Applicants without the requisite primary degree will be subject to the approval of the School and the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- Candidates from Grandes Écoles Colleges are also eligible to apply if they are studying in an ENSEA or EFREI Graduate School and are eligible to enter the final year (M2) of their programme, provided there is no significant overlap between their previous courses of study and the content of this course.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc in Interactive Media is a Conversion Course designed for graduates from various backgrounds who wish to gain practical and technical skills in interactive media. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the technology and industry-standard tools used in the digital media sector. The course focuses on the creation of interactive digital media, which involves a blend of creative and technical skills using a range of existing and emerging technologies. Upon completion, students will have a thorough knowledge of the underlying concepts, technologies, and practices of interactive digital media and be able to apply these to create interactive digital media products.
Outline:
The MSc (Interactive Media) is a taught program that can be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration.
Program Structure:
Students must earn 90 credits through a combination of:
- Core modules (60 credits): Full-time students take all core modules in one year, while part-time students choose three modules each year (15 credits), totaling six modules over two years (30 credits).
- Dissertation (30 credits): This project is undertaken after the core modules are completed.
Core Modules:
Semester 1:
- CS6100 Authoring (5 credits): This module covers the principles and practices of authoring interactive media, including scripting, animation, and multimedia integration.
- CS6102 Graphics for Interactive Media (5 credits): This module explores the use of graphics in interactive media, covering topics such as image manipulation, vector graphics, and 2D animation.
- CS6104 Digital Video Capture and Packaging (5 credits): This module covers the techniques and technologies involved in capturing, editing, and packaging digital video for interactive media.
- CS6111 3D Graphics and Modelling (5 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of 3D graphics and modeling, including software tools and techniques for creating 3D objects and environments.
Semester 2:
- CS6105 Future and Emerging Interaction Technologies (5 credits): This module explores the latest advancements in interactive technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and wearable computing.
- CS6114 Digital Video Compression and Delivery (5 credits): This module covers the principles and techniques of digital video compression and delivery, including codecs, streaming protocols, and content distribution networks.
- CS6115 Human-Computer Interaction (5 credits): This module explores the principles of human-computer interaction, including user interface design, usability testing, and accessibility.
- CS6116 Mobile Multimedia (5 credits): This module focuses on the development of interactive media for mobile devices, including mobile app development, responsive design, and cross-platform compatibility.
Note:
Not all modules may be offered in a particular year and are subject to change.
Project Phase (After Period 2):
- CS6200 Dissertation in Interactive Media (30 credits): This module involves the development of a substantial interactive media project, which allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or challenge. The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over two years.
Course Practicalities:
- Lectures: 12 hours per week (full-time); 6 hours per week (part-time)
- Laboratory sessions: 6 hours per week (full-time); 3 hours per week (part-time) Students are expected to undertake independent reading and study.
Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Media:
Students who successfully achieve the pass standard in the examination may opt not to proceed to the digital media project and may instead be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Media.
Careers:
The ICT sector in Ireland is a thriving and growing industry with a strong presence of global software and ICT companies. This sector is a major employer in Ireland, with numerous opportunities for graduates in interactive media.
Graduates from this program typically find employment in areas such as:
- Graphic Design & UI/UX Development
- Senior Developer, Designer, Architect, Management
- Social Media / Digital Content
- Product Management
- Digital Analytics / Visualisation
Other:
Interactive media is a fast-changing discipline, so the program actively engages with industry and research communities to ensure that the course content is continuously evolving and relevant, preparing students for a productive future in the digital media industry.
