MSc Advanced Software Engineering

Program Overview

The MSc Advanced Software Engineering program from UCD is a two-year, part-time program designed for experienced software engineers looking to advance their skills in software development. Delivered fully online, the program emphasizes current technologies, methodologies, and theories, providing graduates with the knowledge and expertise to succeed in demanding software development roles in various industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: MSc Advanced Software Engineering
• Program Level: Graduate Taught (level 9 NQF, credits 90)
• Program Description: This part-time Masters program is designed for experienced software engineers who wish to advance their skillset in areas of computer science and software development that impact directly on their work.
Participants are exposed to current technologies, methodologies, processes, and theories, as well as those still under research that may become mainstream in the future.
• Program Objectives: To provide experienced software engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers in the software development industry.
• Program Format: Online, two-year, September-start, part-time program.
• Program Structure: Six modules are taken at a rate of three per year.
Each module is offered online over a 12-week trimester (Autumn or Spring), usually with a written examination taking place at the end of the module.
• Typical Intake: About a dozen students per year.

Outline:

• Program Content: The ASE program involves taking six modules (60 credits) and a Masters dissertation (30 credits).
If all modules are passed and a 2.1 honors standard is achieved, the student may proceed to the dissertation component. Otherwise, the candidate completes with a Graduate Diploma.
• Program Structure:
• Year 1:
Three ASE modules are taken, delivered fully online.
• Year 2: Three ASE modules are taken, delivered fully online.
The dissertation period commences in the second year and the dissertation is usually submitted in May, with an option to extend the deadline to the following December.
• Module Delivery:
• The material is offered online as a number of packages.
• Each package comprises lecture slides, study material, a video of the lecturer presenting an overview of the material, and assignment work.
• Regular online Q&A sessions may be provided.
• Module Duration: Each module typically comprises 24 hours of lectures, as well as assignment/project/essay work to be undertaken in the student's own time.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Assignments, projects, and essays.
• Masters dissertation.
• Assessment Criteria:
• A 2.1 honors standard is required to proceed to the dissertation component.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Online delivery, including lecture slides, study material, video lectures, and online Q&A sessions.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes current technologies, methodologies, processes, and theories, as well as those still under research that may become mainstream in the future.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in software development, such as:
• Software Architect
• Senior Software Engineer
• Technical Lead
• Research and Development Engineer
• Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program have found employment in a variety of industries, including:
• Technology
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Education
• Career Outcomes: The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in demanding software development roles.

Other:

• Program Highlights:
• The program is designed for experienced software engineers who wish to advance their skillset.
• The program is delivered fully online, making it convenient for working professionals.
• The program emphasizes current technologies, methodologies, processes, and theories.
• The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in demanding software development roles.
• The program is a two-year, part-time program.
• The program is offered in September.
• The typical intake is about a dozen students per year.
• The program is not suitable for applicants who would need a visa to study in Ireland.

The annual EU fee for this Masters degree for 2024/25 is €5010. For suitably qualified non-EU applicants to the MSc ASE who do not qualify for EU fees, the School of Computer Science can offer a discretionary scholarship of €3,000 per annum, for the two years of the programme.