Master of Science in Computing

Masters in Computer Science Ireland
Type
Postgraduate
Duration
1 Year Full-Time
Validated by
QQI
Mode
Full-Time
Campus
Dublin Main Campus
NFQ Level
9
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Course Overview

Take the next step in your career and become a computing and IT specialist

This specialist Level 9 MSc in Computing aims to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue an active and leading role in a dynamic, evolving industry.

Preview image for the external video "Why Choose a Career in Computing?".

Why Study Computing at Griffith College?

Designed specifically to address a growing need in the industry, the MSc in Computing at Griffith College is a 1-year programme which aims to give students an insight into the world of academic and industrial computing research. Delivered on a full-time basis, as a graduate of this course, you will:

  • Obtain specialist knowledge and skills essential for a career in computing or IT.
  • Learn about mobile app development, but also how the current hardware can be used, i.e. learn how to use the built-in sensors; linking of devices, i.e. smartwatches, etc.; integration of mobile with the web and cloud
  • Gain a practical understanding of how to research and master technical issues, analyze and present your findings coherently, and document your work in a professional manner.
  • Explore the theories of cyber & information security with the practical aspects of secure programming.
  • Build upon your knowledge of supporting topics in the many disciplines of computing.
  • Fantastic job prospects in a high demand industry.

Course Highlights

  • Finish early with Postgraduate Diploma
  • Small class sizes
  • Access to state of the art facilities
  • A dedicated experienced lecturing Team
  • Industry guest speakers

Intake Dates

  • Dublin - Full-Time - September 2024
  • Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025
  • Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025
  • Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025

What our students say


The course builds on the knowledge acquired from the BSc in Computing, which is applied to topics such as cloud computing, information retrieval and communication security. Particular emphasis is put on research methods which is an excellent preparation for the master’s thesis and academic challenges to come.

Maximilian Annuss
Msc in Computing

I found the course to be both challenging and rewarding as it gave me the opportunity to acquire a valuable accreditation whilst enhancing my computer expertise. The modules on the course are extremely interesting and beneficial, knowledge of which will prove useful in the IT marketplace.

Anne-Gaelle Guilcher
Msc in Computing

Course Details

Please Note: The duration for full-time students who commence the programme in Semester 2 will be 1.5 years

Full-time students will complete the two taught stages over two semesters and will complete the dissertation/dissertation by practice in an additional third semester.

Part-time students will complete the two taught stages over four semesters and will complete the dissertation/dissertation by practice in an additional fifth semester.

Stage One

This module aims to significantly deepen the learners’ research skills, both in relation to their module related assignments and later in the completion of their major dissertation/dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends their abilities as self-directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing, and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, they are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends in computing science. The module also addresses the need for good project management skills and techniques for the successful delivery of any project.

This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the issues involved in the design and analysis of telecommunication networks, as well as a knowledge of such systems in terms of physical implementation, protocols, routing algorithms, management, software interfaces, and applications. The module focusses on high-speed telecommunication networks.

This module aims to introduce learners to mobile application development. Learners explore the differences in the computation model between desktop and mobile. Learners are also exposed to the reduced capabilities of this hardware and assess how this impacts their application development. They are also introduced to the sensors available on these devices and how they can be exploited. Learners evaluate advanced topics in mobile applications including different form factors (including, smartwatch, tv, etc.), VR and AR applications, integration with the web and cloud.

This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of Information Retrieval (IR) and web search algorithms. The module introduces fundamental techniques and relevant approaches from information retrieval used in a variety of applications such as web search and document matching systems. Learners get an understanding to the practical techniques used in IR systems and approaches used in ranking and evaluating these systems. Recent developments in IR and web search are introduced with the use of most recent academic papers.

Stage Two

This module aims to provide learners with a mastery of the core aspects of Information security. Learners gain an understanding of security services and mechanisms such as confidentiality, integrity, authentication, access control, secure communication, digital signatures, and the practical aspects of secure programming. Learners also critically understand the need for an information security policy and mechanism to test such policies as well as identifying and reacting to information security incidents.

The module aims to introduce learners to Agile Software Development practices. Learners are introduced to the Agile Manifesto and methods and, through practical agile software development, create a software artefact. Learners work in groups to realise a software solution to a problem proposed by a customer. They learn to work with the customer at all stages creating user stories, designing sprints, and reviewing sprints.

The module aims to introduce learners to cloud computing infrastructure. Learners evaluate state-of-the-art solutions offered by major cloud providers. Learners also explore important topics of research around the cloud such as energy optimisation, and the efforts to introduce standardisation in the cloud to give them an appreciation for the current and future direction of cloud-based services. Learners are given the opportunity to develop applications for a cloud-based platform and evaluate the differences between normal computation and a cloud-based model.

The module aims to introduce learners to different models of parallel and distributed programming. Learners study the theory, advantages and reduced processing time of this model compared to the single-threaded model. The concepts of critical sections and mutual exclusion are explored, initially with the use of multiple threads. Learners also study the distributed memory model of parallel processing where multiple physical machines will process and coordinate together to compute the solutions to a range of problems. The theory, design, and implementation of such solutions are explored.

Dissertation Stage

The aims for learners to produce a significant piece of development work as the capstone of their Master of Science in Computing Science, using the skillset developed over the duration of the programme. Learners are expected to rely particularly on the skillsets developed in the Research Methods module to bring a systematic piece of research and development work from initial requirements gathering through to final completion. Learners are individually supervised to ensure requirements are met and they are kept on track

Timetables

Timetables will be made available closer to the starting date.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Candidates applying for this course should have a 2.2 Level 8 honours degree in Computing Science, or a 2.2 Higher Diploma in Computing or related discipline or international equivalent and/or relevant work experience.

English Language

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here

How to Apply

To apply for the Master of Science in Computing please submit an online application

A member of our admissions team will then be in contact with you to request to following documents:

  • A copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts
  • A copy of your passport or driving licence​

Fees

For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.

Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.

Tuition Fees

Study Mode: Full-Time & Part Time 

 

Dublin Main Campus: EUR 7,750.00

Study Mode: Full-Time

 

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

 

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards. 

A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only.

Flexible payment options

Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:

  • Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
  • Email: [email protected]

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Progression

Academic Progression

On completion of the Level 9 MSc in Computing, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.

Career Progression

 Through the MSc in Computing you will have gained valuable professional experience, specialised in a key emerging field and developed many technical skills. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:

  • Technical Applications Developers
  • Computing Consultant
  • Systems Analysts
  • Database Administrators
  • Network Managers
  • Head of Data Science
  • Digital Designer
  • IT Operations Manager
  • Systems Analyst
  • Web Developer

FAQs

FAQs

The MSc in Computing course duration is 1 year for full-time students and 2 years for part-time students

The MSc in Computing course is available in both full-time and part-time study modes.

Graduates of the programme can pursue careers in various sectors, including software development, project management, IT consultancy, and systems analysis. Potential job roles include software engineer, IT consultant, systems analyst, project manager, and technical lead, among others.

The fees for the programme can be found on the Griffith College website. As fees may change over time or vary depending on factors like nationality or study mode, it is advisable to check the course page or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.

Griffith College typically offers various payment options for tuition fees, such as payment in full, payment by instalments, or payment through a sponsor. It is recommended to contact the admissions office or the finance department for specific details regarding payment options.

Griffith College offers a variety of services to support learners on campus, including access to computer labs, a library, study spaces, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, students have access to academic support services, career services, counselling services, and various clubs and societies to enhance their overall learning experience.

Ready to take the next step?