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MSC COMPUTER SCIENCE (SOFTWARE ENGINEERING) (ONE YEAR PROGRAMME)
The emphasis of this 1-year full-time programme is on the principles of good scientific software engineering practice. The course is designed to give you a strong foundation in advanced computer science topics – ensuring skills longevity and an ability to adapt in a rapidly-evolving field.
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- Qualification
- Master Of Science Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHG50
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The emphasis of the MSc in Computer Science (Software Engineering) is on the principles of good scientific software engineering practice, grounded in a hands-on understanding of the applicability of these practices, so that successful participants will be able to design and lead major software engineering projects.
Topics include requirements engineering, system design, testing strategies, software development and augmented software development, with an overall emphasis on the development of reliable software systems. The course is designed to give participants a strong foundation in advanced computer science topics ensuring longevity of their skills and their ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving field.
Course structure
Duration: 1 Year Full Time
Each module is delivered as a series of intensive lectures. Each module also has associated practical work.
Participants submit a dissertation based on a Software Engineering topic.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers after your Masters
Students graduating from the MSc in Software Engineering are well-regarded in the software industry. Most graduates end up employed either locally in Ireland’s thriving software industry or internationally. Additionally, some students opt to continue in higher education by pursuing a PhD in Computer Science.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a 4 year bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 1 (2:1) in a Computer Science discipline or an equivalent volume of Computer Science as part of a degree in a cognate subject.
Applicants who have achieved a 1st Class Honours (1:1) from MHG70 Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must have completed the mandatory modules below as part of their degree and achieved a minimum of 60%;
• Introduction to Computer Science (Programming Modules)
• Advanced Computer Science
• OOSE (Completed after First Year)
• Structured programming comes before OOSE, F sharp/ C Sharp, Python (minimum of 2 Python modules) and Java
• Databases
• Data Structures/Algorithms
• Discrete Structures
• Final Year Project/Internship
Applicants must have additionally completed 4 of the below modules (minimum one of each) and achieved a minimum of 50%;
• Maths
• Networks
• Computer Architecture
• Operating Systems
• Software Development
• Software Engineering
The below modules are desirable for this programme;
• NET (C++)
• ASP (Web Tech Course)
• Compilers
• Microprocessors
• Assembly Language
Applicants with fails or repeats in computer science modules may not be considered for the programme and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.