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Course Details

Course Code(s):
MSSOENTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Full-Time
Award:
Masters (MSc)
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Science and Engineering
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Michael English
Address: Department of Computer Science and Information Systems Email: michael.english@ul.ie Telephone: 353-61-202772

Read instructions on how to apply

for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

There is continuous demand for software engineers and data analysts both internationally and nationally. 

The Master of Science (MSc) in Software Engineering is a one-year, full-time master’s programme designed to develop expertise in building robust, large-scale software systems and extracting actionable insights utilising data analytics.  

Delivered through a blend of advanced coursework and a substantial end-of-year project, the programme offers a special focus on modern software engineering practices. You will choose to specialise in either Software Process and Analysis or Data Analytics.   

Designed for computing or related graduates, and professionals seeking to advance their skills in large-scale software development, system architecture, and data analytics. It prepares students for careers in high-demand sectors such as fintech, medtech, cloud computing, and AI. 

During this programme, you will:  

  • Equip students with advanced capabilities in designing, developing, and maintaining large-scale, sophisticated software systems. 

  • Develop your ability to critically evaluate software engineering research and its application to current practice. 

  • Gain the knowledge, techniques and tools required to analyse large data sets and extract valuable knowledge from them. 

  • Enhance your employment prospects by meeting the industry's demands for software engineers and data analysts. 

Key information: 

  • Complete full-time over one year 

  • Delivered on campus  

  • Choose to specialise in a dedicated stream  

  • Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters  

  • Option to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma after spring semester 

  • Submit a dissertation at the end of summer semester to achieve a Masters. 

You will learn through a blend of:  

  • Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

  • Reflective practice and guided research  

  • Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Year 1  

Autumn Semester 

Core modules 

  • outlines the nature of research and the reasons for research investigations. 

  • equips students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement quality Object-Oriented (OO) and Component-Based Development (CBD) software in accordance with best practice embodied in architecture and design patterns and design principles. 

  • provides a perspective on the principles and concepts of software development. 

  • introduces fundamental theories of parallel and concurrent software development. 

Streams – choose 1 

Stream 1: Software Process and Analysis 

  • focuses on the tools, technologies, theories and practices of software evolution. 

Stream 2: Data Analytics 

  • equips students with an understanding of the key principles and methods in the field of Machine Learning. 

Spring Semester  

Core modules 

  • provides an understanding of the management of software quality and measurement techniques for monitoring software quality. 

  • explores the need for understanding users and the increasing importance of the contexts of use.  

  • architecture. Provides students with sound technical exposure to the concepts, principles, methods, and best practices in software architecture. The module adapts software architecture to real-world cases using enterprise architecture frameworks. 

Streams – choose 1 

Stream 1: Software Process and Analysis 

  • develops a critical awareness of the inherent challenges and barriers to success in the engineering of requirements. 

  • examines the processes for managing computer-based systems and what is required to implement them successfully. 

Stream 2: Data Analytics 

  • introduces students to big data management and associated issues. 

  • introduces the main components of the data mining process. 

Summer Semester 

  • enables students to prepare a research paper for a specific conference or a dissertation that will be subject to external and internal examination. 

Books and journal articles needed for the programme will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.   

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s  

  • Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8,) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline such as computer systems, computer science or applied mathematics. 

  • The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview. 

 

International students:  

Checklist of Documents: 

  • *Academic transcripts and certificates
    • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
  • English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
  • Copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • Copy of your CV – detailing your work experience 

English Language: 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

  • To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
    • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
    • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
  • *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €8,200

Non-EU - €20,800

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).   

 
Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:   

  • Software engineering
  • Software project management
  • Systems analysis
  • Software research and development 

Abishek Jacob, Software Engineer at Toast Inc. 

"I joined MSc in Software Engineering at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ at a critical juncture of my career. After seven years as an Android app developer, I realized that while my technical knowledge was growing, I needed to step back and gain a more comprehensive understanding of software development. UL's SE master's programme delivered precisely that, and then some. Modules on areas like user experience, project management, and requirements engineering gave me a holistic perspective of software development, while courses in concurrent programming and software architecture helped me sharpen my technical expertise. 
 
The opportunity to then become a University Teacher ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ allowed me to further explore computer science academically, which I greatly enjoyed. Following a year of teaching, I joined Toast, Inc. as an Android Engineer. I can confidently say that the knowledge acquired during my time ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ has been hugely beneficial for being competent in this role." 

 

Still Curious? 

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.    

Online Information Sessions 

Graduate and Professional StudiesPostgraduate Studies at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ

+353 (0)61 234377
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ, Limerick, Ireland

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