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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
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About NUI Galway
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Software Engineering and Database Technologies (MSc)
Course Overview
The aim of this course is to develop your career with an innovative MSc in Software Engineering and Database Technologies. This tailor-made course will advance your knowledge of software development and database systems.
This wholly online course is particularly suited to people who are working or who have other daytime commitments.
Who is the course for?
This is an ideal course for students who:
- already work in software or databases and would like to gain a recognised Masters qualification.
- wish to convert to a career in Information and Communication Technology.
- need to update their Information and Communication Technology development skills.
- want to learn about information technology with a specific emphasis on software development and/or database technologies while gaining advanced research skills.
Scholarships Available: find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
Mode of Study: Online Learning
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You may also be interested in one of our other Computer Science and Software Engineering postgraduate programmes.
Applications and Selections
The next intake for this course is September 2023.
Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning & CPD Courses Application.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information. Software Engineering students are required to submit a current Curriculum Vitae along with other supporting documentation in their application.
We recommend taking the Diploma in Software Engineering 1DSE1 route to the Masters. All Diploma students (who are passing exams) are offered an opportunity to progress to the Masters towards the end of the Diploma. Those students can transfer directly to Year 2 of the M.Sc.SED. The Diploma modules are the same as the MScSED Year 1 modules.
Important note: A student cannot leave the Masters at the end of first year with the Diploma award.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
This course uses continuous assessment and a final online examination at the end of each eight-week module. There is also a significant research thesis to complete during the second year.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
This course is open to honours degree graduates (Level 8) or Level 7 graduates with 2-3 years of experience and to those otherwise satisfying the postgraduate entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent international qualification will be required, if applicable. See the IT Online Launchpad for further details.
*Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle. Courses which reach their quota will close to application. As many courses fill up quickly, you are advised to apply as early as possible, incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Additional Requirements
Duration
2 years, part-time
Next start date
September 2023
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
Limited numbers available, apply early*
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
Closed
NFQ level
Mode of study
Online Learning
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
1SED1
Course Outline
The course is part-time and runs over two years. You will study one online module every eight weeks and, in addition, you will research and write a thesis during your second year. The course content is extensive and varied, and includes both mandatory and optional modules. These include:
Software Modules:
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems [CORE]
- Fundamentals of Programming [CORE]
- Software Engineering [CORE]
- Object Oriented Programming [CORE]
- Object Oriented Design
- Distributed Systems and the Cloud
- Artificial Intelligence
Database Modules:
- Introduction to Information Retrieval
- Introduction to Relational Databases
- Fundamentals of Databases
- Data Mining
Further details on these modules can be found on our IT Online Launchpad.
Thesis:
In second year, you will complete a thesis under an approved thesis advisor in the NUI Galway IT Department.
To support work on the thesis, you must complete 2 modules CT6110 Thesis Fundamentals [5 ECTS] and CT626 Thesis [30 ECTS].
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Information Technology, in general, and software/database design and development, in particular, are one of the success stories in the Irish economy. This course will equip you to participate in this vibrant, international industry. Since IT is crucial in every sector, many of our graduates also have used the course for career advancement and progression within their current employment field.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
*Next Level Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course, find out more...
Find out More
Aisling Monahan
T: +353 91 495 698
E: aisling.monahan@nuigalway.ie
Majella O’Dea
T: +353 91 495 041
E: majella.odea@nuigalway.ie