University College Dublin Master of Science in Computer Science (Conversion)

The University College Dublin (UCD) is offering a Master of Science in Computer Science (Conversion) targeted at holders of degrees of disciplines other than computer science worth 120 ECTS. 

This skills conversion programme aims to help graduates enter an IT-related career. The modules offered in this programme cover the fundamental skills required by modern technology companies as well as one semester of advanced specialised modules. Additionally, students will have to undertake a significant research-oriented project with a presentation. 

Programme

This programme takes place over 16 months. The first year will focus on taught modules and a research practicum. In the final year students will choose from a range of modules offered in the MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) programme. 

This programme has been specifically designed for graduate students of disciplines other than Computer Science. No prior knowledge of programming is assumed. During the first year, students take modules with learning outcomes aimed at providing fundamental skills required by modern technology companies.

Below is an indicative breakdown of the academic programme.

Learning outcomes

Students who complete this course will be able to: 

• Demonstrate an integrated knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles which underpin modern Computer Science
• Synthesise a range of “Big Ideas” in Computer Science and critically reflect on how they relate to current applications and state-of-the-art research within and beyond the field
• Demonstrate competence and specialist knowledge in other advanced areas of Computer Science (e.g. Data Science, Cloud & Distributed Computing, Software Engineering, forensics & Security, Artificial Intelligence & Cognitive Science) 
• Undertake independent innovative research and development related to real-world computer science applications with a full project life-cycle and present the outcomes to technical and lay audiences
• Work with confidence both autonomously and as part of a team on IT-related projects and in a professional environment
• Employ web application development concepts and technologies to design and create feature-rich and versatile websites
• Discover patterns in data and understand how decisions and predictions can be made using data analytics techniques
• Apply the core principles of software engineering, database design and programming to solve real-world problems

Stage 1 Core Modules

•    Programming I (Conversion)
•    Relational Databases & Information Systems (Conversion)
•    Python OOP (Conv)
•    Operating Systems (Conversion)
•    Computer Architecture & Organistion (Conversion)
•    Comp. Thinking with AI (Conv)
•    Data Structures & Algorithms (Conversion)
•    Networks & Internet Systems (Conversion)
•    Java Programming (Conv)
•    Software Engineering (Conv)
•    Human AI Interaction (Conv)
•    Data Analytics and AI (Conv)
•    Research Practicum (MSc Conversion)

Admission requirements

An Upper Second class honours degree, or the international equivalent, in a discipline other than Computer Science is required for entry. As Computer Science is a mathematical subject, applicants must be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of mathematics. 

Additionally, if English is not an applicant's native language and they have not completed a primary degree in English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes.