Software Engineering - MSc

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

• Research Methods & Practice (CS6081) outlines the nature of research and the reasons for research investigations.

• Advanced Software Design (CS6451) 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.

• Software Development Paradigms (CS5707) provides a perspective on the principles and concepts of software development.

• Concurrency & Parallelism in Software Development (CS5741) introduces fundamental theories of parallel and concurrent software development.

Streams – choose 1

Stream 1: Software Process and Analysis

• Software Evolution (CS5709) focuses on the tools, technologies, theories and practices of software evolution.

Stream 2: Data Analytics

• Machine Learning and Applications (CS6501) equips students with an understanding of the key principles and methods in the field of Machine Learning.

Spring Semester

Core modules

• Software Quality (CS5703) provides an understanding of the management of software quality and measurement techniques for monitoring software quality.

• Human Computer Interaction (CS5705) explores the need for understanding users and the increasing importance of the contexts of use.

• Advanced Software Architectures (CS6652) 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

• Software Engineering Requirements (CS5702) develops a critical awareness of the inherent challenges and barriers to success in the engineering of requirements.

• Project Management and Practice (CS4457) examines the processes for managing computer-based systems and what is required to implement them successfully.

Stream 2: Data Analytics

• Applied Big Data and Visualisation (CS6502) introduces students to big data management and associated issues.

• Data Mining (CS4168) introduces the main components of the data mining process.

Summer Semester

• Dissertation Project (CS6153) 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 Book of Modules

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ 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:

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for 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:

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements

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.

TBC

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 University of Limerick 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 at UL 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 at UL 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