Entry to this apprenticeship will require a minimum of a Level 8 Honors Degree in Computing, Computer Science, IT, or in a cognate discipline.

The existing program is designed specifically for computing professionals working in the IT industry. Apprentice applicants with a Level 7 degree in Computing, Computer Science or in a cognate discipline are required to be precisely analyzed by MTU and the course coordinator may interview them. Following the interview the candidate may be requested to provide documentary evidence to support his/her claim.

This is normally supplied in a learning portfolio outlining his/her case against each of the module areas of the stage immediately prior to that for which entry is sought.

MTU has a comprehensive policy and system addressing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The RPL team, based in the Extended Campus office, is available to assist potential apprentices in preparing their learning portfolios.

In cases where applicants do not meet the educational requirements specified above, acceptance will be based on an interview process and communication with our RPL team to determine previous experiential learning (RPL), the apprentice’s suitability to the subject area, and their commitment to achieving the minimum intended program. 

The programme is Designed to address the widening skills gap in software design by applying abstract knowledge and proven methods to create extendible and maintainable software solutions. The programme is designed with experts from leading Software Development companies.

Modules include Software Design & Architecture, Software Process Engineering, Computing Research & Practice, Scalable Microservices, Big Data Processing and Software Work Experience 1, 2 and 3.

Hands-on labs are provided through MTU’s private cloud, giving students 24/7 access to CMS.

Course Delivery

24 months (4 semesters) is the minimum duration.

This programme is available online only. All classes are delivered over the Internet and all practical work is completed using MTU’s cloud infrastructure.

Award

Master of Science in Software Architecture and Design (Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications).

Software developers generally are:

• Creative in their approach to problem-solving.

• Excellent communication and customer care skills.

• An ability to work with people at all levels, including non-technical staff.

• Good project management skills.

• An ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Good teamwork skills.

• An appreciation of the client's business needs.

• An understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues

• Interest in Software Development and Software Architecture.

• Learn and Earn through the Apprenticeship model.

• Explore promising career opportunities in a diverse and thrilling industry.

• Gain the tools and knowledge necessary to acquire best practices in the field of Software Engineering and Architecture.

• Design infrastructure and environments that significantly impact people’s, businesses’, and industries’ lives through sustainable and resilient software system.

• Deep technical know-how to lead systems requirements and analyse technical environment.

• Analytical ability to critically analyse and apply technical intellect to technology evaluation and selection.

• Cognitive competency to plan solution architecture, solution scoping and architecture definition.

• Application of agile, lean, and emerging delivery approaches and practices such as: Innersource, DevOps, continuous integration, TDD, BDD, Infrastructure as Code etc.

• Technical knowledge and know-how of cyber-physical system infrastructure: cloud computing services (Iaas, SaaS, PaaS), communication mechanisms (Wi-Fi, 3G, EDGE, Bluetooth etc.) and sensory input/output devices (touch screens, cameras, GPS chips, speakers, microphones, light sensors, proximity sensors), real time data analysis and EDGE processing

• Research capability to examine new and innovative embedded technologies.

• Self-governing autonomous ability and self-awareness to engage dependent expertise.

• Technical leadership skills to support a software development team in a variety of technology stacks. Interpret systems requirements and analyse technical environment.

• Technical lead on technology standards, evaluation, and recommendation of appropriate technology platforms

• Define process roadmaps: plan solution architecture, solution scoping and architecture definition.

• Apply agile, lean, and emerging delivery approaches and practices.

• Design and deploy cyber-physical systems based on 5C architecture: connection, conversion, cyber, cognition, and configuration.

• Communicate technical vision between stakeholders and technical specialists.

• Collaborate with project management team to ensure alignment with stakeholder requirements.

On completion of this two-year apprenticeship, you will become a Software Solutions Architect, with an NFQ Level 9 master’s degree in software architecture and design software solutions architect.

You may then choose to work as a Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Designer on a range of projects in areas. You may also use the qualification to progress within the sector and/or advance to PhD level.

A Software solutions career can be one of company employment or free lance consultancy. After completion of NFQ level 9 Apprenticeship there are many sources of development & Networking as Technology advances. You can explore the many branches of Software development & architecture you may develop your career towards, Explore ICT sector.

Springboard courses in ICT, IT skills and development

Skillnets ICT Professional development & Networking

Local Enterprise & Innovation

Enterprise Ireland Incubation & Innovation units

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

This apprenticeship is managed by the Computer Science department at Munster Technological University Cork Campus. If you are interested in Software Solutions Architect apprenticeship, you should make contact with CS department at MTU via the contact

Dr Farshad Ghassemi Toosi

MTU, CS Department, Cork Campus

Tel. +353 21 433 6161

Email:[email protected]

Web: https://www.mtu.ie/courses/crksadn9/

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

Apprentices complete their off-the-job training in a higher education institution, for which they are required to pay a student contribution.

The amount payable is a proportion of the annual student contribution for students attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution over the three years.

The student contribution for this programme is €750 per year. Upon acceptance of their application, each apprentice must pay €500 to secure their place. This €500 will be deducted from the total payment.