Course Summary
MSC-MF: MSc (Software Design and Development)
2MF2: MSc (Software Design and Development) - External stream
HDIP-SD: HDip (Software Design and Development)
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
MSc: Candidates must have a minimum 2.1 honours (Level 8) undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification). If applicable, applicants require a GPA score of 3.0 (or equivalent international qualification) and an IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in the writing ability band and no less than 6 in any other bands. (or equivalent international qualification).
MSc (External stream): This programme is available to students who have completed an accredited (subject to approval by the School of Engineering & Informatics), Level 8 (60 ECTS) postgraduate qualification in computer science or IT. This qualification can relate to academic programmes or accredited industry-sponsored qualifications. Potential candidates must have achieved the equivalent of a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (2.1) (or better) in their postgraduate qualification.
HDip: This programme is open to applicants who have a Level 8, 2.2 degree (or equivalent international qualification) from a recognised university or third-level college, and an IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in the writing ability band and no less than 6 in any other bands. (or equivalent international qualification).
Application Details
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date: September 2025
Fees
Fees: EU
€6,390 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€6,250 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€17,500 p.a. (€17,640 including levy) 2024/25
MSc. fees in year 2 are €6,390 p.a. Non- EU €17,640 p.a.
HDip: EU €6,390 p.a. Non- EU €17,640 p.a.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant—please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
MSc: A variety of opportunities are open to graduates in the software industry or in a range of other sectors, such as telecommunications, medical informatics, energy informatics, digital media, banking and consulting. Many graduates continue with careers related to their specialised field of research. Companies/organisations that have recruited graduates recently include Fidelity Investments, Galway; Cisco, Galway; and Ericsson, Athlone.
MSc (External Stream): Recent graduates have already been in full-time employment while participating in this programme.
HDip: Opportunities exist in various industries, ranging from web design, gaming and banking to telecommunications, health and the energy sector. Companies/organisations that have recruited graduates recently include Cisco, Galway; HP, Galway; and DCM Compliance, Limerick.
Duration
2MF2: 1 year, full-time (MSc—External Stream)
HDIP-SD: 1 year, full-time (HDip)