Course Summary
Open Data is data that is openly accessible, exploitable, editable, and shared for any purpose. Open Data is a key driver for economic growth, business innovation and public accountability and this programme gives the learner the skills to succeed in a data driven world.
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
A minimum of a level 8 (honours degree) qualification (2.2 or higher) on the National Framework of Qualifications from a cognate/STEM background. Learners from a non-cognate background from areas like Bioscience, the Social Sciences, Psychology, or Library Science will also be considered for the programme. Candidates will be required to demonstrate numerical and computer proficiency which may be assessed by interview or written assessment. Graduates with other level 8 qualifications can apply and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
For candidates who do not have a level 8 qualification the college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic entry requirements, may be considered based on relevant work or other experience. Non-English-speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.
Laptop Requirements
This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration. The minimal suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 multicore processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS, or Windows. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI IT cannot provide support for these personal devices. Some students may be able to avail of the Student Laptop Loan Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Application Details
Fees
EU Fee: €7,000 total fee (Fees revised annually).
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.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
The Master of Science in Open Data Practice is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this course may progress to a major award at level 10 on the NFQ. The diploma supplement for this degree will include a European endorsement from both Universitatea Politehnica din Bucure?ti and the Technischen Universität Wien. Students may also elect to exit early with the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Open Data Practice at level 9 on the NFQ.
Career Opportunities
In 2020 the EU published the report titled, “The Economic Impact of Open Data”, and this estimated the market size for open data would grow up to €334 billion by 2025. There were an estimated 1.09 million open data employees in the EU in 2019 with this estimated to grow up to 1.97 million by 2023. An analysis of the job market shows open roles in this area such as postdoctoral research fellow research librarians, data protection officer and data governance officer and opportunities in a variety of business and public sector organisations. Ireland’s National Open Data Strategy 2023-2027 further highlights the opportunity. The aim of this strategy is to make Ireland a leader in the use of open data and to create an environment where the economic, social, and democratic benefits of open data are recognised and realised. The strategy highlights the need to have suitably qualified graduates in this area to avail of the opportunities that exist. The need for skills in this area has been similarly recognised by governments around the world.
Duration
Delivery: Campus: Classes will take place face-to-face on campus.
Indicative Timetable: Students need to be available 09.00-18.00 Mon – Fri. (Class days and times can vary).