Software Design & Development - External Stream

Course Overview

MSc (Software Design & Development): This two-year MSc is aimed at candidates with little or no IT experience who want to pursue a career in the IT industry. The skills developed in this programme include the core software development tools and techniques as well as a solid grounding in research and its application in a specific ICT (information and communications technology) domain. Students can exit this programme after Year One with a Higher Diploma (1SD1).





MSc (External stream): This course is aimed at students who have already obtained a Level 8 postgraduate qualification in IT and are interested in pursuing an MSc qualification. As a distance-learning programme, it suits candidates who are in full-time employment and/or living abroad. The programme is in line with the University Policy for Recognition of Prior Learning in that it recognises prior academic qualifications. The aim of this initiative is to provide graduates with the opportunity to acquire qualifications for employment in the ICT area.



Higher Diploma in Software Design and Development: This programme is aimed at candidates with little or no IT experience. It provides an academic foundation and broad technical training in software design and development. The skills developed in this programme include the core software development tools and techniques as well as a solid grounding in a specific ICT (information and communications technology) domain.

The programme includes such modules as:

• Databases

• Software Engineering

• Programming in Java

• Object-Oriented Programming

• Internet Programming

• Computer Architecture and Operating Systems

• Computer Networks

• Research Methods

• Software Design and Development Project



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

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).

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).

MSC-MF: 2 years, full-time (MSc)

2MF2: 1 year, full-time (MSc—External Stream)

HDIP-SD: 1 year, full-time (HDip)

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

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.