Who is this course for?

MSc 

This 2 year MSc is aimed at candidates with little or no software development experience. In the first year, it provides a comprehensive academic foundation and focused technical training in software design & development techniques and tools, and also develops students’ research capabilities. In the second year, students pursue a substantial research project in some aspect of computing, culminating in a thesis submission. They also choose from a selection of advanced optional taught modules. Graduates can expect to compete effectively for positions in the software industry as software developers and/or researchers in a specific domain. Students can exit this programme after year one with a Higher Diploma. Contact the Programme Director by June if you wish to do this. 

H.Dip 

This 1 year H.Dip is aimed at candidates with little or no software development 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 requires students to pursue a substantial software design and development project. Graduates from the H.Dip are eligible to apply for entry into the one-year MSc in Software Design & Development 'External Stream’. The M.Sc in Computer Science (Data Analytics) is open to graduates who achieve a H1 result in the H.Dip. 

MSc- Industry Stream 

This 1 year MSc serves as a capstone for graduates who already hold a postgraduate qualification in computing and who wish to undertake a research dissertation leading to an MSc award. 

What will I study?

The MSc (1MF1) is a 120-ECTS degree, taught over 24 months (with the summer of 1st year off). In year 1, students undertake taught modules in software development and related topics (60 ECTS). In year 2, they undertake a substantial R&D project (45 ECTS) under the supervision of an academic from the School. This work culminates in an MSc dissertation. Year 2 also involves three taught modules (15 ECTS) which are offered from our specialist ‘advanced Masters’ degrees; topics include, for example, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and game programming, The H.Dip (1SD1) is a 60-ECTS course, taught over 9 months. Students undertake taught modules in software development and related topics. 

The MSc External Stream (2MF2) is a 60-ECTS degree, offered as a capstone to entrants who already hold a postgraduate qualification in software development. Students undertake a substantial R&D project (60 ECTS) under the supervision of an academic from the School. 

The 1MF1 and 1SD1 programmes include such taught 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 

In 2nd year, 1MF1 students select three taught modules from: 

• Introduction to Natural Language Processing
• Information Retrieval
• Program. & Tools for AI
• Principles of Machine
• Learning
• Programming for Data Analytics
• Systems Modelling &
• Simulation
• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Network Security & Cryptography
• Interaction Design
• Graphics & Image Processing
• Games Programming 

English-Language Training is offered to international students whose first language is not English (optional, not examined). 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Highly Focused software design & development programmes, bringing students from zero knowledge to employability in the sector within 1-2 years.
• Advanced Modules in 2nd year of the MSc allow students to tailor their own experience, for example to seek employment within Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other specialist sectors within software.
• English-Language Training for international students whose first language is not English (optional).

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. Some graduates also continue with careers related to their specialised field of research, e.g. Artificial Intelligence or Digital Media. Companies that have recruited graduates recently include Fidelity Investments, Galway; Cisco, Galway; and Ericsson, Athlone. 

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International Scholarships 
International scholarships available 

Postgraduate Scholarships
Other postgraduate scholarships available 

• Dr Sam Redfern - Programme Director
• Dr Jawad Mansoor - Second Year Coordinator 

How will I learn?

The MSc and H.Dip in Software Design & Development combine innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures, seminars and workshops led by expert faculty. Real-world case studies, data-driven projects and coding exercises will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. 

Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and (in the MSc) the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.  

Throughout the programme, you will have access to cutting-edge resources, including industry-standard software, to support your learning and professional growth. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and computer assignments. 

MSc and HDip: 

• Semester One exams: December, Year 1. 
• Semester Two exams: April/May, Year 1.
• Semester Three exams (MSc only): December, Year 2.
• A range of assessment methods are integrated and applied throughout the programme. These include essays, projects, reports, presentations and case studies. Year Two culminates with the submission of a dissertation. 

MSc and MSc-External Stream: 

• You will be assessed on your final dissertation, including its development process over the year and on your performance in a viva (defence).

Programme Director:  

Dr Sam Redfern  
Programme Director  
School of Computer Science 
College of Science & Engineering 
E: sam.redfern@universityofgalway.ie

Second Year Coordinator:  

Dr Jawad Manzoor  
Second Year Coordinator 
School of Computer Science 
College of Science & Engineering
E: Jawad.Manzoor@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry. 
 
Candidates who have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director, are eligible for consideration. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum academic requirement for entry to the MSc is a Second Class Honours Upper (H2.1, or equivalent) from a recognised university or third-level college.  

For the H.Dip, the minimum entry requirement is a Second Class Honours Lower (H2.2, or equivalent). 

For the MSc-Industry Stream, the entry requirement is a postgraduate computing qualification of at least 60 ECTS. 

English Language Entry Requirements

Overall, entry requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing, with no less than 6.0 in any other band. TOEFL: Overall 88, Listening 12–19, Speaking 18–19, Writing 24–26, Reading 13–18. PTE: 61 overall, no less than 61 in writing, and no less than 50 in any one other component. 

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
PG Diploma Full Time	1	€6,500		€18,000	€140		€6,640	€18,140
Masters Full Time	1	€6,500		€18,000	€140		€6,640	€18,140
Masters Full Time	2	€6,500		€18,000	€140		€6,640	€18,140

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  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 here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first-class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree. 

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here. 

Global Scholarships 

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available. 

The School of Computer Science Advanced MSc Scholarship (Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics) 

Three Excellence Scholarships of €10,000 and €2,000 Merit Scholarships for all Outside of the EU students in each of the following programmes: 

• MSc Data Analytics
• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Adaptive Cybersecurity
• MSc Software Design and Development 

Link: College of Science and Engineering Scholarships

Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here. 
You may also be interested in one of our other School of Computer Science postgraduate programmes. 

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.  

Application requirements: 

• A personal statement
• A CV
• University Degree Transcripts
• Two references
• IELTS/TOEFL certificate -only if English is not your mother tongue 

What is not required (please do not submit these) 

• secondary school certificates
• training certificates
• membership certificates 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.