Professional Software Development (Data Science) MSc

Program Overview

The Professional Software Development (Data Science) MSc at Ulster University is a one-year conversion master's program designed for graduates with non-computing backgrounds. It equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in software development, with a focus on meeting the demands of the local software industry. The program offers a blended learning approach, combining online and in-person sessions, and includes a final project that allows students to apply their acquired skills to real-world challenges. Graduates are well-positioned for diverse career options in software development and related fields, both locally and globally.

Program Outline

Professional Software Development (Data Science) MSc at Ulster University

Degree Overview:

(Overview):

This intensive one-year conversion master's program aims to equip graduates with strong honours degrees in any discipline, with no more than 50% computing content, with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in software development. The course has a specific emphasis on meeting the employment demands of Northern Ireland's burgeoning software industry, but the acquired abilities are readily transferable to a global context. The program's main objective is to prepare graduates for the application of best practices in software engineering to a wide variety of software systems used by diverse organizations. The program's intensive nature allows students to complete their Master's degree in just one year.

(Objectives):

• Provide graduates with the skills to
• apply best practice in software engineering
• develop a wide range of software systems
• cater to the needs of various organizations
• Meet the demands of the local software industry
• Equip students with globally transferable skills and knowledge

(Description):

This program offers a unique opportunity for career changers in non-computing disciplines to gain specialized knowledge and expertise in software development within a short timeframe. It is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills to excel in this rapidly growing field, regardless of their previous academic backgrounds.

Outline:

(Course Content and Structure):

The program consists of three trimesters (semesters) and is delivered through a blended learning approach, comprising online and in-person sessions.

(Modules):

• Year One:
• Professional Software Development I: Introduces software development concepts, practices, and key skills like problem solving and software testing.
• Software Architecture and Design: Focuses on software design principles and implementation in real-world applications, including project management skills.
• Professional Software Development 2: Explores Java programming in depth, covering object-oriented techniques, inheritance, and data handling mechanisms like files and arrays.
• Database Systems: Introduces fundamental database principles and practical implementation in modern database management systems, equipping students to build large-scale e-business solutions.
• Optional Year Two Modules (Choose 2):
• Computer Hardware: Explores the fundamental building blocks of computer systems, their organization, and communication protocols in local and wide area networks.
• Data Science Foundations: Delves into core data science concepts, tools, programming with Python, and statistical methods for data analysis and research.
• Web-Based Application Development: Focuses on building and deploying web-based applications using relevant tools and techniques, emphasizing design principles and optimized development practices for this growing application area.
• Operating Systems: Provides an in-depth introduction to modern operating systems functions, focusing on command-line interaction and system administration with practical implementation on a Unix-like operating system.
• Year Three:
• Project: This independent research project allows students to apply the acquired skills and knowledge to real-world challenges, addressing theoretical and practical aspects of specific problems and implementing effective solutions.

(Careers):

This program prepares graduates to confidently pursue diverse career options in software development and related fields. The acquired skills are highly sought-after in the local Northern Irish economy as well as on the global market. Graduates are well-positioned for roles as software developers, testers, researchers, or consultants, with the potential to expand into other areas like independent consultancy.

(Other):

• BCS (Chartered Institute for IT) accreditation: This program partially fulfills the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
• Industry-sponsored prizes: High-performing students have the opportunity to win awards sponsored by industry partners.
• Small class size: The program is designed for a smaller intake of students to ensure individualized support and attention.