Overview

The programme is ideally suited to graduates from Computer Systems, Computer Science, Computer Applications, Software Engineering and Applied Mathematics programmes who are considering business start-up or careers in companies which focus on software innovation. The cross disciplinary collaboration between the Kemmy Business School and the Faculty of Science & Engineering will leverage the expertise in both computing and entrepreneurship disciplines to ensure students obtain a more enriched and holistic industry ready educational experience.

CONTACT

Applicants who wish to discuss detailed elements of the programme may contact the Course Directors:

Dr. Briga Hynes
Kemmy Business School Email: briga.hynes@ul.ie Telephone: +353-61-202619

Dr. Ita Richardson
Lero - the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre Department of Computer Science & Information Systems Email: ita.richardson@lero.ie
Telephone: +353-61-202765

Graduate Profile

On completion of the programme graduates will pursue careers in innovation,  creativity or entrepreneurship either within existing small or large organisations which have an entrepreneurial outlook.   Additionally, they will be equipped  to engage in new venture creation and to assist entrepreneurs who wish to establish and grow their business.

Graduates may also wish to pursue PhD studies in either or both disciplines.

Programme Content

The M.Sc. in Software Engineering and Entrepreneurship course is a one-year (calendar) full time programme. Students will be expected to attend modules which are core to the topics of Software Engineering and Entrepreneurship, and will then  be given options to take electives from both streams. A key emphasis in the delivery of the entrepreneurship and innovation modules is on action and experiential learning which includes a combination of interactive presentations, case studies, team work, individual assignments and entrepreneurship and small business-related projects which stimulate innovative thinking  and more effectively develop  participant's entrepreneurial potential. The focus for students taking the M.Sc. in Software Engineering and Entrepreneurship will be on Software Engineering problems. In addition  through collaborations established by the entrepreneurship faculty, external speakers from small businesses, government agencies, professional organisations and financial institutions will challenge student thinking  and provide an enhanced network of contacts for future personal and business development opportunities. Contacts within industry will be used to ensure that Software Engineering speakers will form a central role in the delivery of the programme.

Innovative teaching techniques may be used such as Problem-Based Learning and Case Study development. Additionally, students will attend Research Seminars which will give insight into current Software Engineering Research.

The dissertation is core to the programme and will involve the completion of a research report during semester 2. Following from this, during the summer months, the student will undertake more in-depth research, analysis and presentation on an applied research topic.   A typical dissertation would be to present an innovative software engineering development, undertaking research on innovation practices and commercialisation within the software sector, and providing a marketing and theoretical validation for this development.

A C3 grade is required in the Dissertation 2 module to graduate with M.Sc. in Software Engineering and Entrepreneurship.  A Graduate Diploma (60 credits) may be awarded to students who do not complete this
dissertation.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Entry Requirements

Primary Honours Degree (with First or Second Honours) (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland)  in a suitable discipline, such as Computer Systems, Computer Science, Computer Applications, Applied Mathematics.

or

An applicant with a degree or postgraduate diploma with relevant work experience who can satisfy the course admission team that he/she has the ability to contribute, complete and benefit  from this course. In order to recognise applicants' prior learning (in accordance with the University's policy on the accreditation of prior learning), these candidates will be required to submit a written portfolio of business learning outcomes with accompanying testimonials. An interview may be a part of the selection process for these candidates.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Full degree transcript and certificates/awards (including English translation if applicable)
• English language qualifications (if English is not your first language)
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document).

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than  two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:
 
Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English - Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.