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MSc in IOT FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions 


How long does the programme take to complete?

 

The MSc programmes require a two-year part-time commitment. The MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology Qualifier (MQTY) is a one year programme; successful completion of this Qualifier programme allows transfer, with full credit, to the MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology (IoT Major) (MCTY) programme, which will take one more year to complete.

 

What level on the NFQ are the programmes?

 

All Masters programmes are at Level 9 on the NFQ.
 

If I successfully complete the MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology Qualifier (MQTY), can I go on to complete the Master’s programme?

 

Yes, you can. This will take one more year of study to complete the full MSc programme.

 

I have a Master’s Degree already; can I still take a DCU Skillnet MSc programme?

 

Yes, you can. The aim of the Skillnet programmes are to upskill or reskill people in employment to fill anticipated skills shortages in key areas. So, if you have a Masters or PhD already, you can still register for one of these programmes.

 

What are the academic entry requirements?

 
These programmes are only open to those working in Irish-based companies, within the private or commercial semi-state sectors.

 

MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology (IoT Major)

 

A primary honours degree, Level 8 with an award of H2.2 (GPA 2.5 or equivalent) or higher in electronic/electrical/computer engineering, applied physics, computer science or other engineering disciplines. Candidates with a Level 8 engineering (or similar degree) below H2.2 degree or with a Level 7 engineering (or similar degree) with a Distinction/Merit award and a minimum of 3 year’s industrial experience may be eligible for a place on the MSc in Electronic and Computing Technology Qualifier (MQTY) programme.
International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.  Michele put the derogation in here
More information about DCU’s English language requirements can be found here.
In the absence of formal evidence of meeting the University’s English language requirements for entry, applicants who have experience living and working in an English-speaking country may be admitted if they meet the following conditions:
 
a)     have lived in majority native English-speaking countries, e.g., Ireland, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, for at least four years and
 
b)     have undertaken professional employment in a role that required a high level of written and verbal communication in English in such countries and
 
c)     can provide supporting documentation, i.e., residency documentation and supporting statements from employers
 
Students who meet the minimum entry requirements are not guaranteed a place on the programme and DCU reserves the right to interview candidates to confirm their suitability for the programme.
Non-native English speakers must submit evidence of competency in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

 

How do I apply?

 

All candidates must send their CV to Skillnet in the first instance to iot@digitalskillnet.ie for initial eligibility screening. If you are deemed eligible, you will be asked to formally apply to your programme of interest through the Postgraduate Application Centre (www.pac.ie) using the course code provided.  At this point, candidates will be advised about what documents are needed to apply through PAC, i.e., transcripts, degree parchment, translation into English if required,  photograph, CV etc.
All queries about the programmes and the application process should be sent to iot@softwareskillnet.ie

 

What happens after I apply?

 

Your applications (including transcripts) will be assessed in the first instance by Skillnet to make sure that you have submitted all the details requested. A copy of your degree certificate is not sufficient. You must request a copy of all of your transcripts from the institution that awarded your degree or diploma, if you do not have them already. Failure to supply transcripts will delay the processing of your application. The next step is to check that you meet the English language requirements. If English is not your first language, then your academic qualifications will be assessed to make sure you meet the entry requirements for the programme. Once you have passed the initial eligibility screening you will be asked to apply for your programme of interest through the Postgraduate Application Centre (www.pac.ie) using the course code provided. As stated above, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, you may not be offered a place on the programme, as places are limited and this is a competitive process. You may also be interviewed on the phone by the Programme Chair. If you are offered a place, you must accept this offer through PAC.

 

Do I have to attend Dublin City University if I wish to study on one of Skillnet funded programmes?

 

All programmes can be studied online, but you may have to attend campus for no more than three on-site workshops on the MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology (IoT Major) (MCTY) and the MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology Qualifier (MQTY) programmes. The dates of these workshops will be known at the start of the semester. There will also be an orientation day at the start of the semester where attendance is strongly advised.
Attendance is required for exams for ALL programmes irrespective of the mode of delivery. Exams will be held in January and May, with specific dates available at least one month in advance of the examinations.

 

My personal circumstances have changed and I won’t be able to complete the full MSc. What are my options?

 

There is provision for Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma awards, where participants can opt to complete a smaller set of  modules and still exit with a formal Level 9 award.

What is the approximate time commitment required in terms of lecture/study time per semester for the MSc programmes?

The approximate time commitment is about 20 hours per week, based on studying two 7.5 credit modules per semester. However, because the programme is delivered online, you have the flexibility to adapt you study schedule to optimally fit with your life and work commitments.

 

How often do I have to attend campus?

 

All students must attend the DCU campus for examinations that take place in January and in May.  The precise dates of each exam will be published about one month before the exam period, i.e., in December and in April of each year.
Some modules will not have an examination and will be assessed by continuous assessment only. See the more detailed programme structures for further information. Students will also be provided with an assessment breakdown at the start of each semester.
There is an option for students on this programme to attend classes on campus if they so wish.
 

What are the AI and Machine Learning topics covered on this program?

 

The module EE514 Data Analytics and Machine Learning (7.5 credits out of 90 total). This module will provide students with fundamental and advanced skills required for data analytics, including: data management, processing, summarization, and predictive analytics. It is focused on providing students with a strong theoretical foundation, along with the ability to make practical use of the advanced techniques in the field. The Python programming language will be used for demonstrating the use of various techniques throughout the module, giving students practical tools for solving relatively sophisticated and broadly-defined real world problems in a well-established and widely-used programming environment.

 

What are the assessment methods?

 

The 9 taught modules each involve exam and continuous assessment (CA) elements. The typical arrangement is 25% CA and 75% terminal exam, but it is 50%/50% in some modules. The project elements are 100% continuous assessment.

Programme Title

Mode of Delivery


Attendance required


Main Modules

MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology (IoT Major) (MCTY)

 

[PAC Code DC869]

Online/

Blending learning

Campus attendance required for no more than three on-site workshops and for exams. The onsite workshops would entail a half-day induction and 1 to 2 days (maximum) for the project module(s) each year.                       

OOP with Embedded Systems

Connected Embedded Systems

Real Time digital signal processing

Data Analysis & Machine Learning

Web application development

Network Stack Implementation

Security for Wireless networks

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RD&I training and project planning

MSc Project – IoT major

MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology Qualifier (MQTY)

[PAC Code DC870]

Online

Campus attendance required for no more than three on-site workshops and for exams. The onsite workshops would entail a half-day induction and 1 to 2 days (maximum) for the project module(s) each year.

OOP with Embedded Systems

Connected Embedded Systems

Real Time digital signal processing

Data Analysis & Machine Learning

Web application development

Network Stack Implementation

Security for Wireless networks

Entrepreneurship for Engineers

RD&I training and project planning