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MSc Information Systems

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The MSc in Information Systems incorporates aspects of information technology and data analytics with a firm grounding social science. The programme is interdisciplinary in nature and examines how information is gathered, analysed and communicated along with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence within the broader context of emerging ethical questions concerning the impact of technology in society. 

Students will learn the core theoretical principles involved in the design, development and deployment of technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning and will gain the skills to utilise machine learning and social network analysis to uncover new information from datasets. They will also gain the skills to critically evaluate artificial intelligence and identify issues that pose potential ethical risk to organisations and society. The programme is flexible allowing for a range of specialisations such as human-computer interaction. 

The MSc in Information Systems is designed for both non-technical and technical backgrounds. A central aim of this course is to ensure that all students gain the skills needed to participate in the design and critical evaluation of emerging technologies. 

 

The MSc in Information Systems introduces students to core disciplines integral to the deep exploration of the practical and theoretical issues related to the design and deployment of human centered information systems. The degree incorporates a strong interdisciplinary and human-centered focus, combining theory and practice-based perspectives from across a range of disciplines. We envisage students to become critical thinkers as to the role of the human within the development and design of interfaces and systems and impact that technology  has upon individuals, organisations and society.

The learning environment of the programme encourages the development of research and design as well as  analytical and group work skills. Students conduct a range of individual and group based assignments that focus on key theoretical, research and design based challenges in human centered computing.

The programme engages students primarily through lectures, online learning exercises and group work as well as individual assignments.

  • UCD School of Information & Communication Studies is an active member of the iSchools consortium – a global collection of Information Schools dedicated to advancing the information field and sharing a fundamental interest in the relationships between information, people, and technology.

About This Course

The MSc in Information Systems introduces students to core concepts in information systems, practical skills in processing and analysing information along with critical skills to evaluate ethical risks of technology in organisations and society. Students will gain:

·       Knowledge of the foundations along with key theories and principles associated with information systems. 

·       Understanding of the historical context and principles of artificial intelligence. 

·       Skills in uncovering new information from large data sources using techniques such as machine learning and social network analysis. 

·       Critical skills required to evaluate the collection and processing of information and the broader impact on society.

·       Ability to integrate ethical frameworks and conduct ethical risk assessments on artificial intelligence systems. 

·       Expertise to participate in cross-disciplinary teams on the design and deployment of emerging technologies. 

·       Project management competencies. 

·       A solid understanding of how to research a topic using published sources. 

·       Understanding of information technology and social computing, including its limitation, strengths and future possibilities, and issues in a constantly changing a complex world of information.

·       Skills in conducting collaborative and team-based projects.

Information Systems encompass every aspect of society. Understanding how data is collected, processed, analysed and the principles underlying technologies such as artificial intelligence is key to the future success of many organisations from industry, government and NGOs.

The MSc in Information Systems teaches key skills currently in demand such as machine learning, data analytics and ethical evaluation of AI. The strong multi-disciplinary ethos of the School of Information and Communication ensures that students who graduate with the MSc in Information Systems will have strong skills in critical thinking and an ability to work alongside people from a range of backgrounds.

There is a growing job marked for information systems graduates with roles within consulting firms, software and technology companies, start-up companies and government and non-governmental organisations. The MSc in Information Systems is design with an eye to both present and future trends within the job market, particularly in relation to emerging trends in data analytics, technology and emerging societal questions.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40730 Quantitative Data Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40840 Data & Society Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41090 Informatics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS40890 Project Management Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41570 Interactive Dashboards;Python Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41070 Machine Learning Foundations Summer  15
Stage 1 Core Modules
 IS41080 AI, Ethics & Auditing Summer  15
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40820 Research Theory and Practice Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40880 Communication Theory Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40910 Digital Policy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS41230 Creative & Interactive Media Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS41520 UXD: User-Centered Design Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40560 Digital Libraries Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40860 Media & Society Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40870 Topics in Digital Media & Comm Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40950 Media Production Cultures Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS40960 Digital Policy II Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS41020 Information Ethics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS41050 Platform Governance Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS41190 Regulation and Emerging Technology Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 15CR:
Please note that students who register to POL42540 should select 15 credits only from the list below.
 IS41510 Social Networks Online and Off Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
(Option Module:)
 POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn  5

Graduate Profile

Smriti Rao, MSc Information Systems

"Pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Systems at UCD has opened up opportunities that I was unaware of before.
Hailing from a different cultural Smriti Rao, Information Systemsbackground, my time here has been valuable, in that it hasshaped me as a professional and an individual. According to the QS World University Rankings, UCD ranks 35th for ‘Library and Information Management Studies and stands 1st in Ireland when it comes to employability. No wonder, with the quality of education here, I landed my first job as a Digital Project Executive at An Post even before my course ended. The course walks you through various areas of Information Science, such as the foundations of information systems, UI/UX design, the basics of data analytics, and even natural language processing. The lectures and assignments were up to date and in line with the latest developments in the IT industry. For instance, I remember concepts from the ‘Data and Society’ module being taught to us using the latest news articles on data every week. All the professors were very accommodating and always an email away to help students with more than just academic-related issues. Such was the level of support from both my supervisor and a Ph.D. student, that I enjoyed working on my thesis despite having never conducted a research study before and the problems posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, I even got the opportunity to teach digital art to intellectually challenged people as a volunteer at HeadstArts, UCD- the university provides countless such opportunities on the extra-curricular end. All in all, though the year was busy and the challenges plenty, my academic journey at UCD has been nothing but fulfilling."

Graduate Profile
Nour Mohammed Al Dawood,Saudi Arabia,

I chose UCD because I believe it is the best university in Dublin and it is well known around the world. UCD has a great atmosphere, places to study quietly, friendly staff and classmates and good resources in the library and online. I’d say to other international students to apply to UCD because employers are looking to recruit students with an international outlook who are aware of other cultures and have the skills to work with colleagues, stakeholders and customers from around the world, and from my own experience Ireland is the best place to study in.

MSc Information Systems (W267) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9330
nonEU    fee per year - € 23730

MSc Information Systems (W268) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 6020
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit the UCD Global International Scholarships page.

  • This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in any discipline. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Information Systems:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W267
MSc Information Systems
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W268
Information Systems
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W267
MSc Information Systems
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W268
Information Systems
Master of Science
Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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