MSc. Software Engineering (DCU) - Part-time

dowlinj

Hi,

I'm considering applying for the M.Sc. in Software Engineering in DCU on a part-time basis. I'm just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the course and how they found the timetable, work-load etc. There isn't a whole lot of information on the part-time masters on their website and I'm waiting on a reply back from them for information on the course. Any views from people who took the course on a part-time or full-time basis would be greatly appreciated.

I'm also considering the M.Sc. in Security and Forensic Computing (part-time). Just wondering what people feel would be the most beneficial course from a employment perspective?

Katniss everMean

I am not sure how the part time course works, but I am in 4th year of full time. Its a great course, but you need to have an interest in programming and a good base in higher leaving cert maths, if you don't you can learn, but it just extra work.

Best of searching this forum for CA or software engineering, there are many threads on this topic.

Good luck

dowlinj

Thanks for your reply. However, I think you might be referring to the undergraduate course in Computer Applications. I have an undergrad degree from DCU already. I've also been working as a software developer for over 6 years so I should have the requisite experience.

More concerned about the timetable, work-load and how the masters would help in relation to improving job prospects. Thanks all the same.

waraf

I think this is the first year that it is being run part time (but I'm open to correction. I have applied for it as well so if anyone has any info I'd appreciate it too. Thanks

slap

@dowlinj - did you start this PT course?
What was the timetable like?
I believe the lectures are on 4pm - 7pm.
Is this true?
If so, how was/is your boss with you leaving work early two days a week?

Anybody think that a PT course should start no earlier than 6pm??

Thanks,
Slap

waraf

slap wrote: »

@dowlinj - did you start this PT course?
What was the timetable like?
I believe the lectures are on 4pm - 7pm.
Is this true?
If so, how was/is your boss with you leaving work early two days a week?

Anybody think that a PT course should start no earlier than 6pm??

Thanks,
Slap

Yes the lectures start early alright (which is why I had to defer taking up my place on the course this year).
The full time students have lectures in the morning and afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The part time students just attend the afternoon sessions.

It's a strange setup as most part time courses don't start until 6 or 6.30. I think the part time timetable should be stated clearly on the DCU website but it isn't.

slap

waraf wrote: »

It's a strange setup as most part time courses don't start until 6 or 6.30. I think the part time timetable should be stated clearly on the DCU website but it isn't.

I agree. This info should be available from the website and 4pm is too early to start for a part time course.

Anybody know of a Masters in SE that is part time and begins at 6-6.30?

Thanks,
Slap

waraf

It's a 4.30pm start two days a week. I'll have to leave work at 3.30 (i.e two hours early) twice a week but I have agreed to make up the time by coming in 30 mins early every day and cutting my lunchtime down from an hour to 30 mins (a net gain of one hour for my employer). Plus they know that I'm doing the course to progress within the company rather than doing it so I can just go somewhere else.
Is there no chance you could get your company to agree to something similar?

slap

Yes, I could do that also. Not sure how pleased the boss would be though. Just surprised that I'd have to re-arrange work times to cater for a 'Part Time' course. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

Anyways, I find your dedication and determination inspiring, so thanks for your input.

Slap