Choose the path that puts you at the heart of innovation!

This programme is at the highest European Masters degree level. It offers advanced-level courses in the theory, analysis, design, modelling and manufacture of electronic and computer systems.

The programme is highly flexible and allows participants to customise a taught Masters programme based on preferred focus areas. With a range of thirty modules to choose from, this Masters programme is highly customisable by the individual student.

With our pre-defined Majors, students have the option of specialising in one of four areas: Nanotechnology & Photonics, Data and Telecommunications Networks, Internet of Things (IoT), or Image Processing and Analysis. See Majors details below. Alternatively, students may take the programme without a Major, for maximum flexibility of module choice.

There are two intakes on to the programme per academic year (January and September) and flexible study options are provided. An alternative entry path is provided for students who do not meet the Master’s programme entry requirements. Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate exit awards are also available.

Quick Info

September or January Entry

Full-time or Part-time Study Options

Course Application Code: DC883

Course Type: Engineering Masters Degree

Course Duration: 1 Year Full-Time (September), 18 months Full-Time (January), 2-4 Years Part-Time

How to Apply and Application Closing Dates: Please see here

Why do this course?

DCU School of Electronic Engineering Major in Network Implementation

Established: With a wide range of modules available, there is great scope to tailor the programme to specific needs and interests in the largest and longest-running programme of its type in the country.
Flexible: Combine full-time/part-time, on-campus/remote, a choice of two starting times each year.
Modern: The course is continually kept up-to-date to reflect changing technological advances in industry and research.
Relevant: Acquire knowledge and skills that are in high demand in industry.
Rewarding: Work on a Masters project in some of the top research labs in the country.

About the course

Programme Objectives

The main programme objectives are:

To obtain a systematic understanding of the theory, concepts and methods at the forefront of knowledge pertaining to selected topics chosen from a wide set within Electronic and Computer Engineering.
To form a critical awareness of the present-day state-of-the-art and current developments and research at the forefront of a range of selected specialised areas in Electronic and Computer Engineering together with a knowledge and understanding of specialised Electronic and Computer Engineering practice, methods and techniques.
To develop the ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve engineering problems and to integrate knowledge, handle complexity and formulate judgements related to Electronic and Computer Engineering problems.
To develop the skills to design components, systems or processes to meet specific needs and the knowledge and understanding of analysis and design processes and techniques and the ability to apply them in unfamiliar situations.
To allow a more intensive exposure to modern, industry-relevant technologies through optional Majors in Nanotechnology and Photonics, Data and Telecommunications Networks, the Internet of Things (IoT) or Image Processing and Analysis.

Majors Options

Our General masters award structure gives students the flexibility to choose a combination of any eight* taught Modules from our full offering. In this way, students can truly tailor their own Masters programme. Students must also complete a substantial capstone project to achieve the overall award.

With our pre-defined Majors, students have the option of specialising in one of four different areas. Our Major options set out four “core” modules that must be completed to achieve the specialisation. While we recommend a complementary optional modules for each Major (see here), we offer flexibility so that these modules can be tailored to suit the needs of each individual student and their previous education. Students must also complete a substantial Major-specific capstone project to achieve the overall award.

*At least four Level-9 modules

Major in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing concept describing the interconnectivity and collaboration of a wide variety of everyday physical objects connected via the Internet. IoT technologies are enabling a wide range of business opportunities in the context of “smart” homes, neighbourhoods and cities and in the exploitation of intelligent infrastructure and services, in areas such as transport, power and healthcare. There is a strong demand for IoT professionals, who are competent in the design, development, management and support of IoT systems. This innovative Major addresses the emergent significance of the design and networking of Internet-connected embedded devices and technologies. The Major will provide graduates with knowledge, skills and competencies in the areas of real-time signal processing, data analysis and machine learning, connected embedded systems and network programming. At the forefront of current and future electronic and computer engineering developments, this Major offers a opportunity to enter in the domain of IoT.

Modules

EE514: Data Analysis and Machine Learning
EE515: Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
EE513: Connected Embedded Systems
EE562: Network Stack Implementation
EE580: Masters Project – IoT Major

Plus any other four modules

See module details and recommended optional modules for this major here

Major in Image Processing and Analysis

Image and video analysis is a core skill currently driving much of the recent AI advances by both leading mutlinationals and innovative start-ups. This Major will address this ever-popular skill set by modules that cover traditional signal processing, data analytics, feature extraction, machine learning and the highly sought-after core expertise of deep learning for computer vision. Deep learning has allowed the development of highly advanced computer vision solutions across a wide range of industries, driving both its advances and adoption and is set to be a dominant engineering technology. In addition to these advanced technical modules, students will also be exposed to the entrepreneurial skills necessary to go beyond the core engineering aspects of product development and commercialisation.

Modules

EE514: Data Analysis and Machine Learning
EE515: Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
EE507: Entrepreneurship for Engineers
EE544: Computer Vision
EE595: Masters Project – IPA Major

Plus any other four modules

See module details and recommended optional modules for this major here

Major in Data and Telecommunications Networks

This Major will provide graduates with an in-depth understanding of the key technologies required and the drivers of the technology for current and next-generation data and telecommunications systems and networks. Graduates of this Major will be equipped with the skills and expertise required to implement next-generation networking protocols on network devices and user equipment, including wireless networks, mesh networks, peer-to-peer networks, sensor networks, in addition to gaining expertise in overall network design and network-wide performance and network simulation. Most importantly, this major will equip students with a cross-layer understanding of the network operation. There is a strong industry demand for engineers with this skill base.

Modules

At least for for the following core modules:

EE500: Network Performance
EE506: Photonic Devices
EE514: Data Analysis and Machine Learning II
EE518: Photonic Applications and Technologies
EE521: Future Network Architectures
EE562: Network Stack Implementation
EE596: Masters Project – DTN Major

Plus additional options, to make up a total of 8 taught modules.

See module details and recommended optional modules for this major here

Major in Nanotechnology & Photonics

The aim of this Major is to deliver leaders in nanoelectronics and photonics – strong interdisciplinary sectors with huge growth. The skill sets required by future generations working in this area are changing dramatically, especially given the convergence of multiple technologies on a single operating platform. An example of this could be an integrated circuit package comprised of multiple layers each individually designed to process light, deal with power, a separate layer for analogue processing, another layer for digital processing, a sensing layer for Internet of Things applications, etc. The Major focuses on the skills and knowledge required to produce functional electronic and photonic devices and constituent structures of nanometre dimensions, all in the context of the need to heterogeneously integrate these into functional systems. While the Major will also provide graduates with expertise in modern semiconductor/photonics manufacturing practices and technologies, the students will also be introduced to emergent topics including two-dimensional condensed matter devices, topological systems, spintronics and quantum computation. These advanced topics within the Major change on a regular basis in alignment with developing science and technology.

Modules

EE559: Nanoelectronics Technology
EE518: Photonic Applications and Technologies
EE506: Photonic Devices
EE508: Device Manufacturing
EE581: Masters Project – Nano & Photonics Major

Plus any other four modules

See module details and recommended optional modules for this major here

Entry Requirements | Fees

A Primary Honours degree, Level 8 with an award of H2.2 or higher in Electronic/Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Sciences or other Engineering disciplines.
International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU’s English language requirements can be found here.
Fees information for this programme may be found here.