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DC877 · MCTY

MSc in Electronic & Computer Technology.

A software-led masters for the age of AIoT — connected embedded systems, edge programming, data analysis and machine learning, and the security to protect it all. Designed with industry, delivered flexibly, built around a substantial applied project...

Level 9
MSc - NFQ masters award

90 credits
8 taught modules and a project

12-20 months
Full time - part time options available

2 major
pathways available

Choose your major ➝

Entry requirements ➝

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The Evolution of Connectivity: From IoT to AIoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved far beyond simple connectivity. Today, we live in a world of Smart Everything, where everyday physical objects, industrial machinery, and urban infrastructure do not just connect via the Internet; they collaborate, learn, and act autonomously.

Driven by the convergence of 5G/6G mobile communications and Artificial Intelligence, the emergence of AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) is redefining global industries. From autonomous transport and self-healing power grids to personalised healthcare and hyper-connected “Smart” cities, these technologies are the backbone of the next industrial revolution.

Ireland is a Global IoT Innovation Hub, standing at the forefront of these groundbreaking advancements, serving as a global nerve centre for IoT research and deployment. As industries transition toward intelligent, decentralised systems, there is an unprecedented demand for high-calibre professionals capable of designing, managing, and securing the complex ecosystems of tomorrow.

QUICK INFO

AWARD:
MSc, Masters Degree — NFQ Level 9

CODE:
DC877 (MCTY) — Autumn & Spring entry

DURATION:
Autumn entry is 12 months full-time / 24 months part-time. Spring entry is 20 months full time.

CREDITS:
90 ECTS — 1 credit ≈ 25 hours of study

FEES:
Programme fee (not annual) — identical for Autumn & Spring entry. Postgraduate fees

ENQUIRIES:
ee.queries@dcu.ie

CHAIR:
Prof. Derek Molloy

Why Choose the MCTY Programme at DCU?

Our curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world application. Whether you are building the intelligent systems of the future or defending them against threats, the MCTY programme provides the technical rigour and innovative environment needed to lead in the age of AIoT.

Flexible & Accessible: Tailor your learning experience with on-campus or remote study options, allowing you to pursue advanced qualifications without sacrificing your existing career.
Modern & Adaptive: The curriculum is specifically engineered to reflect the rapid pace of technological change, integrating the latest advancements in AIoT, 5G/6G, and industrial automation.
Industry Relevant: Acquire the high-demand knowledge and applied skills required to excel in Ireland’s booming IoT sector and the global digital economy.
Groundbreaking Research: Our content is directly informed by DCU’s world-class, full-stack IoT research. Stay at the absolute forefront of the groundbreaking work that is currently shaping the future of intelligent infrastructure.

CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR
Two industry-aligned majors.

To meet the diverse needs of the modern tech landscape, the MCTY programme offers two distinct, industry-aligned majors. IoT Systems and Edge & IoT Security. Your major determines which modules count as core.

MAJOR 01 · IOTS
IoT Systems

Real, focused and practical 'full stack' IoT skills.
Covers smart edge devices, industrial applications and data analysis.

MAJOR 02 · ENS · New Sept 2026
Edge Network Security

Focuses on securing next-generation edge and IoT networks, protecting critical infrastructure, wireless security and cryptography.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE - Full Time Autumn

4 core modules

4x 7.5 taught modules credits

4 options
Choose from a range of modules & research training and project planning

4x 7.5 taught modules credits

Major Project
project elements
30 credits

SEMESTER 1 SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
4 taught modules

Twelve teaching weeks, exams in December.

Project: theme selection & allocation

SEMESTER 2 JANUARY - APRIL
4 taught modules

Thirteen teaching weeks, exams April–May.

Project: research & design plan

SUMMER PROJECT JUNE - AUGUST
Project delivery

Independent implementation, testing and analysis with your academic supervisor.

Final portfolio assesment end August

90 credits in total
MSc NFQ Level 9

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE - Full Time Spring

3 core modules

3x 7.5 taught modules credits

3 options
Choose from a range of modules & research training and project planning

3x 7.5 taught modules credits

2 options
2 modules plus research training and project planning

2x 7.5 taught modules credits

Major Project
project elements

30 credits

SEMESTER 1 JANUARY - APRIL
3 taught modules

Thirteen teaching weeks, exams in December.

______________________________________

Project: theme selection & allocation

SEMESTER 2 SEPTEMBER - JANUARY
3 taught modules

Twelve teaching weeks, exams April–May.

______________________________________

Project: research & design plan

SEMESTER 3 JANUARY - APRIL
2 taught modules

Twelve teaching weeks, exams April–May.

______________________________________

Project: research & design plan

PROJECT 4 MAY - AUGUST
Project delivery

Independent implementation, testing and analysis with your academic supervisor.
______________________________________

Final portfolio assessment end August

90 credits in total
MSc NFQ Level 9

Major 01 · IoTS
Major1: IoT Systems

The traditional pathway for those seeking to master the full stack of interconnected environments. This major focuses on the architecture, development, and deployment of large-scale IoT ecosystems. Students gain deep expertise in:

Next-generation IoT systems focus: design and deployment of connected smart nodes, edge devices, and distributed IoT architectures.
Connected embedded systems at the centre: practical development of smart nodes, device integration, and system-level IoT networking (e.g., publish/subscribe patterns).
Edge programming skills: efficient, robust implementation using
C/C++ and Rust for real-world embedded/edge workloads.
Wireless and mobile connectivity: design choices and constraints for reliable IoT communications in deployed environments.
Sensor data processing: real-time signal processing foundations for sensing, monitoring, and embedded perception.
Analytics and ML pathway: progressing from data acquisition to insight and automation via modern data analysis and machine learning.
Security and deeper options: security as a design requirement, with optional depth in network stacks and wearables /bioelectronics, underpinned by maths/problem solving.

CORE MODULES - ANY 4 REQUIRED
_____________________________________________

EEN1073: Real-Time Digital Signal Processing

EEN1071: Connected Embedded Systems

EEN1072: Data Analysis & Machine Learning 2

EEN1059: Security for IoT & Edge Network

EEN1004: Network Stack Implementation

RECOMMENDED SUPPORTING - MAX OF 4
_____________________________________________

EEN1097: Edge Programming with C/C++ & Rust

EEN1083: Data Analysis & Machine Learning 1

EEN1043: Wireless / Mobile Communications

EEN1040: Bioelectronics

EEN1054: Mathematical Techniques & Problem Solving

+ PROJECT ELEMENTS

EEN1095: Electronic Engineering Project

EEN1101: Research Training & Project Planning

30 Credits - aligned to your major

Major 02 · Edge and IoT Security (NEW - SEPTEMEBER 2026)
Major 2: Edge & IoT Security

An interdisciplinary and highly specialised major designed to address the critical vulnerabilities of next-generation infrastructure. As the “Edge” becomes the primary frontier for data processing, securing these points is paramount. This pathway covers:

Focused on securing next-generation edge and IoT networks Prepares graduates to protect critical edge infrastructures: connected embedded systems, smart devices, and distributed IoT deployments.
Covers security end-to-end across the stack, from application/software design through to radio and signal-level threats.
Secure programming and system design foundations for building robust edge applications and services.
Wireless and mobile security: understanding vulnerabilities in the wireless channel and practical mitigations.
Signal-level defences against eavesdropping, jamming, spoofing, and related RF attacks.
Core IoT and network security: cryptography, secure protocols, authentication/authorisation, and key management.
Intrusion detection and monitoring approaches tailored to constrained and distributed edge environments.
Advanced physical-layer security: key generation schemes and signal processing methods for resilient edge communications.

CORE MODULES - ALL 4 REQUIRED
_____________________________________________

EEN1071: Connected Embedded Systems

EEN1059: Security for IoT & Edge Network

CSC1134: Network Security

EEN1105: Physical-Layer Principles for Secure Comms

RECOMMENDED SUPPORTING - MAX OF 4
_____________________________________________

EEN1083: Data Analysis & Machine Learning 1

EEN1097: Edge Programming with C/C++ & Rust

EEN1043: Wireless / Mobile Communications

EEN1054: Mathematical Techniques & Problem Solving

EEN1054: Mathematical Techniques & Problem Solving

+ PROJECT ELEMENTS

EEN1095: Electronic Engineering Project

EEN1101: Research Training & Project Planning

30 Credits - aligned to your major

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Are you eligible?

Minimum entry requirement is a 2.2 (GPA 2.5 or equivalent), in a Level 8 primary degree in Computing/Engineering or an equivalent cognate discipline.

Candidates not attaining this standard level may be offered the option of undertaking a ‘qualifier’ subset of the part-time programme modules which, if successfully completed, would allow them to continue with the main programme (with credit). Does not qualify for study visa.

Qualifier Programme (MQTY):
● Part Time EU Students only (DC869)
● No Qualifier for the full-time programme at present
International, non-native English speakers must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language — see DCU's English language requirements
Full-time students can apply directly to the University. Fees information for this programme may be found here.
Part-time students can apply directly to the University

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Fees: Postgraduate Student Fees Please note that merit scholarships are available for this the MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology programme.
Please also note that a programme fee is applied rather than an annual fee. Therefore, the cost is consistent for the Autumn (September) and Spring (January) entries, regardless of whether the programme is 12-months or 20-months in duration.

Postgraduate Fees

Scholarships

Registration

Full-time MCTY Autumn Entry Applicants

Autumn (September) applicants must register for the following components:

The two project modules: EEN1101 Research Training and Project Planning, and the EEN1095 Electronic Engineering Masters Project module.
Eight taught modules, comprising:
- A minimum of four Level 9 Core modules (from the set EEN1071, EEN1072, EEN1073, EEN1004, EEN1059, EEN1074, EEN1068, EEN1105, CSC1134)
- A maximum of four Level 8 Supporting modules (from the set EEN1097, EEN1054, EEN1083, EEN1043, EEN1037, EEN1040)

If you plan to achieve a major award then you must choose your four core modules carefully. Once these requirements are met, you may choose any modules; however, please be mindful of the workload in each semester. Ideally, you should take four taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and four in Semester 2 (Spring). Note that the Research Training and Project Planning module is also taken in Semester 2. You must register for the summer project at the same time.

In total, you should be registered for 90 credits, with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 9 (30 credits from the project modules + 4 taught modules worth 7.5 credits each). Do not register for more than 90 credits.

Full-time MCTY Spring Entry Applicants

You will be completing the programme over three semesters and you can complete three modules in each semester. It is strongly recommended that you only register for three modules in Spring. You will register for your remaining modules in the following September. Do not register for the project modules (EEN1101 or EEN1095) at this point. You should be registered for 22.5 credits.

Part-time (Flexible) MCTY Autumn/Spring Entry Applicants

Please register for two taught modules in each semester. If you enter in September you should register for four modules in total. Do not register for the project modules (EEN1101 or EEN1095) in your first year.

In your second year, you should register for the remaining modules plus the project modules. Please ensure that you meet the full-time registration requirements outlined above, but spread over two years.