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This award-winning part-time programme gives current and potential Software Architects the skills, theory and recognition they need to develop in their role.

Gain a full Masters of Science degree in this specialist area through a mixed learning process with an emphasis on practical application in the workplace.

This programme is offered in conjunction with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, Technological University of Dublin (Tallaght Campus), the Ireland branch of Iasa Global and the Irish Computer Society.

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Who Should Attend?

The aim of this programme is to produce graduates in the field of Applied Information Technology Architecture with a systematic knowledge of the key issues and technologies in the field. 

Graduates of the programme will have knowledge, skills and attributes around human dynamics, business, technology and strategy, IT Architecture, IT Quality Attributes and environments which will support them in roles as IT Architects. 

Previous attendees include:

Software developers, IT architects, systems developers, front-end developers, systems analysts etc.

Entry Requirements

Prospective participants must either (a) be serving in the role of software architect, or (b) be aspiring to move into such a role. 

All participants must have substantial experience of IT software and systems development and implementation in team and technical leading roles. They must also have current competence to interact with development teams at a deep technical (i.e. specification and coding) level.

Applicants should have a primary degree (Level 8) in Computer Science or a cognate/science discipline or a degree with a high level of mathematics. 

Those who do not meet this requirement will be considered on their merits if they can show a particular interest or aptitude for this area of work or if they have industry experience and training which shows evidence that their education and work experience is sufficient to meet the education needs of the programme and recruitment policies of the College.

Participants will become registered students of TU Dublin (Tallaght Campus) and be awarded free membership of ICS.

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What is Covered by the Course?

The programme will equip graduates with the required skills to carry out applied research in topics at the cutting edge of the field.

Students take two taught modules each of the first three semesters with the fourth semester devoted to Research Project. This is an intensive professional course with accreditation from Iasa which required significant effort to attain the high standards required.

Semester 1-3

• Module 1 – IT Architecture Design
• Module 2 – IT Environment
• Module 3 – Business Technology Strategy
• Module 4 – Human Skills for the IT Architect
• Module 5 – IT Architecture Quality Attributes
• Module 6 – IT Architecture in Practice
• Module 7 – Research Methods
• Research Project / Dissertation

Semester 4

• Research Project / Dissertation

The Programme aims to equip established and aspiring Architects with:

• An informed, common, industry-aligned understanding of their role
• A set of frameworks, approaches and tools for executing Architecture tasks
• A knowledge base of current best Architectural practice and experience
• Ability to Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders
• The capacity to understand technology initiatives from a broad Business Perspective
• Be equipped to make strategic technical decisions
• Obtain internationally certified and validated academic recognition

Flexible Delivery

The programme will start with a 2-day workshop that will involve all students being physically present. This is seen as important to facilitate networking, experience sharing and group learning.

Lectures are held online two evenings per week, from 6.30 to 9.00pm. The lectures are primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Occasionally, classes may alternate between Wednesday and Thursday to facilitate guest speakers. Lectures will be streamed live and will be available for download and offline viewing. The award structure will place greater emphasis on continuous assessment, practical and project work rather than on formal examinations.

Some optional additional on-campus events may also be held. There are 2x examinations which are generally held on campus over the period of the programme.

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Benefits

Most software architects grow or develop into their role without formal standards or certification. This unique course will certify your status internationally as a highly skilled, competent, high-performance architect with a level 9 formal degree.

Benefit from an industry-aligned understanding of the IT architect as a role, improving your creativity and performance when approaching stakeholders about software projects. 

Enhance your future contribution to the industry with a broad knowledge of technology, the IT environment, architecture in practice and more.

Study the field through a combination of classroom sessions, online learning, boot camps and role plays to best illuminate software architecture best practice. Course dissertations are also completed in-company, adding a real-world, practical dimension to the course.

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How Do I Register?

Please use the link below to register for this course.