NCI Course Details

The Master of Science in Cloud Computing is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this course may progress to a major award at level 10 on the NFQ. Students may also elect to exit early with the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cloud Computing at level 9 on the NFQ.

According to a recent Higher Education Outcomes Report released by the CSO, ICT graduates receive the highest weekly earnings five years after graduating compared to other sectors based on the analysis of the destinations of students who graduated between 2010 and 2016.

This programme aims to fulfil the ICT sector specific needs as reported in Ireland's National Skills Strategy 2025. By combining technical skills and innovation principles, it effectively delivers core technology skills in cloud software development, fog/edge computing, DevOps, security and data governance. Having also taken into account global industry trends, it includes electives in quantum computing, blockchain and machine learning.

Students will gain experience with the latest ethical design principles, models and technologies via our state-of-the-art Cloud Competency Centre. The course is delivered by faculty and industry practitioners with proven expertise in cloud computing.

This programme will be assessed with a blend of project work and exams. This varies between modules but typically assessment is 50% continuous assessment and 50% exam.

For information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

An honours (level 8) primary degree in a computing discipline with a 2.2 award or higher. Students in their final year of undergraduate study can be admitted on the condition that their degrees are awarded before they enrol at NCI.  

The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, and an interview.

Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in English evidenced by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.

NCI is prepared to adhere to Government directives for course delivery in September 2021. Investments have been made in technology for online learning, as well as campus enhancements if face-to-face classes are permissible.

This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration. The minimal suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 multi-core processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS or Windows. 

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI IT cannot provide support for these personal devices.

This course runs over 1 year; 2 semesters and a final research project.

Students need to be available 09.00 - 18.00 Mon – Fri (class days and times vary).

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

€6,500 total fee
(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.

The fee for this course for international students is €15,000.

Find out more about studying at NCI as an international student.