Design and Development of Digital Business (MSc)
BackProgramme Description
The Master of Design and Development of Digital Business is a 12-month (full-time) taught master’s degree course. This intensive and innovative course is designed to provide honours graduates who have little or no prior technology experience with:
- a critical understanding of Internet and mobile business strategies, models and processes
- a high level of competence in the technology skills needed to develop professional electronic and mobile business systems
- excellent employment opportunities and a world-class student experience
In Part I of the course, students work closely with our staff in lectures, seminars and in our state-of-the-art development labs to acquire and hone the knowledge and skill areas that underpin contemporary electronic and mobile business. Modules in Part I focus on a wide variety of subject areas including business strategy, programming for the Internet and for mobile devices, systems analysis and design, and systems infrastructure. All technology courses are firmly grounded in a practical, real-world business context and are designed for students with little or no prior experience in computing technology.
In Part II, students work in small groups with a mentor to apply their new knowledge and skills in a practical way - by developing an idea for a new, innovative electronic business venture. The project groups will bring their venture from an initial concept to a fully-articulated business and marketing plan, culminating in the implementation of a functional proof-of-concept prototype system.
Students take a total of 90 credits. Students take taught modules to the value of 70 credits in Part I and a Digital Design and Development Project to the value of 20 credits in Part II.
PART I
- IS6100 Electronic Business Models and Systems
- IS6124 Business Models for Disruptive Technology
- IS6127 Systems Analysis and Application Modelling
- IS6128 Application Design
- IS6129 Introduction to e-Business Experience and Practice
- IS6130 e-Business Strategy Formulation
- IS6131 Programming for Web Application and Services 1
- IS6132 Programming for Web Applications and Services 2
- IS6133 Fundamentals of Interaction Design
- IS6143 Foundations of Object Oriented Programming using Java
- IS6144 Introduction to Mobile Application Development
- IS6145 Database Analysis and Design
- IS6146 Databases for Management Information Systems
- IS6147 Service Design Thinking
PART II
- IS6117 Digital Design and Development Project
Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar
Why Choose This Course
The Master Design and Development of Digital Business offers a unique opportunity for graduates from non-computing disciplines. This course provides you with an opportunity to quickly acquire a set of core skills, both commercial and technical, that will enable you to start your own electronic/mobile business, or seek a position in an established company.
Skills and Careers Information
On this course you can expect to gain both technical and commercial skills. The technical skills include programming for the web and mobile devices, data modelling, and database management. The commercial skills learned include electronic business models, business systems analysis, and electronic commerce. You will have the know-how to start your own e-business or seek a position in an established company.
Our graduates have secured positions as business analysts, systems analysts, programmers, consultants, etc. with a variety of indigenous and multinational companies in fields as diverse as business consultancy, IT, telecommunications, banking, insurance and pharmaceuticals.
Learning Outcomes
For MSc Design and Development of Digital Business (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Communicate and work effectively to a high professional standard;
- Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem solving skills associated with professional practice;
- Engage in advanced application of frameworks and techniques in organisational settings;
- Demonstrate an understanding of Internet and mobile business strategies, models and processes;
- Demonstrate a high level of competence in the technological skills needed to develop professional electronic and mobile business systems.
For Postgraduate Diploma in Design and Development of Digital Business (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
- Communicate and work effectively to a high professional standard;
- Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem solving skills associated with effective practice;
- Engage in advanced application of frameworks and techniques in organisational settings;
- Demonstrate an understanding of Internet and mobile business strategies, models and processes;
- Demonstrate a high level of competence in the technological skills needed to develop professional electronic and mobile business systems.
Practicalities & Assessment
The course is 12 months full-time. In Part 1 there are typically 16 hours of lectures per week and eight hours of tutorials.
Dedicated lab facilities are available for students to work on their course assignments in Part 1 and their group project in Part 2.
Assessment is performed through a number of methods: by examinations at the end of teaching Part 1 (up to Christmas) and Part 2 (usually the following May), set class assignments, and continuous assessment.
The course is taught by staff from the Department of Business Information Systems (seven modules) and from the Department of Electrical Engineering (one module).
You can search UCC's Institutional Research Information System for staff profiles.
Full module information is detailed in the section below.
Modules
Part I
-
Electronic Business Models & Systems
Part I
Electronic Business Models & Systems (IS6100)
To examine the emergence of eCommerce and the role of the business model in enabling it.
More Information -
Business Models for Disruptive Technology
Part I
Business Models for Disruptive Technology (IS6124)
To examine emerging technology trends and the new business models being enabled by them.
More Information -
Systems Analysis and Application Modelling
Part I
Systems Analysis and Application Modelling (IS6127)
This module aims to provide students with the modern vision of IS development as an agile "rapid response" process which aims at aligning the information systems of the firm with business goals in close to real time.
More Information -
Application Design
Part I
Application Design (IS6128)
This module deals with application design from both a visual and technical standpoint.
More Information -
Introduction to e-Business Experience and Practice
Part I
Introduction to e-Business Experience and Practice (IS6129)
To introduce students to electronic business activity in practice, based on a portfolio of real-world electronic business case studies.
More Information -
e-Business Strategy Formulation
Part I
e-Business Strategy Formulation (IS6130)
To introduce students to a systematic approach to electronic business strategy formulation, illustrated through the analysis of real-world electronic business case studies.
More Information -
Programming for Web Applications and Services 1
Part I
Programming for Web Applications and Services 1 (IS6131)
To provide students with an understanding of the principles of designing and developing websites.
More Information -
Programming for Web Applications and Services 2
Part I
Programming for Web Applications and Services 2 (IS6132)
To provide students with an understanding of the principles of developing and managing web applications and web services.
More Information -
Foundations of Object Oriented Programming using Java
Part I
Foundations of Object Oriented Programming using Java (IS6143)
To provide students with a practical understanding of object oriented programming by applying design principles, methods and technologies for Java application software.
More Information -
Introduction to Mobile Application Development
Part I
Introduction to Mobile Application Development (IS6144)
To provide students with a practical understanding of mobile programming by applying design principles, methods and technologies for Android mobile apps.
More Information -
Database Analysis and Design
Part I
Database Analysis and Design (IS6145)
To provide students with the concepts and skills required to analyze organizational activities, information flows and to subsequently create the data models required to support these activities.
More Information -
Databases for Management Information Systems
Part I
Databases for Management Information Systems (IS6146)
To provide students with the concepts and skills required to create database structures and to develop business reports to support decision making.
More Information -
Service Design Thinking
Part I
Service Design Thinking (IS6147)
The objective of this course is to help students apply the creative problem-solving techniques of designers to solve business problems.
More Information -
Optimising the Business Value of IT
Part I
Optimising the Business Value of IT (IS6135)
This module aims to provide an understanding of the issues concerned with ensuring business value and continuity of the service offered to the firm by information systems.
More Information
Part II
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Digital Design and Development Project
Part II
Digital Design and Development Project (IS6117)
To provide students with a practical understanding of developing new electronic business ventures, and prototyping the required online applications.
More Information
For full programme requirements, please refer to the University College Cork Academic Calendar here
Back to topEntry Requirements
To apply for this course, you will have:
- at least a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline except those with high levels of software development content (e.g. computer science, business information systems, etc.) or
- expect to graduate in the year of entry with at least a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline except those with high levels of software development content
Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be given to applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria but who have relevant professional experience, subject to approval by the School of Business
View the grades comparison table
Non-EU Candidates
Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. To verify if you meet the minimum academic requirements for this programme please visit our qualification comparison pages.
For more detailed entry requirement information please refer to the International website .
Application Process
1. Choose Course
Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to three courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.
2. Apply Online
Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Education - Professional Master of Education - (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.
3. Gather Supporting Documents
Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.
- Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC
- Any supplementary items requested for your course.
Please log into the online application portal for more details.
4. Application processing timeline
Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details.
5. Rounds
For courses that are in the rounds system (Irish and EU applicants), please check the rounds closing dates here.
Questions on how to apply?
Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.
The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 June
Non-EU Applications
For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.
For more information please contact the International Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
MSc eBusiness Frequently Asked Questions
- What Skills Will I Acquire?
You will acquire a thorough understanding of electronic and mobile business strategy and models, the underlying infrastructure of electronic business (storage, telecommunications and security), and the skills required to analyse, design and build database systems, Internet-based applications and mobile applications.
- What Are the Employment Opportunities?
Graduates from the programme can expect a high-level of demand from employers in the financial services sector, business consulting sector and computing sector.
What are the entry requirements? What kind of background should I have?
The programme is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue a career related to electronic business but who do not have a background in technology and software development. If you come from a commerce/business background, you may find the business strategy aspects of the programme more familiar. However, the programme is open to students from all non-computing disciplines (arts, social sciences, law, etc.).
- Are all modules compulsory?
Yes. The programme has been carefully designed in such a way as to provide you a complementary and coherent set of skills to enable you to work successfully in the E-Business sectors. As a result, all modules are compulsory.
- What size are classes?
Class sizes usually vary from year to year, with an approximate size of 20.
- Will I have time for a part-time job during the year?
The very nature of the programme means that it is quite intensive and so we do not advise that anyone should have a part-time job. We understand however that financially, this may not be an option for some. If personal time is managed correctly from Sept-June, this may be an option. However, the summer project is quite intensive and as you will be working as part of a team, we strongly advise against part-time work. Weeks can be long ¨40hrs +, and full commitment is required.
- What are the fees for this programme?
Please refer to the UCC fees office website for the most up to date fees schedule
CURRENT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS & PRIZES
- The Pricewaterhousecooper (Pwc) Award
- College Scholar- Cork University Business School
- The Graduate of the Year Award
- The Peel Memorial Prize
- Quercus College of Business and Law Scholarship (open to 1st/2nd years)
BCOMM Awards
- BComm III Year Abroad
- BComm III Transferrable Skills Placement
- BComm III Transferrable Skills Project
- The Downey Prize (Final Year)
- The John Busteed Prize in Economics
- The PwC Prize (First Year)
- The PwC Prize (Second Year)
- The PwC International Business Education Scholarship (BComm III – Year Abroad)
BCOMM International
- The Edward and Matilda Ryan Scholarship (Bcomm International- French)
- The Dr H H Stewart Literary Scholarships and Prizes (NUI ) - Further information
BSc Business Information Systems:
The following awards are presented at the annual BIS Graduation Breakfast which is held before the graduation ceremony on in UCC. This event is hosted by the BIS Advisory Board.
- Bank of Ireland Gold Medal Award - awarded annually to the BIS student who achieves the highest marks in his/her final year (4th Year).
- Bank of Ireland Silver Medal Award - awarded annually to the most innovative Final Year project undertaken.
- BIS .NET Project of the Year - sponsored by Microsoft for the most innovative .NET project.
- BIS Anthology Awards showcases the creativity and artistic skills of our students. Prizes are awarded for the best entries in the following categories: Poetry, Photography, Art, Short Stories and Articles.
- BIS Tutor of the Year Awards are presented annually to the tutor who shows most care, enthusiasm and diligence with regard to tutoring during the course of the year
BSc Finance Awards
- The PwC Prize for Second Accounting and Second Finance (BSc Finance/BSc Accounting)
- UCC CIMA Prizes (BSc Finance/BSc Accounting)
BSc Accounting Awards
- The Cork Society of Chartered Accountants (Bursary)
- The Edward P. Cahill Prize
- The KPMG Prize
- The (PwC) Prize- Accounting
- The PwC Prize for Second Accounting and Second Finance (BSc Finance/BSc Accounting)
- UCC CIMA Prizes (BSc Finance/BSc Accounting)
For full details on the above scholarships and prizes see the secition under College of Business & Law on the UCC pages Current Student Scholarships and Prizes