Ireland’s New Masters in Computing Blockchain With Tracey Donnery

With Tracey Donnery, Executive Director for Skillnet Ireland.

Is the course full time, when will it take place?

The Masters in Computing, Blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technologies) is a two year, part-time course with over 80% delivered online. This is a very flexible programme delivered on a leading-edge online learning platform that suits the needs of busy professionals.

Is there a cost?

The course is part-funded by Skillnet Ireland and will cost €3,150 per student per annum.

Who is it aimed at?

The course is aimed at three groups – those that are currently working in the area of blockchain, those working within a related technical area interested in building a career as a blockchain developer, and recent computer science graduates with an interest in blockchain.

Applicants must have a Level 8 Honours Degree (2.2) or higher in Computer Science, Computing, Computer Applications or a related discipline. Applicants without these entry requirements may be considered if they can demonstrate previously obtained competence equivalent to the entry requirements. The full eligibility criteria is available from https://www.ictskillnet.ie/training/msc-in-blockchain/.

Ireland has been relatively slow to move in the blockchain/crypto space, does this mark a gearing up of the Irish response?

Blockchain technology has now penetrated multiple industry sectors such as banking and finance, food supply-chains and MedTech, however, there is great scope for further development. This new Master’s programme was developed in response to the National Blockchain strategy which sets out Ireland’s ambition to be a world leader in Blockchain technology. With this programme, we are propelling Ireland to the forefront of blockchain by ensuring that Irish companies have the skills needed to be at the cutting edge of this technology. The programme was funded by Skillnet Ireland and designed by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet in collaboration with higher education and industry. Therefore graduates will develop the skills that are most relevant for industry and gain a postgraduate qualification.

What does ‘good’ look like if it all goes well?

Ireland will be ideally positioned to be seen as a leader in blockchain technology with a highly skilled workforce available in blockchain and related technologies. Knowledge and skills are the global currency of the 21^st century. Without the specialist knowledge and expertise in this area Ireland would not be able to capitalise on this innovative technology across all sectors. This Master’s programme will help ensure we have the right skills available for companies and IT professionals to enhance their blockchain technology capability and to seize the immense opportunities that are available.

What topics will be covered?

This new Masters course covers the wider context of Blockchain associated computer security issues, specifically: the two Blockchain technologies – Ethereum and Hyperledger, Cryptography; Public Key Cryptography and Security Protocols. The programme focuses on the strong linkages between Blockchain and cloud systems and technologies as one of the growing ways to implement and scale Blockchain is Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS).

Who are the lecturers & guest speakers?

Lecturers will be a mix of industry experts and academic lecturers from Dublin City University.

The programme has been developed by Skillnet Ireland’s Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, in collaboration with Dublin City University.

The launch coincides with Blockchain Ireland week, a Government initiative focused on promoting the growth and development of Blockchain technology in the country.

Applications are now open for this new Master’s beginning in September 2019. The closing date for applications is July 23rd 2019. In the first instance, applicants should submit their CV directly to info@ictskillnet.ie For more information on the Master’s degree in Blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technologies) at DCU click here:

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