Course Details

Course Code(s):
MEEDCOTFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Full-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Science and Engineering
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Brendan Mullane
Email: Brendan.Mullane@ul.ie
Apply Now

Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

Formerly Computer and Communications Systems, this new and modernised Master of Engineering programme provides an exciting opportunity for students to gain a solid foundation in targeted areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) necessary to create an in-depth knowledge applicable to the field of Edge Computing.

Alternative programmes in this discipline include: Edge Computing - Postgraduate Diploma | University of Limerick (ul.ie)

Smart devices and the popularity of cloud services have created a new computing paradigm known as Edge Computing to process information data at the edge of a network. Edge computing is computing that takes place at or near the physical location and involves capturing, storing, processing, and analysing data closer to the location where it is needed to improve response times and save bandwidth. Edge computing will generate billions of new Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints and real-time artificial intelligence (AI) for autonomous systems. It will also enable intelligent applications and devices to respond to data almost instantaneously, which is critical for the deployment of new age technologies such as self-driving cars, vision systems, healthcare transformation, sustainable energy management and smart manufacturing systems.

Programme Aims:

  • To equip students with knowledge of electronic technologies ranging from network and cloud infrastructure solutions to IoT systems and applications.
  • To enhance learning in communications and computer systems, networking architectures and cybersecurity, including artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge and its application in the field of edge computing.
  • To provide know-how of edge computing platforms, communication & security protocols, real-time data processing fundamentals including AI/Machine Learning (ML) design and implementation.
  • To enhance graduates existing educational base and employment prospects.

The programme content is currently under minor review for 2025/2026 and is subject to change. 

The course spans a single academic year (12 months) and comprises ten taught modules which are taken in semesters one and two and a substantial project which is completed in semester three. Students who pass the taught element of the programme will be offered the opportunity to complete their project/dissertation in semester 3 and graduate with a Master of Engineering in Edge Computing.  Students who do not want to complete the dissertation can opt to graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Edge Computing on successful completion of 60 credits.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3
  • Introduction to Data Engineering and Machine Learning
  • C++ Programming
  • Signal Processing for Communications
  • Converged Networks
  • Applied Cloud Computing
  • Deep learning at the Edge
  • Edge Computing and Internet of Things
  • Real-Time Embedded Systems
  • Communications & Security Protocols
  • MEng Project *1: Planning and Research Methods
  • MEng Project *2: Design and Implementation

*Project: Students are encouraged to engage in research projects

 

Applicants for this Level 9 programme must normally have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject*, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement.

Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. University of Limerick reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary.

*Appropriate qualifications for this programme would be engineering, computing, mathematics, science or technology discipline, or another discipline where significant maths and computing elements can be demonstrated.

 

What to Include with your Application

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

EU - €7,430 

Non-EU - €18,900 

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

The programme provides a programme of study dedicated to Edge Computing technology and is suitable to graduates with primary degrees in electronics, computing, science or ICT disciplines who wish to wish to further develop their professional, technical and analytical skills in this discipline. Typical careers include:

  • Edge computing design and applications engineering
  • Edge computer network designer and solutions architect
  • Software engineering and consultancy personnel
  • Machine-Learning engineers
  • Embedded software developers
  • Internet of Things (IoT) engineering
  • Design group leaders, junior project managers, software systems managers
  • Research and Development engineers
  • Doctorate postgraduate studies