MSc in Cloud Computing

The Department of Computing at Cork Instititute of Technology has developed a unique and innovative Masters degree in Cloud Computing. The programme aims to provide the graduate with the advanced conceptual understanding, detailed factual knowledge, and specialist technical skills that are required for success in Cloud Computing. Graduates of this programme will be well equipped to meet the challenges associated with the major changes currently occurring in the IT industry. In this context the programme covers both theoretical background and practical design considerations.

The content seeks to reflect current and likely future practice in cloud planning and management, the design and management of virtual environments, the consolidation of data centres, security techniques in multi-tenant virtualised environments and related areas that contribute to the building of both private and public cloud environments.

If you wish to apply for the MSc in Cloud Computing programme an application form is available here. This form will need to be completed and returned along with an up to date CV. The course code is CR_KCLDC_9, please read the FAQ before making an application. Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday August 5th 2011. The total cost of the programme (3 semester part-time mode) is €10,800. The fee per semester is €3600, €3600 x 3 = €10,800.

Please note that this programme will be delivered part-time over 18 months which is equivalent to three semesters. The full-time equivalent is designed to be delivered on campus over a 12 month period which is equivalent to two semesters. The full-time mode is not currently being offered.

An outline of each module is given below and the full programme descriptor containing learning outcomes, indicative content, assessment methods, etc. can be viewed here.

Cloud Strategy Planning & Management (M)

The Cloud Strategy Planning & Managent module gives students the skills and knowledge required to plan and manage a cloud computing strategy within an organisation. This module will enable students to evaluate the strategic value of cloud computing in its IT strategy using IT governance and compliance. This is a mandatory (M) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Managing Virtual Environments (M)

The Managing Virtual Environments module will focus on the management of virtualiesd infrastructures and equip students with the in-depth knowledge and techniques used to efficiently optimize and effectively troubleshoot virtualised systems that form the backbone of cloud infrastructures. This is a mandatory (M) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Data Centre Networking (M)

The Data Centre Networking modules focuses on networking within the data centre. As data centres grow in size and complexity enterprises are adopting new technologies that combine multiple traffic types that were traditionally carried over different network infrastructures. This module examines these new technologies and demonstrates how consolidation can be realised using a unified network approach. This is a mandatory (M) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Cloud Security (M)

The Cloud Security module focuses on the security of cloud-based system. If security fails, cloud computing might fail as a concept. This module addresses the security issues that pertain to cloud computing including data protection, data verification, tampering, loss and theft solutions, authentication, privacy and control solutions, identity management. This is a mandatory (M) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Computing Research and Practice (M)

The Computing Research and Practice module is designed as a support module to the computing research project module. On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to their computing research project and apply research methods to successfully complete their project. This is a mandatory (M) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Cloud Storage Infrastructures (M)

The Cloud Storage Infrastructures module provides a comprehensive view of storage and networking for cloud-ready highly virtualised infrastructures. The module focuses on building capabilities to develop cloud based solutions to deploy it-as-a-service leading to improved agility. Focus areas include virtualised data centre and cloud, information storage security & design, storage network design, COS – cloud optimized storage and information availability design. This is a mandatory (M) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Research Project (M)

The Research Project is a central activity of the program and is focused on the development of a research project in an area that complements the student’s continuing professional development. This module is weighted at 20 ECTS credits, four times greater than a typical module of 5 ECTS credits. This is a mandatory (M) 20 credit (ECTS) module.

Software Engineering (E)

The Software Engineering module is an elective module. Traditional programming techniques and tools are primarily aimed at supporting programming-in-the-small. Programming, although an important aspect of software engineering is not the same as software engineering. Mathematical aspects play a role in software engineering, as the correctness of software becomes more of a concern; psychological aspects play a role in the communication between humans, as well as between human and machine. Sound engineering practices are required to get truly useful products. Finally, there is the management issue of development-process control. This is an elective (E) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Data Analytics (E)

The Data Analytics module is an elective module. Data analytics is the science of examining raw data with the purpose of drawing conclusions about that information. Data analytics is used in many industries to allow companies and organization to make better business decisions and in the sciences to verify or disprove existing models or theories. Data analytics is distinguished from data mining by the scope, purpose and focus of the analysis. Data analytics focuses on inference; the process of deriving a conclusion based solely on what is already known by the researcher. This is an elective (E) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Scripting for System Administrators (E)

The Scripting for Systems Administrators module is an elective module. This module will provide the student with programming and scripting skills, will address issues such as scripting for security, web services, cloud/virtual servers along with standard physical servers, troubleshooting and solving complex use cases. This is an elective (E) 5 credit (ECTS) module.

Application Development Frameworks (E)

The Application Development Frameworks module is an elective module. This module has two distinct sections. In the first section students will learn about building applications using a popular application development framework. After the first section is completed the module will focus on one of the following areas: Enterprise Integration or Rich Web Applications. Enterprise Integration will cover today’s most important topics and technologies related to enterprise application integration. Rich Web Applications will focus on web application development and how to apply an application development framework to create rich web applications. This is an elective (E) 5 credit (ECTS) module.