overview

Previously titled MSc in Information Design and Development, this is a graduate conversion programme and is open to Level 8 graduates from all disciplines. In a wide range of industries, there is a requirement  to communicate technical information clearly to a target audience and information developers make scientific and technical information more useable and accessible. They determine how information is structured and delivered, and in doing so, they advance the business goals of the companies or organisations that employ them.

Increasingly, information developers need to understand communication and technology in addition to their specialised fields. Roles include but are not limited to: Technical Communicators, Technical Editors, Information Architects, Content Strategists, Instructional Designers, Technical Illustrators, Localisation Specialists, Usability and Human Factors Professionals, Visual Designers, Web Designers and Developers, Trainers and E-Learning Developers, and Information Project Managers.

Information developer activities range from documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) to designing information for artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Information developers bridge the gap between industry and the end user. Coupling technical communication with cutting-edge technology skills gives prospective students the knowledge and ability to analyse, create, and manage information for today’s users. Information developers should understand concepts of programming, AI, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), application programming interfaces (APIs), cyber security, and localization engines. Information development ensures that designs, products, systems, and methodologies are documented and conveyed to their target audiences to maximise the business value to the organisation. Click this link or the image above to download the programme flyer which contains links to the complete list of modules.

LEADING TECHCOMM EXPERTS

Industry and academic experts in the fields of XML, technical communication, project management, and information experience deliver modules in this programme. Technology modules are delivered by leading experts in the MTU computer science faculty.

programme aim

A professional master’s degree programme in Technical Communication will provide students the opportunity for in-depth study of communication, project management, and technical skills necessary for them to enter the field or advance their careers. The programme aims to strengthen the technical communication skills of experienced industry specialists needing to broaden their reach. The programme reflects the interdisciplinary skills that are required of today’s information developers.

Who should apply for this programme?

• Do you come from a humanities or business background and want to move into the field of technical communication?
• Are you a working as an engineer or developer and want to move into the field of technical communication?
• Are you an industry specialist and want to communicate your organization’s information more effectively?
• Are you working as an information developer and want to advance your career with a professional master’s degree in the area?

Apply now if you can answer yes to any of the questions above.

Please click here or the programme schedule button for full module details.

What skills will I learn?

• Information design and development – Emerging technologies and changing user expectations require that information developers understand how to model information for both linear and contextual consumption. Advanced knowledge and skills learned in this programme enable information developers to evaluate, design and develop technical information for linear and nonlinear outputs. Students will learn how to write and design clear and effective scientific and technical information for documents and other deliverables. Students will also learn to develop and apply style conventions using best practices.
• XML in technical communications – Structured content and in particular Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) provide a platform-independent, vendor-neutral source language for publishing documentation to any output format. Given the benefits of XML/DITA to the information development process, information developers are now required to understand the technology and embed it into their everyday work practices. As part of this programme students will learn skills in how to develop structured content using DITA.
• Information project management – Managing nonlinear content compared to book-oriented development introduces new complexities in estimating, scheduling, and tracking projects. A multi-dimensional approach is increasingly used in information design practices. Use of topics or micro information enables the creation of information solutions that can be easily reconfigured and reused to suit various audience stakeholders at a reduced cost of production. In this programme students will be taught the project management skills to deal successfully with these complexities
• Audience and research skills – Knowing and understanding your customer is key to being an information developer, where anticipating who will read your document is key in determining how effective the content will be. Information developers need research skills to investigate a particular topic and to understand their audiences. They can then adapt their writing styles and adjust the voice or tone of the information to acknowledge different stakeholder groups.

Graduate Profile

Graduates will be able to perform a broad range of job functions across diverse industries. They will communicate information for diverse audiences and stakeholder groups in a clear and concise manner. At the end of this programme students should have advanced skills in designing, composing, editing, and managing information for diverse audiences and diverse systems. They will be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of information using a range of best practices.

ABOUT THE​ DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Department of Computer Science at MTU is one of the largest Computer Science departments in Ireland. We offer a range of modern undergraduate programmes and a host of opportunities at master’s degree and at PhD level. Our industry engaged programmes match the needs of our economy and have an excellent reputation for producing the most employable computer science graduates in the region. These highly skilled graduates are in huge demand and contribute significantly to the development of the region. As technology plays a greater role in our society, the growth in the demand for these graduates will continue year after year.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants who hold a Level 8 degree in any discipline are eligible to apply for the MSc in Technical Communication programme. Applicants who do not hold a Level 8 degree but have significant industrial experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

online APPLI​CATIONS

Applications are now open for September 2023. Closing date for applications is 31st August 2023, or whenever the programme is full.

Please click the "Apply Now" button to make an online application for this programme. The MTU online application system will open in a new window and this will allow you to enter details of your application for this programme. Fields marked with a red asterisk are required fields and need to be completed. You can use the supporting documentation section to add scanned copies of transcripts, your CV, or any other relevant documentation. Please study the entry requirements for this programme and ensure that you've supplied all information that's relevant to your application.