The Taught Masters Programme in Computer Science by Negotiated Learning is a flexible, innovative programme which builds on the established portfolio of CSI graduate taught courses but is customised to individual student needs and their prior learning experiences. It is true that we are living in difficult times. The current status of the economic climate has prompted many to re-evaluate their career agendas and look to re-positioning themselves within the landscape of Ireland's knowledge economy. For some this equates to extending their knowledge by building on their undergraduate degree qualification to be in the front-line for computer science positions in the years ahead. For others, with industry experience it might mean seeking accreditation for their skills they have developed following their undergraduate programme and extending these to meet brighter, more prosperous career goals. Others, may be currently employed by industry and see value in furthering their skill-set (perhaps in consultation with the industry they work in) in the spirit of improving themselves and the value they bring to their team/project and their company as a whole. The MSc in Computer Science by Negotiated Learning Programme is the first of its kind in the island, whereby students have the opportunity to select modules, from a suite of diverse module offerings, that best align with their own individual needs and career goals. The programme is attractive to industrial workers coming from related computer science and IT disciplines, and/or national and international students with relevant computer science undergraduate degree qualifications, who have specific workplace needs or requirements for continuing professional development.

The flexible nature of the programme addresses very specific negotiated learning outcomes supporting future self-directed and autonomous learning both facilitating career progression in the industry environment and in the context of multidisciplinary thematic PhD programmes.