MSc and PhD Requirements within the School of Computer Science and Informatics

All UCD-CSI MSc and PhD research students are required to satisfy a set of requirements prior to submitting their theses. These requirements are designed to:

• ensure technical depth in the chosen specialty,
• develop a breadth of knowledge across the field of computer science,
• monitor progress during your tenure in UCD-CSI,
• encourage a spirit of intellectual curiosity, and
• provide the lifelong learning skills needed to excel in a computing career.

The requirements are designed to be flexible: every student has their own interests and motivation, and every research area has its own suite of specialized tools and knowledge. At the same time, CSI firmly believes that there is a core set of skills and knowledge that all students of advanced computer science must master.

The requirements are spelled out in detail in Research Student Handbook 2007 [0.9MB PDF], which you can obtain from the school’s reception office. (Due to its booklet pagination, viewing this document on-line can be confusing; you’re better off getting a printed copy.) To summarize, all research students must:

• participate in a progress monitoring process, which involves a Supervisory Committee comprised of two or more academic staff members, and the submission of brief annual progress reports;
• passing at least four modules of advanced coursework
• active participation (both regular attendance and also presentation) in CSI’s weekly research seminar series; and
• submitting and defining a formal thesis proposal.

These requirements are lower bounds: students are of course encouraged to take extra modules, give additional seminars, etc!

Note that the MSc requirements are a subset of the PhD requirements (see the Handbook for details). The intent is to ensure that MSc students benefit from these structured requirements too, and so that students who register for an MSc and later “upgrade” to a PhD are not disadvantaged.

These requirements apply to all students, but the specific manner and timing of their fulfillment is tailored for each individual student by the Supervisory Committee in consultation with the student. Supervisors will generally be willing to waive these requirements for students who have already obtained an MSc degree. Note that it will be very difficult for part-time students, or students who are not physically present in Dublin, to fulfill these requirements.

These requirements apply only to new students first registered in or after September 2005. Students who first registered prior to September 2005 are not affected by these requirements.

For further information, consult your Supervisory Committee, the Postgraduate Director (), or the Head of School.