Technical Communication

Master of Science

Woman working on a computer with multiple screens in an office
Woman working on a computer with multiple screens in an office
Type of Programme
Part-time, Online
Duration
2 Years
Course Code
CR_KINDD_9
Entry Requirements
See details below
Application Deadline
30th August 2024
Location(s)
Online
Course NFQ Level
Level 9

Eoin O’Regan

T: 021 433 5525

Email: (email)

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.

 

Course Delivery

24 months (4 semesters) is the minimum duration.

The MSc in Technical Communication is delivered and accessed fully online using state of the art Cloud based technologies. Lectures are delivered online by night and streamed live over the Internet and recorded to facilitate easy playback to students. The programme offers great flexibility to students as they can access their lectures and labs anytime, anywhere on any device that has a Web browser.

The MSc in Technical Communication is a 90 credit programme, consisting of 60 credits worth of taught modules and a 30-credit project.

 

Award

Master of Science in Technical Communication (Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications). (Single module certification is possible)

What will I study?

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.

 

Modules

All modules are worth 5 credits (ECTS) unless otherwise noted.

Mandatory

  • Intro to Information Design
  • Information Experience Design
  • Information Project Management
  • Research Practice & Ethics
  • Advanced Info Design & Develop
  • XML in Technical Communication
  • Writing for Industry
  • Comp Research Project Implementation

Electives

  • Cloud Infrastructure
  • Security Contingency Planning
  • Scientific Programming for Biologists
  • Processing & Visualisation
  • Communications & Cybersecurity

Credits:

90

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

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

 

What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Fees

€6,300. This is typically paid in 3 instalments of €2,100.

  • Please note that applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €500 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee. 
  • Note: You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the 'apply now' button, you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you, and you wish to accept it.

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