The objectives of the MDCSE programme are

(i)    To build an advanced human resource capacity in the Data Communication and Software Engineering discipline in both public and private sectors.

(ii)    To foster inter-disciplinary studies which allow the study and application of computational knowledge in non-computational disciplines.

(iii)    To address the increasing demand for training at Masters degree level in Data Communi- cation and Software Engineering.

To develop professionals with theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in Data Com- munication and Software Engineering.

(i)    Advanced human resource capacity in the Data Communication and Software Engineering discipline in both public and private sectors.

(ii)    Multi-disciplinary collaborations and partnerships.

(ii) Increased MSc in Data Communication and Software Engineering graduates.

(iv) Increased expertise in the field of Data Communication and Software Engineering.

Computing professionals might find themselves in a variety of environments in academia, re- search, industry, government, private and business organizations – analyzing problems for so- lutions, formulating and testing, using advanced communications or multi-media equipment, or working in teams for product development. Here’s a short list of research and vocational areas for MDCSE graduates:

(i)    Network Systems Engineering – Network Design, Monitoring and maintenance of net- work equipment, Notification of all network outages to customers, Troubleshooting and configuration of network device

(ii)    Software Engineering – Develop methods for the production of software systems on time, within budget, and with few or no defects.

(iii)    Computer Theory – Investigate the fundamental theories of how computers solve problems, and apply the results to other areas of computer science.

(iv)    Operating Systems and Networks – Develop the basic software used by computers to supervise themselves or to communicate with other computers.

(v)    Software Applications – Apply computing and technology to solving problems outside the computer field – in education or medicine, for example.

(vi)    Computer Design and Engineering – Design new computer circuits, microchips, and other electronic components.

(vii)    Computer Architecture – Design new computer instruction sets, and combine electronic or optical components to provide powerful but cost-effective computing.

The careers are described in IEEE Computer Society¹ and Computing; ISBN 185824 489 7; Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education 2000; Published by Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, Southgate House, Southgate street, Gloucester GL1 1UB, Tel 01452 557000, Fax 01452 557070, web www.qaa.ac.uk; Printed by Kall Kwik, Gloucester.

To make learning more research and development oriented in the curriculum, it is necessary to deliver every course (depending on course type) both core and elective with either a strong research or development bias. In other words, the mode of delivery of respective courses should emphasize on students spending more time researching (including reporting/presenting their work/results) and development rather than keeping in class. This is to enable students to learn how to conduct research as well as to learn the various research methodologies. The courses in each of the two knowledge areas in the curriculum accommodate research and development components. Regards the development component, courses on IoT, Structure and Interpretation of Computer programmes as well as Mobile software and content development are identified to be taught with a strong development bias using the practical hours as reflected in the curriculum. For the research component, all courses taught in on the curriculum have a theoretical element and some are fully biased to research. The output from the research component are to be considered as research lab papers and will constitute end of semester course work assessment.

To qualify for admission, a candidate must fulfill the general Makerere University entry require- ments for master’s degree, and in addition the candidate must be a holder of either

1.    A postgraduate diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineer- ing, Telecommuncations Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering or a closely related field from a recognized University/Institution; OR

2.    A bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Telecommuncations Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering or a closely re- lated field from a recognized University/Institution.

Target Group

The programmes is targeted to graduates from Computer Science, Software Engineering, Com- puter Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering who want to gain expert knowledge on communication networks, mobile programming and software engineering.

Upgrading PGDCSE to MDCSE degree

When a student graduates with a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Communications and Software Engineering (At least Lower Second Class), s/he can apply for the MDCSE to join in second year. In such a scenario, the applicant is expected to either take on Plan A or Plan B. With Plan A, the applicant is expected to undertake research for one year which is equivalent to the second year (semesters III and IV) course load that is covered on the MDCSE programme. With Plan B, the student is expected to undertake the Semester III courses and a project in Semester IV as stipulated in the MDCSE programme.

The upgrading of the PGDCSE to the MDCSE described above must be supported  by  the relevant academic documents attained from the PGD of Makerere University.  This must be done for purposes of analyzing the relevant academic courses that must have been attempted as per the current MDCSE curriculum. Any courses that were not attempted by the applicant as per the first and second semesters course load of the current MDCSE curriculum must be undertaken. On the other hand,  when a student graduates with a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Communications and  Software Engineering  (Pass),  s/he  can apply  for the  MDCSE  but for two academic years i.e. has to start from first year.