MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning in U.L.

turbojunkie

I am looking at starting this course in September and would really appreciate any feedback from anyone who has done the course or knows anything about it. Thanks in advance.

xtopee

turbojunkie wrote: »

I am looking at starting this course in September and would really appreciate any feedback from anyone who has done the course or knows anything about it. Thanks in advance.

I'm in the same boat with you. I've actually accepted an offer for this course before being offered a place in Galway for MSC Information Systems Management. The MA programme is great but who knows what offers the greatest employment opportunities and career progression?

turbojunkie

xtopee wrote: »

I'm in the same boat with you. I've actually accepted an offer for this course before being offered a place in Galway for MSC Information Systems Management. The MA programme is great but who knows what offers the greatest employment opportunities and career progression?

Exactly. My other choice is a Masters in I.T. in Galway. I really don't know which to choose but would love to hear from anyone with any info on either course.

xtopee

Though I've paid acceptance for Limerick, I may be going with Galway. From extensive research, it appears they (Employers) prefer candidates with strong technological background even to do the tech writing. They place much emphasis now on Programmers or Technologist with strong communication skills. All the Technical communication jobs I have surveyed require experienced IT degree holders. However, Technical communication is a highly specialised set of skills which goes beyond just the tech skills. Unfortunately though, it appears employer do not really appreciate these as they'd think 'anyone can write' or anyone can learn tools like Captivate. So, technical communicators always seeking relevance when they're placed as underdogs. If I wasn't critically targetting employment opportunity in the IT industry, I'd definitely go for the MA in Tech Comm. We can discuss this further and share some more thoughts if you like

turbojunkie

xtopee wrote: »

Though I've paid acceptance for Limerick, I may be going with Galway. From extensive research, it appears they (Employers) prefer candidates with strong technological background even to do the tech writing. They place much emphasis now on Programmers or Technologist with strong communication skills. All the Technical communication jobs I have surveyed require experienced IT degree holders. However, Technical communication is a highly specialised set of skills which goes beyond just the tech skills. Unfortunately though, it appears employer do not really appreciate these as they'd think 'anyone can write' or anyone can learn tools like Captivate. So, technical communicators always seeking relevance when they're placed as underdogs. If I wasn't critically targetting employment opportunity in the IT industry, I'd definitely go for the MA in Tech Comm. We can discuss this further and share some more thoughts if you like

Congrats on getting both courses. I have a B.A. in I.T. and Economics. Technical Writing was my best subject and I enjoyed it which is why I applied for this course. But, at the end of the day, I'll be doing the course that provides me with the best career prospects. I'm a bit worried that the Masters in I.T. in Galway would be too general and I would have to do another course afterwards to specialize in a particular area.

Having said all of this, I have still not heard back from either course. How soon after your application did they respond to you?

shinnors

Hi, I'm just following up on this thread. Seeing as you have done one year of the courses (did any of you do the UL course). Can you tell me how you have found it? I'm looking at returning to college following redundancy and have chosen the UL course so would like some feedback.

Cheers, S