THE Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has reshaped postgraduate computing education, driving demand for future-ready professionals.
Taylor’s University’s Master of Applied Computing (MAC) programme is designed to meet these challenges head-on.
The programme’s director Dr Humaira Ashraf, from the School of Computer Science, explained that the MAC programme curriculum offers a hands-on, project-driven approach that integrates emerging technologies with real-world problem-solving.
“By focusing on high-demand areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and Cybersecurity, our students gain both breadth and depth in cutting-edge domains,” she said.
Beyond technical skills, the programme embeds innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary thinking into its modules, ensuring graduates are adaptable, forward-thinking and ready for the digital economy.
Humaira emphasised that in this age of algorithms, the programme teaches not just what to compute, but why.
She viewed the MAC programme as a “launchpad” that takes students, from data to decisions, and from ideas to implementation.
MAC students benefit from a personalised, hands-on, modular learning experience designed to meet real-world computing demands.
Industry-relevant expertise
The MAC programme maintains strong industry linkages and regularly updates its curriculum to reflect current trends and employer expectations.
“Our modules are co-designed and reviewed with input from industry partners, ensuring alignment with certifications, standards and tools that are relevant in practice.
Students engage with real datasets and current case studies, and their capstone projects mirror professional challenges,” said Humaira.
Furthermore, the academic team comprising active researchers and practitioners, ensures that teaching is dynamic, research-informed and career-focused. Specialising enables students to build targeted expertise in AI, Data Science or Cybersecurity, all highly sought-after domains such as machine learning, decision-making and risk management.
Learners may also pursue a dual specialisation in AI and Data Science, enabling them to diversify competencies, enhance marketability and build interdisciplinary skills for leadership in cross-functional roles.
Striking a balance
Designed with working professionals in mind, the MAC programme adopts a modular block structure where each block runs for seven weeks, allowing students to focus on one module at a time.
“This approach supports better work-life-study balance, especially for working professionals looking to upskill without stepping away from their commitments,” said Humaira.
The programme is offered in the conventional format for all three specialisations—AI, Data Science, and Cybersecurity.
For added flexibility, AI and Data Science specialisations are also available 100% online, enabling learners to study anytime, anywhere.
With five intakes per year, students can choose from different entry points that best align with their schedules.
Humaira said the option for dual specialisations in AI and Data Science is valuable, as it allows learners to diversify their competencies and increase their marketability across multiple sectors.
The programme can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time, with weekend classes and asynchronous learning in the 100% online format to support diverse learner needs.
The programme also supports career switchers and non-Information and Communication Technology (ICT) graduates by offering a bridging module, Fundamentals of IT, to build a foundation in computing concepts before advancing to higher-level applications.
With academic mentorship, project-based learning and soft skills development, it empowers learners to transition confidently into roles across the region’s tech-driven industries.
A transformative journey
Introduced in 2021, Taylor’s University’s MAC programme has quickly established itself as both relevant and reputable.
It caters to working professionals seeking to upskill, career switchers pivoting into ICT, and fresh graduates with big aspirations.
Additionally, Taylor’s University is ranked among the World’s Top 100 for Data Science & AI in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, underscoring the programme’s global credibility.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from working professionals and international students seeking flexible, high-quality postgraduate computing education,” said Humaira.
She emphasised that the MAC programme prepares students for today’s roles and future-proofs them for the digital economy.
“We nurture graduates who are technically competent, industry-aware, and equipped with essential soft skills such as adaptability, communication, strategic problem-solving and ethical reasoning,” she added.
Learners gain real-world exposure through projects, industry mentoring and cross-disciplinary collaboration, reflecting the dynamic teams of today’s tech landscape.
“MAC is not just a Master’s degree – it is a mindset of mastery. We equip students to code, analyse, build, adapt and lead in AI, Data Science and Cybersecurity. We do not just teach technology, we inspire transformation.”
To learn more about the upcoming intake and gain first-hand insights through Taylor’s Personalised Counselling, visit
