-
Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
-
University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
-
About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
-
Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
-
Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
-
Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
-
Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
-
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageComputer Science—Artificial Intelligence (MSc)
Course Overview
Artificial Intelligence is one the most exciting and fastest growing areas of the ICT industry and research. It has the potential to positively transform every aspect of all our lives, from Smart Cities and Autonomous Vehicles, through to improved healthcare services and low-carbon economies. Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to provide intelligent solutions that can help us to tackle many today’s greatest societal challenges.
Become part of this exciting development by joining our one-year MSc in Computer Science—Artificial Intelligence.
This programme is aimed at graduates with a primary qualification in Computer Science or related subject area. It is not a conversion course, but expects students to be already at a very high technical standard with regard to their Computer Science education.
The full-time MSc in Artificial Intelligence is taught by renowned, interdisciplinary University of Galway experts in the field. It covers over two semesters many complementary areas of Artificial Intelligence, including Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Optimisation, and Reinforcement Learning.
Furthermore, students reinforce their newly gained skills in a 30-credit project that is completed during the summer. Here students may have the opportunity to collaborate with a research group or with an industry partner.
The School of Computer Science Advanced MSc Scholarship (Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics)
University of Galway, School of Computer Science is offering one scholarship for the MSc in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics) commencing the next academic year; this scholarship, up to the full value of the EU tuition fee is awarded to the highest ranked graduate of the BSc Computer Science & IT undergraduate programme (GY350) among those who apply for the scholarship. This is open to all current GY350 final year students due to graduate in the current academic year, and all previous graduates of the programme. Please note that to be considered for this merit-based scholarship, applicants must first apply and be accepted to their chosen programme. They will subsequently be required to complete a separate scholarship application form.
Scholarships available
Find out about our other Postgraduate Scholarships here.
You may also be interested in one of our other School of Computer Science postgraduate programmes.
Entry requirements
Please click here to see the entry requirements for this course.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Please visit Supporting Documents website for detail on what you need to include with your online application.
Who Teaches this Course
- Professor Paul Buitelaar
- Dr Brian Deegan
- Professor James Duggan
- Dr Heike Felzmann
- Dr Conor Hayes
- Dr Enda Howley
- Professor Michael Madden
- Dr Patrick Mannion
- Dr James McDermott
- Dr John McCrae
- Dr Matthias Nickles
- Dr Colm O'Riordan
- Dr Ihsan Ullah
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Prior qualification
This MSc is targeted at high-performing graduates of Level 8 computer science programmes, or Level 8 science/engineering programmes that offer sufficient training in computing.
The minimum academic requirement for entry to the programme is a First Class Honours (or equivalent) from a recognised university or third-level college. However, a good Second Class Honours (or equivalent) can be deemed sufficient on the recommendation of the Programme Director.
English language proficiency
Overall, entry to the MSc Artificial Intelligence requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band. TOEFL: Overall 88, Listening 12–19, Speaking 18–19, Writing 24–26, Reading 13–18. PTE: Overall 61, Writing 61, all other bands no less than 50.
University of Galway Conversion Programme Pathway
Students who have successfully completed our PDip Data Analytics and Visualisation programme, or our PDip Cloud Computing and Software Development programme, or our PDip Cybersecurity and Software Development programme, or the first year of our MSc/HDip Software Design & Development programme, and who have achieved a First Class Honours (1.1) or a high 2.1 overall degree result (or first year’s overall result in the MSc Software Design & Development), are eligible to apply for entry to this programme. This is an ideal route for any applicants who feel they are not likely to reach the entry criteria of the MSc Artificial Intelligence programme through direct entry. Transition to the MSc Artificial Intelligence is at the discretion of the MSc AI programme director and contingent on available places.
Key Facts
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
40
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website.
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
MSC-MAI
Course Outline
The MSc is a 1 year, fulltime, 90-ECTS course with three main elements: core modules (45 ECTS), optional (elective) modules (15 ECTS), and a substantial capstone thesis project (30 ECTS).
Core modules include: Programming and Tools for AI; Introduction to Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Research Topics in AI; Information Retrieval; Artificial Intelligence and Ethics; Agents, Multi-Agent Systems & Reinforcement Learning.
Optional modules include: Advanced Topics in Natural Language Processing; Knowledge Representation; Optimisation; Knowledge Graphs; System Modelling & Simulation; Tools and Techniques for Large Scale Data Analytics; Web & Network Science.
From Semester 2 onwards, students work on individual projects and submit them in August. Projects may have a research or applied research focus.
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases). Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
AI skills will be required in every industry and AI is projected—according to recent World Economic Forum research—to create globally around 97 million new jobs. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025 machines are expected to perform more current work tasks than humans compared to 71% being performed by humans today, and a PwC-report concludes that artificial intelligence, robotics and smart automation technology could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global GDP by 2030.
Within the AI space, there is a diversity of jobs requiring various levels of expertise:
- More foundational jobs include data architects, software engineers and machine and deep learning engineers.
- Advanced roles include specialist research engineers, including those that specialise in computer vision, language and speech, and AI architects.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€8,890 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€8,750 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Non EU
€28,000 p.a. (€28,140 including levy) 2025/26
For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Find out More
MSc (AI) Programme Administrator,
School of Computer Science,
College of Science and Engineering
University of Galway.
T: +353 91 493 836
E: MScCS-AI@universityofgalway.ie
www.cs.universityofgalway.ie
Swati Deshpande | MSc Artificial Intelligence Graduate
NUI Galway is one of the best colleges I have studied in! Teachers are very approachable and friendly. Highlights of my AI program were the depths of modules; in Semester 1, the programme taught the basics of AI along with its practical applications, in Semester 2, we were taught more advanced topics in AI and the course covered a wide range of concepts. Assignments helped us get hands on experience of different tools used currently in the AI industry. In Semester 3 we carried out research on a topic of our interest. Guest talks were organized from different IT companies like Genesys and Qualcomm that gave us an industry perspective to Artificial Intelligence. All these experiences have helped me learn new things in the AI industry and made me a better engineer. The university constantly encourages students to participate in academic as well as non-academic activities. I was part of the International Student’s Gaelic football team which showed me different cultures of Ireland. Galway is such a calm city and the best place to get your studies done. I would not trade this journey for anything in the world.
