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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguageComputer Science—Artificial Intelligence (MSc, online, part-time)
Course Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been at the forefront of computer science research for over 50 years. In recent years a confluence of breakthroughs in hardware capability and insights into algorithm design have made the early promise of intelligent machines a reality. AI is one of the fastest growing areas of 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.
This is a distinctive programme taught by an internationally renowned, interdisciplinary team of University of Galway experts in the field, many of whom are researchers at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics.
The programme is taught over two years and is delivered completely online using state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to support the virtual classroom. Exams are on-campus at the end of each semester. Students are required to attend the University only for normal exam periods at the end of Semester 1 each year (December) and Semester 2 each year (April-May).
This is an intensive and technically rigorous programme. The estimated workload is 20 hours per week during the teaching semesters (September–December and January– April). Each semester is 12 weeks plus a study week and exam period.
This course is part-funded by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet under the Training Networks Programme of Skillnet Ireland and by member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills. For further information see www.ictskillnet.ie
Scholarships Available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
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You may also be interested in one of our other School of Computer Science postgraduate programmes.
Applications and Selections
- How to apply: see https://www.ictskillnet.ie/training/msc-in-computer-science-artificial-intelligence/
- Eligibility: in addition to the academic requirements, candidates must be working in private or commercial semi-state organisations in Republic of Ireland.
- Send your CV showing your qualifications and experience to info@ictskillnet.ie. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. More information here.
- Applications can also be made (non-funded positions) through the University of Galway Postgraduate Admissions page.
Who Teaches this Course
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Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
This MSc is targeted at people currently working in industry who wish to significantly deepen their computing skills through a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence. Candidates must have a strong 2.2 Level 8 (or equivalent) computer science degree or a strong 2.2 Level 8 (or equivalent) science/engineering degree that provides extensive training in computing.
Candidates who do not meet this requirement but are deemed by the programme director to have reached an equivalent standard will also be considered.
For ICT subsidy, candidates must be EU/EEA nationals or working in Ireland on an Irish Employment Permit.
Applications can also be made (non-funded positions) through the University of Galway Postgraduate Admissions page.
Eligibility: in addition to the academic requirements, candidates must be working in private or commercial semi-state organisations in Republic of Ireland.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants who do not meet the formal entry requirements may still be considered through a combination of academic qualifications and relevant work experience as detailed in the Applicant's CV and application. A formal Recognition of Prior Learning application is not required.
Duration
2 years, part-time
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
35
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
No set closing date. Offers made on a continuous basis
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
MSC-MAO
Course Outline
The MSc in Computer Science—Artificial Intelligence (online) is a two-year 90-ECTS course taught online comprising:
- 12 taught modules in core AI topics (60 ECTS)
- A substantial capstone project (30 ECTS).
The taught modules include:
- Principles of Machine Learning;
- Deep Learning;
- Introduction to Natural Language Processing;
- Programming and Tools for Artificial Intelligence;
- Tools and Techniques for Large Scale Data Analytics;
- Research Skills in Artificial Intelligence
- Agents, Multi-Agent Systems, and Reinforcement Learning;
- Data Visualisation;
- Knowledge Representation;
- Information Retrieval;
- Artificial Intelligence and Ethics;
- Statistics for Artificial Intelligence;
- High Performance Computing and Parallel Computing.
From Year 1, Semester 2 onwards, students work on industry-focused projects and submit them in August Year 2. Projects may have a research or applied focus.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
This innovative online MSc in Artificial Intelligence will equip the student with state-of-the-art knowledge and practical skills that are increasingly sought after in industry today.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€3,975 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€3,975 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€
Fees: Non EU
€
For ICT subsidy, candidates must be EU/EEA nationals or working in Ireland on an Irish Employment Permit.
For eligible candidates, fees are grant-aided by ICT Skillnet. The grant-aided fee is €2,950 per annum (see https://www.ictskillnet.ie/training/msc-in-computer-science-artificial-intelligence/).
Find out More
For more information email info@ictskillnet.ie or visit www.ictskillnet.ie.
Or email Programme Director, Jamal Nasir (E:jamal.nasir@universityofgalway.ie).
What Our Students Say
Mary Raymond | MSc Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence (Online)
I have always wanted to do a master's degree, especially in AI but being a full-time employee it was so hard to attend lectures on working days. Then I found this online master's degree in AI in NUI Galway and it was very useful as I did not have to commute during working hours, instead I attended lectures from home whenever it was suitable for me. After enrolling in the masters I found that it is very interesting, the modules have a wide scope in AI and introduced me to a wide variety of topics related to AI, like Statistics, different techniques to handle large scale data, excellent Python module, as well as the different topic on Machine learning. All the modules had practical assignments and the majority of them were very enjoyable & challenging. This degree really opened my eyes to a lot of aspects related to AI and enabled me to dig deeper in the AI field that I was most interested in which was image-related tasks. Career-wise, I think I would be confident to shift my career from software engineering to a machine learning position.
