Who is this course for?  

AI is reshaping the landscape of software development resulting in rapid advancement that will redefine the industry. A recent study by Gartner, a US based tech research firm, predicts that by 2027, 80% of software engineers will need to upskill to remain relevant in the increasing AI driven world. To fill this gap, the Professional Diploma in Practical AI for Software Developers, provides developers with advanced AI skills necessary to build and deploy modern artificial intelligence in customer facing projects.    
  
This Professional Diploma is designed to equip software professionals with advanced competencies, essential for the rapid adoption and integration of AI technologies in software development workflows. 

This one-year, fully online, part-time programme includes machine learning, an overview of Programming & Tools for AI, the Future of AI and hands-on training on AI model deployment. Learners will gain industry-relevant experience through hands-on AI model development and deployment which includes testing, debugging, and adopting AI-driven DevOps and CI/CD pipelines. Project-based learning will ensure participants acquire skills that are aligned with industry best practices, enhancing their employability in an AI-driven software landscape. 

What will I study?  

The Professional Diploma in Practical AI for Software Developers is a Part-Time, 1-year 30-ECTS course, consisting of 3 Semesters.  

In Semester 1 you will study 2 modules: 

• Principles of Machine Learning (5 ECTS)
• Programming and Tools for Artificial Intelligence (5 ECTS) 

In Semester 2 you will study 2 modules: 

• Future Of Artificial Intelligence (5 ECTS)
• AI Model Deployment (Continuous Assessment) (5 ECTS) 

Semester 3 consists of a Capstone AI for SW Project (10 ECTS).  

• Fully online including labs, lectures and assessment.
• Part-time with labs taking place outside of normal working hours.  
• Practical approach allows applicants to learn in-demand AI skills.
• Provides students with up-to-date knowledge on how to deploy real AI models in the industry.
• As a Springboard+ funded course, most or all the fees are covered, subject to eligibility: HEA - Springboard+ 

Graduates of this programme will be equipped with in-demand AI skills, that they can apply within their existing roles as software developers. Furthermore, the Professional Diploma in Practical AI for Software Developers opens the door to diverse career pathways across various industries. The key career pathways include:  

• AI Software Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Scientist 
• AI Product Developer
• Embedded AI engineer
• Mobile AI Engineer
• AI Solutions Architect
• MLOps Engineer 

• Dr. Joseph Lemley - Programme Director 
• Dr. Priyanka Verma - Programme Director 
• Dr. James McDermott 
• Dr. Ihsan Ullah 
• Dr. Patrick Mannion 

How will I learn?  

Online lectures/labs/tutorials comprise approx 8 class hours per week during the evenings Monday-Friday. A​ll lectures are pre-recorded and made available online to registered students via the University's virtual learning environment. Some modules include labs which are scheduled in the evening with direct interaction and feedback from the instructor (also via the University's virtual learning environment).  

Efforts are made to ensure that these live labs are accessible and at times that permit people in full-time employment to fully participate. Exams are not done in the classroom but will be live and scheduled in the evenings; a web-based proctoring tool is used for exams which take place online so students will undertake them remotely in their own home.

Course queries: 

Gail Cassidy  
ICT Skills Conversion Courses Administrator  
Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development  
University of Galway  
Galway  
E: ictskills@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091-495241  

Programme Directors:  

Dr Joseph Lemley 
Lecturer 
School of Computer Science 
College of Science and Engineering 
E: Joseph.lemley@universityofgalway.ie 

& 

Dr Priyanka 
Lecturer 
School of Computer Science 
College of Science and Engineering 
E: Priyanka.Verma@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL).  

Recognition of prior learning is facilitated automatically during the application phase.   

Graduates of the Professional Diploma in Practical AI for Software Developers will be able to: 

• Apply appropriate machine learning & artificial intelligence algorithms to real-world problems.
• Gain the ability to quantify and compare the security, privacy, data and environmental implications of public facing AI models and select options to mitigate them where possible.
• Obtain advanced skills in integrating and deploying AI models in customer facing software platforms.
• Obtain a broad, practical grounding in the field of artificial intelligence.
• Design and develop a comprehensive AI deployment pipeline that integrates one or more pre-trained AI models and platforms while addressing performance, security, and operational challenges.
• Critically assess and synthesize AI research for software development, demonstrating the ability to communicate findings effectively through written and oral presentations. 

Candidates must hold at least a Second-Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area.

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here. 

Candidates must hold a Level 8 qualification (or equivalent) with at least a Second Class Honours from a recognized university or college in a numerate field and must possess programming experience.

Candidates with a Level 7 qualification can also apply if they can show they have gained Level 8 skills through at least two years of work experience in IT or a tech-related role.

Important: This is a Springboard+ course and admission is conditional on meeting Springboard+ requirements available here: HEA - Springboard+ 

You can apply for the Professional Diploma in Practical AI for Software Developers online via Springboard+: 

 https://springboardcourses.ie/details/15239/professional-diploma-in-practical-ai-for-software-developers  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.   

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.   

Closing Date: July 18th, 2025.  

International Applicants 
Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.   

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year until the following September.    

Further Information  
Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

As a springboard+ funded course, 90% of the fees are paid for those in employment and 100% of fees are paid for the unemployed subject to springboard eligibility requirements.