Artificial Intelligence

Overview

In computer science, Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.



According to a recent report by Forbes, by 2022 AI skills will be required in every industry and could create up to 22 million new jobs globally. Recent findings were presented in The World Economic Forum and the estimates were that by 2025 machines are expected to perform more current work tasks than humans compared to 71% being performed by humans today. The report concludes that robotics, smart automation technology and artificial intelligence, could contribute up to $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030.



The Master of Science (MSc) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is designed to meet the growing needs in AI throughout the workforce which will create added value and wealth to Irish businesses. Given society’s increasing communications with global partners, AI is emerging as a highly employable discipline.



Both full time and part time options programme are designed to facilitate learners with a statistics/computing/technology background who wish to upskill in this new and emerging area of AI. Student can opt to take the theory and practical modules only and not complete the dissertation (i.e. Applied Research Methods & Applied Research Project).



Aims of the Programme

The MSc in Artificial Intelligence aims to develop learners within the Artificial Intelligence (AI) discipline involving skills in technology, programming, Data Science, and information processing to respond to the ever-growing demand across industries for AI specialists. The programme also recognises the interdisciplinary nature of AI, combined with analytics and large data volumes, creating an environment for AI to emerge as key technology for the future. AI is a set of technologies that use machine learning, speech analytics, natural language processing, machine vision and analytics to process the data to make informed decisions or recommendations.



The Master of Science (MSc) in Artificial Intelligence aims are to:

• Enable learners to develop mastery of current and developing computer technologies especially skills related to the development and use of Artificial Intelligence.

• Provide learners with a deep and systematic knowledge of the management of Artificial Intelligence in organisational contexts.

• Facilitate the development of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace.

• Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learners.

• Develop in learners a deep and systematic understanding of current issues of research and analysis.

• Enable the learners to identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills.

• Respond ethically and informatively to address any unseen situations that may arise due to the emerging needs of industry.

• Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.



Structure

This programme is offered 1 year full-time (2 semesters)



Part time, this programme is offered over 2 years typically 2 evenings per week (4 semesters)



The programme is structured as five 5 ECTS and four 10 ECTS taught modules, and a 25 ECTS Applied Research Project.



All learners are expected to attend in person in class.

The Master of Science (MSc) in Artificial Intelligence has the following content:

Stage One

• Programming for Data Analysis

• Cognitive Science for AI

• Machine Learning & Pattern Recognition

• Recommender Systems

• Deep Learning

• Reinforcement Learning

• Natural Language Processing



Stage Two

• Applied Research Methods

• Applied Research Project

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Science (MSc.) in Artificial Intelligence are:

• A Level 8 primary cognate degree with a minimum second-class second-division (2.2) classification from a recognised third level institution. Cognate subjects include computer science, technology, networking, information systems, engineering, general science, mathematics, statistics, data analytics or related discipline.



• Graduates of any non-cognate discipline and hold a qualification in a conversion-style programme such as the DBS Higher Diploma in Science in Computing.



• For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.



Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification in a cognate area and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2025.

Full-time: 1 Year (2 semesters)

Part-time: 2 Years (4 semesters)

MSc Biotherapeutics (F102) Full Time
EU fee per year - €7915
nonEU fee per year - €24800

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Next Intake dates:

January 2025

September 2025

Career Opportunities

A recent report by Forbes, highlighted that by 2022 AI skills will be required in every industry and could create up to 22 million new jobs globally. Recent findings were presented in The World Economic Forum and the estimates were that by 2025 machines are expected to perform more current work tasks than humans compared to 71% being performed by humans today. The report concludes that robotics, smart automation technology and artificial intelligence, could contribute up to $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030.



Within the AI space, there is a diversity of jobs requiring various levels of expertise:

Core industry roles include:

• data architects

• software engineers

• machine and deep learning engineers



Advanced roles include: specialist research engineers, including specialists in:

• Computer Vision

• Language and Speech

• AI architecture