Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence

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

Year 1 (30 Credits)

Optional ST5001: Statistics for Artificial Intelligence - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Required CT5148: Programming and Tools for Artificial Intelligence - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Required CT5170: Principles of Machine Learning - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 1

Optional CT5150: Tools and Techniques for Large Scale Data Analytics - Online - 5 Credits -



Semester 2

Optional PH504: High Performance Computing and Parallel Programming - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required CT5144: Research Skills in Artificial Intelligence - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Required CT5136: Data Visualisation - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 2



Year 2 (60 Credits)

Optional CT5153: Information Retrieval - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional CT5148: Programming and Tools for Artificial Intelligence - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 3

Required CT5146: Introduction to Natural Language Processing - Online - 5 Credits -



Semester 3

Required CT5152: Artificial Intelligence and Ethics - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 3

Required CT5131: Capstone Project and Thesis in Artificial Intelligence - Online - 30 Credits -



Semester 3

Optional CT5130: Agents, Multi-Agent Systems and Reinforcement Learning - Online - 5 Credits



- Semester 4

Optional CT5145: Deep Learning - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional CT5136: Data Visualisation - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional CT5150: Tools and Techniques for Large Scale Data Analytics - Online - 5 Credits -



Semester 4

Optional CT5144: Research Skills in Artificial Intelligence - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional PH504: High Performance Computing and Parallel Programming - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional CT5188: Knowledge Representation - Online - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional CT5186: Future of Artificial Intelligence - 5 Credits - Semester 4

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.

2 years, part-time

Online Part-time

Next start date: September 2026

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.