Computer Science - Data Science

The M.Sc. in Computer Science – Data Science programme combines statistics, cloud and security technologies with data management. It covers all key aspects of the field: how to securely store and manage data, how to visualise and analyse at scale, and how to use analysis to make decisions. Graduates of this strand will be equipped to tackle the huge challenges and opportunities that the big-data revolution is bringing to all aspects of life; in IT, health, transport, science and engineering to name but a few. The School of Computer Science and Statistics is one of the few Schools globally that has expertise in all elements of data science. Dublin is a centre for several of the major IT players, such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, eBay and Twitter, as well as a major centre for data science research and consulting through the presence of companies such as IBM Research, Accenture, and Deloitte.

The full M.Sc. programme, comprising 90 ECTS credits, takes one full calendar year to complete and leads to the qualification of M. Sc. in Computer Science – Data Science, a Level 9 award according to the Irish National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ).

Between September and April, students attend two 12-week teaching semesters, each followed by an assessment period, where they take a range of taught modules. Then, from April to August, students work full-time on their individual research dissertations.

Students may exit with an award of Postgraduate Diploma ( P.Grad.Dip.) in Computer Science – Data Science (NFQ Level 9) upon successful completion of 60 ECTS of taught modules, not including the Research Dissertation.

Course Content
Core modules are taken by all M.Sc. students on the course: Machine Learning; Data Analytics; Applied Statistical Modelling; Optimisation Algorithms for Data Analysis; Data Visualisation; Scalable Computing; Security and Privacy; and Research Methods and Innovation.

Additionally, students take a number of individually chosen elective modules from a pool of options.

Finally, all students complete a substantial Research Dissertation which comprises a third of the entire course.

Please note that the course content is updated on an annual basis and some minor changes occur from year to year.

Applicants must provide the following:

An upper second-class (2.1) Honours degree grade or higher from a reputable university, in Computing or related discipline.
All applicants whose first language is not English or who have not been educated through the English language will need to present evidence of competency.
Proven programming competence. All candidates will have to complete a programming test in C, C++ or Java before being offered a place on the course. Some modules may also require programming in Python and other languages.
A strong work ethic and the resolve to engage with a demanding but rewarding programme.

1 year full-time.

The course is taught over a full calendar year, with two 12-week semesters of taught modules, involving attendance at labs and lectures, followed by dedicated research work over the remaining summer months for the MSc Dissertation.

Next Intake September 2024

Closing Date 31st January 2024

Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme have many exciting career opportunities. We expect our graduates to be in high-demand for top-end research and development positions within leading multi-national companies and from start-up companies alike. All of the major Information Technology companies, from Google to Facebook to Amazon, employ large teams of data scientists. Another important career path is management consulting with companies such as Accenture, McKinsey & Company and PwC. There will also be opportunities to progress to PhD study with many funded positions available locally.