Computer Science - Negotiated Learning

The MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) is a uniquely flexible and innovative programme. It offers a negotiated learning model for students with an ICT background that allows you to customise your learning path and to tailor what you learn to your own specific needs and career aspirations. Module choices include several programming languages, cloud computing, bioinformatics, data mining, machine learning and information visualisation.



Once you are accepted onto the programme we will guide you through a student needs assessment to establish your prior experience, personal knowledge gaps and your career plans. You have the option to select modules with a very specific thematic focus or you may select modules from one of the pre-defined themes covered by the programme.



Course Highlights

Currently, there are approximately 80 module options offered in conjunction with other UCD Schools and Units including Business, Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, Psychology, Law and NovaUCD.



Negotiated Learning: student and academic discuss goals, and tailor a suitable programme for the student.



- The student has the opportunity to select modules, from a suite of diverse module offerings, that best align with their own individual needs and career goals.



- Over 80 Modules to choose from - more information on Negotiated Learning modules listed



Student Internships

All students are offered the opportunity to undertake an internship* during the programme. The following internships are examples of past placements: Amazon, SAP, Dell, Ericsson, HubSpot, Geowox, FoodMarble, HealthBeacon, Autodesk, Microsoft, Equifax, Groupon, Workday, Honeywell, Intel, Shutterstock

Modules and Topics (Subject to change and are not guaranteed by UCD)

While the course offers some modules that are taught online, these options are limited, and it is not normally possible to complete this degree without substantial regular attendance at day-time lectures and practicals on campus in UCD.



Sample Themes

• Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science

• Computer Engineering

• Data Manipulation and Visualisation

• Prediction and Learning with Data

• Data Science Programming

• Distributed Computing

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Software Engineering

• Advanced Software Engineering

• Computers and Society

- This programme is intended for applicants with a Computer Science or ICT background. An upper second class honours degree, or the international equivalent in computer science or a related area or a minimum of three years’ relevant industrial work experience is required.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

90

1 year full-time (T150),

2 years part-time (T151).

Delivery: On Campus.

MSc Computer Science (T150) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7285

nonEU fee per year - € 25600


MSc Computer Science (T151) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4370

nonEU fee per year - € 12800


***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.

T150 MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) (Master of Science) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



T151 Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) (Master of Science) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Previous graduates are in demand and among their recent career destinations are employers like Google, SAP, Intel, PayPal, Deloitte, Microsoft, Symantec, HMH, Vilicom, Murex, NYSE Technologies, Realex Payments, Version 1, Salesforce, Pfizer, Ericsson, and Intune Networks.



Recent graduates have secured roles in areas including: Artificial intelligence, software engineering & QA, data programming and analysis, commercialisation of technology, teaching and training, security and forensics consultancy, and bioinformatics R&D.