Computer Science - Research

Typically, a MSc takes two years to complete (three years if taken part-time); at the end of the first year the student may have the option to transfer to the PhD register if they so wish subject to satisfactory progress.



The aim of the Structured MSc in Computer Science is to provide the student with an opportunity to carry out a significant body of research work with support from the teaching component of the programme. The programme will offer academic subjects to enhance their knowledge as well as transferable and generic skills that will add significantly to the MSc experience by broadening the skill base of the candidate.



The first step is to identify a potential supervisor. This involves deciding on a general research area that you are interested in and to contact a member of the department’s staff that is working in that area. The best approach is to look through the staff web pages and the list of Research Groups/Projects in the department.



Research postgraduates are typically (though not exclusively) funded during their research. Support varies depending on the source, but at best, funding can include payment of fees, a salary and travel expenses. Note that all funding programmes are highly competitive, and most are contingent on the applicant securing high marks in their primary degree.



Potential MSc students should decide on a general research area that they’re interested in, and then contact a member of the department’s staff that’s working in that area. The best approach is to look through the staff web pages and the list of Research Groups/Projects in the department – these can be found at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/computer-science/our-research



Research students can also register to work jointly with the Department of Computer Science and one of the following MU research institutes: National Centre for Geocomputation, An Foras Feasa, the Hamilton Institute and the Innovation Value Institute. Please see the entries for these institutes for more details of the research topics available.

Applications are invited from students who have achieved high marks in their undergraduate degree. This is typically a first-class honours in Computer Science or a closely-related discipline, although students with a second class honours primary degree can also be considered.



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

2 years Full-time, 3 years Part-time.

Commences September (or other agreed time)

On completing an MSc in Computer Science the graduate has a number of options open to them. They can continue to build their career as a researcher in academia or pursue a career in the technology industry.



Other possibilities include working in scientific research administration or a hightech start-up environment. The experience and discipline gained from completing an MSc in Computer Science also can open other avenues outside of Computer Science where these skills are prized.