Course Summary
The overall goal of the MSc in AI for Business is to produce high-quality, technically competent, and innovative graduates with essential knowledge to understand the impacts, design, application, and operationalisation of AI solutions in business contexts.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to hold a minimum of a Level 8 honours qualification (2.2 or higher) or equivalent on the National Qualifications Framework in either STEM (e.g., Information Management Systems, Information Technologies, Computer Science, Computer Engineer) or Business (e.g., Business Information Systems, Business Administration, Economics) discipline and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in industry, ideally but not necessarily, in management. Non-English-speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.
Laptop Requirement
This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration. The minimal suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 multi-core processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS, or Windows.
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI IT cannot provide support for these personal devices.
Some students may be able to avail of the Student Laptop Loan Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Application Details
Application: Apply online at www.ncirl.ie
Part-time
Start Date Sept 2025
Full-time
Start Date Sept 2025 and Jan 2026
Fees
Part-time: €4,800 per annum. €9,600 total fee. (Fees revised annually.
Full-time: EU Fee €7,000 (EU/Ireland applicants). (Fees revised annually).
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students who successfully complete this course may progress to a major award at level 10 on the NFQ. Students may also elect to exit early with the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business at level 9 on the NFQ. Potential recruiters include corporate companies and research labs who are the providers of AI-enabled solutions of today’s real-world problems such as Microsoft, Huawei, LinkedIn and Citi Bank.
Duration
2 years, 4 semesters with a practicum or internship.
Delivery: Blended - Livestream with some on-campus stream classes, scheduled in advance.
Indicative Timetable
Two evenings per week,18.00 - 22.00 and every second Saturday.
Full-time Schedule
1 years, 3 semesters with a practicum or internship.
Delivery: Campus – Classes will take place face-to-face on campus.
Indicative Timetable: Students need to be available 09.00 - 18.00 Monday to Friday. (Class days and times vary)