Course Summary
This course aims to produce high-quality, technically competent, innovative graduates that will become leading practitioners in the field of artificial intelligence.
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
A minimum of a level 8 primary degree in Computing or a cognate area with a 2.2 award or higher or equivalent on the National Qualifications Framewor. Cognate area means a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree that also taught programming/ application development related modules. An assessment and/ or interview may be conducted to ascertain suitability if necessary.
The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, and an interview. The programming ability of the applicant will also be assessed. Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by 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 multicore 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:
Fees
€4,800 per annum. €9,600 total fee. (Fees revised annually.
Full-time:
EU Fee €7,000 total fee. (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.
Career Progression
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence 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 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 year; 3 semesters with a practicum or internship
Delivery
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)