Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is one the most exciting and fastest growing areas of the ICT industry and research. It has the potential to positively transform every aspect of all our lives, from Smart Cities and Autonomous Vehicles, through to improved healthcare services and low-carbon economies. Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to provide intelligent solutions that can help us to tackle many today’s greatest societal challenges.



Become part of this exciting development by joining our one-year MSc in Computer Science—Artificial Intelligence.



This programme is aimed at graduates with a primary qualification in Computer Science or related subject area. It is not a conversion course, but expects students to be already at a very high technical standard with regard to their Computer Science education.



The full-time MSc in Artificial Intelligence is taught by renowned, interdisciplinary University of Galway experts in the field. It covers over two semesters many complementary areas of Artificial Intelligence, including Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Optimisation, and Reinforcement Learning.



Furthermore, students reinforce their newly gained skills in a 30-credit project that is completed during the summer. Here students may have the opportunity to collaborate with a research group or with an industry partner.



The School of Computer Science Advanced MSc Scholarship (Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics)

University of Galway, School of Computer Science is offering one scholarship for the MSc in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics) commencing September 2023; this scholarship, up to the full value of the EU tuition fee is awarded to the highest ranked graduate of the BSc Computer Science & IT undergraduate programme (GY350) among those who apply for the scholarship. This is open to all current GY350 final year students due to graduate in 2023, and all previous graduates of the programme. Please note that to be considered for this merit-based scholarship, applicants must first apply and be accepted to their chosen programme. They will subsequently be required to complete a separate scholarship application form.

The MSc is a 1 year, fulltime, 90-ECTS course with three main elements: core modules (45 ECTS), optional (elective) modules (15 ECTS), and a substantial capstone thesis project (30 ECTS).



Core modules include: Programming and Tools for AI; Introduction to Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Research Topics in AI; Information Retrieval; Artificial Intelligence and Ethics; Agents, Multi-Agent Systems & Reinforcement Learning.



Optional modules include: Advanced Topics in Natural Language Processing; Knowledge Representation; Optimisation; Knowledge Graphs; System Modelling & Simulation; Tools and Techniques for Large Scale Data Analytics; Web & Network Science.



From Semester 2 onwards, students work on individual projects and submit them in August. Projects may have a research or applied research focus.

Prior qualification

This MSc is targeted at high-performing graduates of Level 8 computer science programmes, or Level 8 science/engineering programmes that offer sufficient training in computing.



The minimum academic requirement for entry to the programme is a First Class Honours (or equivalent) from a recognised university or third-level college. However, a good Second Class Honours (or equivalent) can be deemed sufficient on the recommendation of the Programme Director.



English language proficiency

Overall, entry to the MSc Artificial Intelligence requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band. TOEFL: Overall 88, Listening 12–19, Speaking 18–19, Writing 24–26, Reading 13–18. PTE: Overall 61, Writing 61, all other bands no less than 50.



University of Galway Conversion Programme Pathway

Students who have successfully completed one year of our MSc/HDip Software Design & Development programme or our HDip Data Analytics and Visualisation programme, and who have achieved a First Class Honours result (1.1) or a high 2.1 overall average in their first year’s study respectively their degree result, are eligible to apply for entry to this programme. This is an ideal route for any applicants who feel they are not likely to reach the entry criteria of the MSc Artificial Intelligence programme through direct entry. Transition to the MSc Artificial Intelligence is at the discretion of the MSc AI programme director and contingent on available places.

ECTS weighting 90

1 year, full-time.

Fees: EU

€7,215 p.a. 2019/20


Fees: Tuition

€6,991 p.a. 2019/20


Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2019/20


Fees: Non EU

€17,750 p.a. 2019/20

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities

AI skills will be required in every industry and AI is projected—according to recent World Economic Forum research—to create globally around 97 million new jobs. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025 machines are expected to perform more current work tasks than humans compared to 71% being performed by humans today, and a PwC-report concludes that artificial intelligence, robotics and smart automation technology could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global GDP by 2030.



Within the AI space, there is a diversity of jobs requiring various levels of expertise:



More foundational jobs include data architects, software engineers and machine and deep learning engineers.

Advanced roles include specialist research engineers, including those that specialise in computer vision, language and speech, and AI architects.