Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence for Professionals

The PgCert in Artificial Intelligence for Professionals is targeted at learners who would benefit professionally from gaining a high-level understanding of the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This programme is suitable for those who currently work with AI, or for those who plan to work with AI in the future. The PgCert is also suitable for those who would like to explore the possibilities of how AI might be applied within their own organisation or industry sector.



This programme focuses on the strategic and practical aspects of AI applications, rather the low-level details of how particular AI algorithms are implemented. Therefore, learners are not required to have a background in computer science, or to learn programming or advanced mathematics to succeed in this programme. Candidates will learn about the main AI techniques and what they can be used for, data and skills requirements for AI projects, case studies of AI systems, as well as the ethical and legal implications of AI applications for business and society.



This 9-month part-time programme is delivered entirely online, so there is no need for students to attend the University of Galway campus. As the programme is fully remote, applications from candidates based outside the Republic of Ireland are welcome.



The programme fee for EU-based students for is €4,950. A fee subsidy is available for students based within the Republic of Ireland who are members of itag via itag Skillnet, giving a reduced fee of €2,995 for itag members. Students who are not members of itag are welcome to apply to the programme, but will be liable for the full fee without itag Skillnet funding support. Questions regarding eligibility for itag Skillnet funding support should be sent to dtimoney@itag.ie.

The PgCert in Artificial Intelligence for Professionals is delivered 100% via remote learning, so students are not required to attend the University of Galway campus to complete the programme. The PgCert is delivered asynchronously, so students are free to learn at their own pace, at the times and places that best suit them. During each week of the programme, pre-recorded video lectures will be made available for students to watch via the university’s learning management system.



The pre-recorded video lectures will be supplemented by additional carefully curated content and activities, including assigned readings, discussion forums and other exercises. There will also be some optional synchronous live online sessions where students will have a chance to meet the lecturers who deliver the programme. The programme is assessed 100% via continuous assessment, so there is no need for students to attend University of Galway for traditional end-of-semester exams.



The programme is delivered on a part-time basis over 9 months, and is designed so that it can be completed while students are in full-time employment. The PgCert is delivered over two teaching semesters (September – December and January–May), and in each semester students will take 3 modules. Each individual module is worth 5 ECTS, and in total the PgCert consists of 30 ECTS.



Semester 1 modules (September–December):



CT5181 Introduction to AI (5 ECTS)

CT5182 Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (5 ECTS)

CT5183 AI Strategy and Transformation (5 ECTS)

Semester 2 modules (January – May):



CT5184 Data Analysis and Visualisation (5 ECTS)

CT5185 Ethics and Law for AI (5 ECTS)

CT5186 Future of AI (5 ECTS)

Applicants should hold a Level 8 honours undergraduate degree in any discipline. Applicants with a Level 7 ordinary undergraduate degree and relevant work experience will also be considered. Please email the Programme Director: patrick.mannion@universityofgalway.ie with any queries regarding entry requirements.

WHEN TO APPLY: Please contact Dr Patrick Mannion and/or ITAG Skillnet for application information.

1 year, part-time.

Next start date September 2024



Closing Date

No set closing date. Offers made on a continuous basis

Career Opportunities

The field of artificial intelligence continues to grow very quickly, and new roles involving work with artificial intelligence are being created rapidly. This programme will equip professionals who wish to work with AI with the ability to strategise about AI, envision AI projects, and interact with teams that include AI technical experts. This programme is not intended for students aiming to work directly in coding AI systems.