Computer Science - Negotiated Learning

The MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) is a uniquely flexible and innovative programme. It offers a negotiated learning model for students with an ICT background that allows you to customise your learning path and to tailor what you learn to your own specific needs and career aspirations. Module choices include several programming languages, cloud computing, bioinformatics, data mining, machine learning and information visualisation.



Once you are accepted onto the programme we will guide you through a student needs assessment to establish your prior experience, personal knowledge gaps and your career plans. You have the option to select modules with a very specific thematic focus or you may select modules from one of the pre-defined themes covered by the programme.



Course Highlights

Currently, there are approximately 80 module options offered in conjunction with other UCD Schools and Units including Business, Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, Psychology, Law and NovaUCD.



Negotiated Learning: student and academic discuss goals, and tailor a suitable programme for the student.



- The student has the opportunity to select modules, from a suite of diverse module offerings, that best align with their own individual needs and career goals.



- Over 80 Modules to choose from - more information on Negotiated Learning modules listed



What Will I Learn?

1 - Work effectively within a small team of specialists to achieve specific practical goals in solving problems within the IT domain and in cooperation with other stakeholders

2 - Effectively marshall a variety of expert skills towards focussed goals within the student's chosen IT domain

3 - Develop an awareness of the current state of the art within their specific domain of expertise, including future prospects and opportunities

4 - Communicate technical work effectively to both a specialised and a general audience in word and in text, through writing and in public presentations

5 - Achieve competence across a broad range of foundational subject matter within the IT domain, while developing advanced expertise in one or two selected areas

6 - Develop the ability to assess and critique state-of-the-art developments within their chosen field.

7 - Recognise and manage the theoretical diversity found within the many specialties within information technology.



Student Internships

All students are offered the opportunity to undertake an internship* during the programme. The following internships are examples of past placements: Amazon, SAP, Dell, Ericsson, HubSpot, Geowox, FoodMarble, HealthBeacon, Autodesk, Microsoft, Equifax, Groupon, Workday, Honeywell, Intel, Shutterstock.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

- This programme is intended for applicants with a Computer Science or ICT background. An upper second class honours degree, or the international equivalent in computer science or a related area or a minimum of three years’ relevant industrial work experience is required.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 year full-time (T150), 2 years part-time (T151). Delivery: On Campus.

MSc Computer Science (T150) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7285

nonEU fee per year - € 25600


MSc Computer Science (T151) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4370

nonEU fee per year - € 12800


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Previous graduates are in demand and among their recent career destinations are employers like Google, SAP, Intel, PayPal, Deloitte, Microsoft, Symantec, HMH, Vilicom, Murex, NYSE Technologies, Realex Payments, Version 1, Salesforce, Pfizer, Ericsson, and Intune Networks.



Recent graduates have secured roles in areas including: Artificial intelligence, software engineering & QA, data programming and analysis, commercialisation of technology, teaching and training, security and forensics consultancy, and bioinformatics R&D.