MSc in Data Analytics

Programme Structure

The online MSc in Data Analytics is a 2-year 90-ECTS course. Learners are required to complete 20-ECTS during each of the taught semesters and then a final 6-month semester completing the Research Practicum/Internship.

Please note: The following content descriptions are indicative. For complete module details and in-depth course breakdown, visit the official NCI programme page or website/brochure

Year 1

Semester 1

• Statistics & Optimisation – Build advanced statistical analysis skills and optimization techniques essential for data-driven decision making
• Analytics Programming & Data Visualisation – Master programming languages and visualization tools to transform raw data into compelling insights
• Data Governance, Ethics & Sustainability – Understand regulatory frameworks, ethical AI principles, and sustainable data practices

Semester 2

• Business Intelligence & Business Analytics – Develop enterprise-level BI systems knowledge and consumer behavior analytics capabilities
• Data Mining & Machine Learning – Apply cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and data mining methodologies to real-world challenges

Year 2

Semester 3

• Deep Learning & Generative AI – Explore advanced neural networks, transformer models, and the latest generative AI technologies

Choose 2 Electives from:

• Data Intensive Scalable Systems – Learn to handle big data processing and distributed computing at enterprise scale
• Modelling & Simulation – Build mathematical models and simulation systems for complex business scenarios
• Domain Applications – Apply data analytics to specialized fields including finance, healthcare, and emerging technologies

Semester 4 Research Elective (Choose 1):

• Research Practicum – Conduct independent academic research with thesis development and defence
• Industry Internship – Apply your skills in a real business environment with practical project delivery

Assessment: Blend of project work and examinations, typically 50% continuous assessment and 50% exam.

Note: Electives run based on demand – students choose 2 of 3 options. Students must notify the college in advance if selecting the Internship pathway.

Academic Eligibility

Standard Entry 

Learners must have an honours (level 8) primary degree in Computing or a cognate area with a 2.2 award or higher. Cognate area means a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree.

All applicants must evidence prior programming and mathematics experience (e.g., via academic transcripts or recognised online certification). Standard applicants for the programme are those holding computing or numerate degrees.

Non-Standard Entry

For learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements, the National College of Ireland operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme. This allows applicants who do not meet the normal academic criteria to be considered based on relevant work and professional experience. All applicants for the programme must provide evidence that they have prior programming experience (e.g., via academic transcripts or recognised certification).

All applicants, whether standard or non-standard, whose first language is not English must demonstrate fluency in the English language by achieving an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.0, or an equivalent qualification. Please visit the NCI English Language Requirements page for further information.

Course Fees

The fees for this programme are part-funded by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet. Part-funded fees are only available to eligible applicants.

Full course fee: €3,875 per year
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €725 per year
Subsidised course fee: €3,150 per year*

Funding Eligibility*

Applicants must be residing in the Republic of Ireland and working in a private or commercial semi-state organisation registered in the Republic of Ireland (Business, Consultant, Freelancer) to avail of the grant-aided fees. As a government-funded training network, we can only support those meeting these criteria with funding towards courses.

Public sector employees, non-profits, or charitable organisations that do not meet our funding criteria can apply privately for the full course fee once places are available. Please submit an Enquiry form and we will reach out to you.

Unemployed? Unfortunately, due to our funding parameters, we are unable to accept unemployed applicants for either funded or private places. However, we encourage you to explore our Future in Tech free and online training and mentoring initiative, which offers upskilling opportunities specifically designed for job seekers. You can find more details about Future in Tech HERE. You can also avail of our large online fully funded courses at this link HERE.

Once you have received your offer of a place on the course, please be aware that we have a limited number of subsidised places available. Due to high demand, we cannot hold places without payment. To ensure fairness, priority for these places will be granted to those who have both completed full payment of the subsidised fee and are deemed eligible by the college or training provider.

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR DATA CAREER?

Simple 4-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Submit Your Interest

Use the enquiry or application buttons on this page to express your interest in the programme.

Step 2: Eligibility Confirmation

The Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet team will contact you within 3 business days to confirm your funding eligibility and highest and most relevant academic qualification then guide you through the next steps.

Step 3: Complete Your Academic Application

Once your funding eligibility status is confirmed, you’ll receive a link to complete your official application with National College of Ireland (NCI), providing them directly with your CV, transcripts, and programming experience evidence.

• Where applicable you may also be requested for English Language test results. Learn more at this link HERE.
• NCI may request additional documents to confirm your eligibility to proceed, such as evidence of programming & mathematical abilities.

Step 4 – Invoicing and Payment

Upon you receiving a conditional offer from NCI, ICT Skillnet will provide you with a registration and payment form. Once payment has been received by ICT Skillnet, we will notify NCI, who will grant you access to their systems prior to the commencement of the course. Successful applicants will become official NCI students, with access to all college resources and support services.

Important Information:

• Limited Places Available: Start the process today
• Early Application Recommended: Spaces allocated on first-come, first-served basis among eligible candidates
• Academic Assessment: NCI conducts final academic review and makes admission decisions