National MSc in Artificial Intelligence
Redefine possibilities with technology
AI is fundamentally altering the way in which society functions. Get the right training to help guide your business in the right direction.
This 2-year online part-time MSc in Artificial Intelligence, delivered in partnership with University of Limerick, is an exciting programme that will provide you with robust knowledge and skills in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
AI is at the heart of many transformational business and technical applications. AI applications using massive datasets, powerful computing architectures and advanced learning algorithms are contributing to business growth and societal benefit in fields such as health, education, finance, telecoms, leisure and transport, while AI-enhanced services are fundamentally altering the way in which society functions, with this trend is set to continue and accelerate.
This unique programme will equip you with a knowledge-base and an advanced skillset to become highly capable experts for this strategically important sector. Current and potential AI engineers will receive the skills, theory and recognition they need to develop in their role, through a mixed learning process with a large emphasis on practical application in the workplace.
The programme is industry-led and has been developed with industry-support to ensure content is highly relevant, while being delivered in a manner that will suit professionals. Companies that have supported the content development of this course include: Accenture, Advanced Metadata, Analog Devices, Citibank, Dell EMC, Emdalo Technologies, Ericsson, IBM, iMage Vision, Jaguar Land Rover, Movidius an Intel Company, Microsoft, Nokia Bell Labs, Soapbox Labs, and Valeo Vision Systems.
The National MSc in Artificial Intelligence runs over 2 years part-time and is delivered fully online, including all exams and assessments, using state-of-the-art online delivery models in which the student experience plays a central role.
There are 5x teaching semesters and 1x research project semester. Modules will be delivered with associated assessment of mastery so that semester-by-semester there is a measurable achievement of learning objectives that can be transferred directly and immediately to the workplace. Assessments are largely continuous and based on assignments and project work with a practical rather than theoretical focus.
Contact time will vary from 2 to 4.5 hours per week over the semester, but students will be expected to make about a 15-20 hour commitment per week on average to include lecture time, study, research, assignment time etc.
One distinguishing quality of the National MSc in Artificial Intelligence is that each and every module delivered was designed solely for this programme. The online nature of delivery allows you to explore relevant subjects in a self-driven manner, with expert support from module leaders and moderators who guide students in smaller groups.
Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
In advance of the full masters programme, students must complete the preparatory Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in the preceding Autumn semester. Successful completion of the preparatory Course will lead to the award of a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence by UL (Special Purpose Award, Level 8, 12 ECT credits).
The objective is to introduce the associated scientific computing, programming language and host platforms. The first module will focus on relevant scientific computing using Python and its core packages. The second module will introduce Deep Learning and the associated frameworks e.g. TensorFlow.
There will be typically one hour of lectures and tutorials in total per week from Weeks 1-14 with further engagement through forum interactions.
Year 1
In year 1, students will lay the practical and theoretical foundations for a firm understanding of AI and machine learning algorithms and workflows. Moreover, students will learn to appreciate the important ethical considerations associated with AI and machine learning and will select and start investigating a research topic.
Year 1 modules include
- Introduction to Scientific Computing for AI
- Introduction to Deep Learning and Frameworks
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Analytics
- Advanced Topics Seminars and Project Specification
- Risk, Ethics, Governance and Artificial Intelligence
Year 2
In Year 2, students can choose to follow the Modern Machine Learning stream, Natural Language Processing stream or Computer Vision stream.
- The Modern Machine Learning stream modules include:
- Machine Learning Applications
- Machine Vision
- Deep Learning
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Ecosystems: Theory and Practice
- The Natural Language Processing stream modules include:
- Natural Language Processing: An Introduction
- Information Retrieval
- Advanced Natural Language Processing
- Natural Language Understanding
- The Computer Vision stream modules include:
- Deep Learning for Computer Vision
- Machine Vision and Image Processing
- Geometric Computer Vision
- Natural Language Understanding & Applications
A major dissertation project will be selected and specified within the first year and completed throughout the second year.
Click here to learn more: Dr. Pepijn van de Ven, Senior Lecturer at University of Limerick and Course Director for our industry-driven programme, discusses critical aspects of the programme as part of his appearance on the AI Ireland podcast.
Assessment
Modules use mostly continuous assessment with a few modules using a relatively small end-of-semester exam. Assessments form a large part (around 50% or more) of most modules.
Academic Eligibility
The principal entry requirement for both the Masters course and the Preparatory Course is a Level 8 honours degree, at minimum second class honours (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent), in a relevant engineering, computing, mathematics, science or technology discipline.
Python will be used throughout and experience in this language is advantageous, but not a prerequisite. The first module on the programme allows students to obtain sufficient coding skills for the programme.
Applicants from other disciplines who have a significant mathematics or computing (i.e. programming) element in their primary degree will also be considered.
Applicants who possess an honours undergraduate degree, at minimum second-class honours, or equivalent in a non-numerate discipline and have a minimum of three years experiential learning in an appropriate computing discipline (with a high level of either mathematics or programming) may also apply. Their admission to the program will be determined by the University of Limerick.
Applicants who do not meet the requirements above may be considered under the University of Limerick policy that allows for the recognition of Prior Learning, both formal and informal/experiential learning; non-accredited personal and professional education; and work based training. As this is a highly technical Masters course, such applicants must have sufficient competence in mathematics and computer programming to be able to participate.
2025 Course Fees:
Full course fee: €4,950 per year
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €1, 455 per year
Subsidised course fee: €3,495* per year
There is an additional subsidised fee of €1,950 in Year 1 for the mandatory Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
Subsidised fees are only available to eligible applicants.
*Funding Eligibility
Applicants must be 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.
Applicants who do not meet our funding criteria may be able to apply directly to the college and pay the full course fee if there are available places.
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.
Please complete the “Enquire Now” form to start the application process.
Once your initial eligibility has been determined you will be advised of the outcome. If you meet the eligibility criteria you will be invited to make an online application to the college where you will submit an application form and upload evidence of your educational qualifications. Your company should support your participation and be willing to allow you to complete a work-related project as part of the course.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria you may be invited to make an RPL application as a non-standard applicant under the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process. This will also involve submitting an online application form to the college.
The University of Limerick has sole discretion and is the final arbiter on who will participate. Making an application is not a guarantee of selection. Applications are treated in strictest confidence. Applicants accept that no feedback will be provided to them, or any other party, regarding the selection process nor will applicants be provided with any reason for their non-selection.
