N AT I O N A L C O L L E G E O F I R E L A N D

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
• Synthesise and communicate technical Artificial Intelligence
FAC T F I L E solutions.
• Critically assess and evaluate ethical, sustainable, and
Delivery Application responsible issues associated with the development and
Blended - Livestream with Apply online at deployment of Artificial Intelligence systems.
some Campus Stream classes, www.ncirl.ie • Conduct independent research in the field of Artificial
scheduled in advance. See Intelligence.
page 4 for more information Start Date
Jan 2023 Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for graduates that are looking to progress
into the emerging AI market to increase their employment
Full-time Schedule
potential. The course is suitable for graduates who have
Fees
Indicative Schedule €6,800 total fee programming and mathematical problem-solving skills.
Students need to be available (Fees revised annually) Graduates from disciplines that have not developed these
09.00 - 18.00 Monday to Friday.
(Class days and times vary) skills will need to be able to demonstrate an aptitude for
programming or mathematical problem solving.
Duration Spread the cost with
1 year; 2 semesters with a final our direct debit plan

research project. Entry Requirements

A minimum of a level 8 primary degree in Computing or a
cognate area with a 2.2 award or higher or equivalent on the
Note: currently this programme is scheduled for full-time delivery in
January 2023. For information on part-time, please see www.ncirl.ie. National Qualifications Framework in Computing or a cognate
area. Cognate area means a STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) degree that also taught
Course Description programming/ application development related modules. An
This course aims to produce high-quality, technically assessment and/ or interview may be conducted to ascertain
competent, innovative graduates that will become leading suitability if necessary.
practitioners in the field of artificial intelligence. The MSc in
AI contains modules covering fundamental
The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential
and specialised AI topics as well as topics related to
operationalisation and application of AI to solve real-world Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet
problems. All students will gain a deeper understanding the normal academic requirements may be considered based
of the complete development lifecycle of AI software on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed
applications from requirements elicitation and analysis, using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced,
implementation, decision making, evaluation, and and an interview. The programming ability of the applicant
documentation. will also be assessed. Non-English speaking applicants must
demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated
The course will be delivered using academic research,
industry defined practical problems, and case studies. by IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.
This approach will naturally provide a deeper knowledge
of AI and create skills required in industry such as critical Laptop Requirement
thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, communication, This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy.
teamwork, and research skills.
Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate
Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to: in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of Engineering Artificial computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware
Intelligence systems, Machine Learning, Optimisation configuration. The minimal suitable configuration is 8GB of
Techniques, and the tools, techniques and technologies of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 multi-
Artificial Intelligence utilised in real world contexts. core processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space
• Formulate, design, implement, and evaluate novel real- in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS,
world solutions at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence or Windows. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure
using the latest industry practices and standards.
their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full
• Select, assess, and apply advanced and emerging Artificial
administrator rights. NCI IT cannot provide support for these
Intelligence techniques and tools to enhance decision
making. personal devices. Some students may be able to avail of the
• Student Laptop Loan Scheme, subject to eligibility. See page
40
48 77 for more information.
 N AT I O N A L C O L L E G E O F I R E L A N D

COURSE CONTENT

Core Modules
Semester 1:
• Data Governance and Ethics
• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
• Programming for Artificial Intelligence

Semester 2:
• Engineering and Evaluating Artificial Intelligence Systems
• Intelligent Agents and Process Automation
• Data Analytics for Artificial Intelligence

Semester 3:
• Emergent Artificial IntelligenceTechnologies and Sustainability
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence Driven Decision Making

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49
 COURSE
DELIVERY
for 2022/23
The majority of NCI’s part-time programmes featured in this prospectus
will be delivered in a blended format for 2022/23.

In most programmes this will mean the majority of the programme

content will be delivered online but with some on-campus sessions. This
will vary with the programme, but the breakdown of your course will be
communicated to you in advance, and you will be able to plan for any
required campus elements.

Across courses the following delivery methods may be employed:

Campus – The learning event (lecture, tutorial, laboratory, or seminar)

takes place face to face on campus.
Livestream – The learning event takes place online.
Campus-stream – The learning event takes place face to face on campus
and is simultaneously streamed online.
Directed e-learning – There are specified tasks to be carried out by
students during a designated time interval (such as viewing a video,
taking a quiz)

How these elements are broken down for each course will be available
on the course pages on ncirl.ie.

In some instances, recorded lectures may also be available.

Bring Your Own Device

Given the amount of online content in these programmes it is a requirement that all students applying
to NCI have access to a suitable laptop and broadband that will allow them to engage with online and
other classes. A student laptop loan scheme is available for eligible students. See page 77.