Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Computer Science (Conversion)

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact Us

UCD offers a skills conversion graduate programme for individuals who hold a primary degree in another discipline (e.g., Arts, Commerce, Engineering), and would like to enter an IT-related career. This programme provides a thorough foundation in modern Computer Science in a practically oriented learning environment.
On completion of the programme you will be able to demonstrate an integrated knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles of Computer Science; demonstrate competence and specialist knowledge in areas such as Programming, Data Science, Software Engineering, Web Application Development, Database Design, Cloud and Distributed Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science; undertake independent innovative research and development projects; and work with confidence both autonomously and as part of a team on projects related to real-world computer science applications.
A research practicum allows students to apply the skills learned in the taught modules in a more significant project and to see where these skills can play a role in industry. In the final trimester, students choose 30 credits of taught modules from the MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) programme.

Course Highlight
This programme has been specifically designed for graduate students of disciplines other than Computer Science. No prior knowledge of programming is assumed. During the first year, students take modules with learning outcomes aimed at providing fundamental skills required by modern technology companies.

Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)

 

  • Programme tailored to the needs of non-Computer Science graduates
  • Modules covering the fundamental skills required by modern technology companies complemented by one semester of advanced specialised modules
  • Significant research-oriented project with presentation

Contact Us

  • EU Enquiries: biotech@ucd.ie
  • Non-EU Enquiries: internationalenquiries@ucd.ie

About This Course

  • Apply the core principles of software engineering, database design and programming to solve real-world problems
  • Demonstrate an integrated knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles which underpin modern Computer Science
  • Demonstrate competence and specialist knowledge in other advanced areas of Computer Science (e.g. Data Science, Cloud & Distributed Computing, Software Engineering, forensics & Security, Artificial Intelligence & Cognitive Science)
  • Discover patterns in data and understand how decisions and predictions can be made using data analytics techniques
  • Employ web application development concepts and technologies to design and create feature-rich and versatile websites
  • Synthesise a range of “Big Ideas” in Computer Science and critically reflect on how they relate to current applications and state-of-the-art research within and beyond the field
  • Undertake independent innovative research and development related to real-world computer science applications with a full project life-cycle and present the outcomes to technical and lay audiences
  • Work with confidence both autonomously and as part of a team on IT-related projects and in a professional environment

Some of the roles graduates have worked in include: Software Engineer, IT Project Analyst, Data Scientist, Python Developer, Web Applications Developer, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Technical Analyst and Technical Consultant. Companies that have employed graduates include IBM, Dell, Accenture, SAP, Workday, Ericsson, Deloitte Ireland, First Derivatives, BearingPoint, Tableau Software, AIB, Web Summit and Zalando SE.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP10280 Programming I (Conversion) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP20240 Relational Databases & Information Systems (Conversion) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP20270 Python OOP (Conv) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP30640 Operating Systems (Conversion) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP30680 Web Application Development (Conversion) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP47340 Computational Thinking (Conversion) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP20230 Data Structures & Algorithms (Conversion) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP30650 Networks & Internet Systems (Conversion) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP30660 Computer Architecture & Organistion (Conversion) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP30820 Java Programming (Conv) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP30830 Software Engineering (Conv) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP47350 Data Analytics (Conversion) Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
COMP47360 Research Practicum (MSc Conversion) Summer  30

Graduate Profile

John O’Meara
The individual specialisations offered after the first year allowed me to explore and focus on my interests, ultimately graduating with a solid understanding of my chosen field. I’ve since decided to continue my learning journey with UCD after being accepted to a fully funded PhD in Artificial Intelligence. I cannot overstate how much I have gained in pursuing the MSc Conversion in Computer Science in UCD.

Computer Science (Conversion) (T195) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10100 ub
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100 ub

ubFull Programme Fee for MSc Computer Science (Conv) - T195 - charged to First Year 2024/25 Entry students only.
***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 visit International Scholarships.

  • An Upper Second class honours degree, or the international equivalent, in a discipline other than Computer Science is required for entry. (In exceptional circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree (2:2 grade) will be considered if the applicant shows evidence of significant relevant prior experiential learning.)
  • Computer Science is a mathematical subject involving logical understanding and reasoning and therefore applicants must be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of mathematics.

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. 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 

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Computer Science (Conversion):

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt T195
Computer Science (Conversion)
Master of Science
Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September
Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page