Computer Science with Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

If you have an interest in technology and trends, this degree subject could be for you. At its core, data science is about extracting insights from data that can transform the way a company operates. For example, understanding data can match millions of businesses with new customers around the world in the areas of advertising and e-commerce. Artificial intelligence can be defined as the science and engineering of making intelligent computer programs capable of performing tasks that require subtleties of judgement, interpretation and generalisation that we associate with human intelligence. Developments in Artificial Intelligence help us to better understand how people make decisions and perform tasks, as well as building computer systems that do these things.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2026 Brochure (PDF).

Computer Science with Data Science & Artificial Intelligence is one of the degree subjects available through the common entry Computer Science DN201 course.

This degree follows the same first two years as the BSc in Computer Science, which will give you an excellent foundation in computer science and mathematics. The in-depth focus on Data Science & Artificial Intelligence begins in third year and provides the practical experience that you will need to stand out in an increasingly demanding market place. Modules will include hands-on experience with contemporary tools such as Hadoop, NoSQL, Python, SciPy, SciKit. Learn, Matplotlib, Numpy and Pandas.

*Modules are subject to change each year and are not guaranteed by UCD.  

First Year

Core Modules:

• Introduction to Computer Architecture
• Computer Programming
• Functional Programming
• Software Engineering Project 
• Foundations of Mathematics for Computer Science
• Intro to Data Science and AI
• Critical Thinking
• Formal Foundation 1

Sample Option Modules (2025/2026 Academic Year):

• Introduction to Mathematics
• Matrix Algebra

Second Year

Core Modules:

• Digital Systems
• Databases and Information Systems
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Computer Networking
• Software Engineering Project 
• Introduction to Operating Systems
• Data Structures
• Algorithms
• Linear Algebra
• Formal Foundations 2
• Elective/Option Module

Sample Option Modules (2025/2026 Academic Year):

• Introduction to Ethics
• UNIX Programming

Third Year

Core Modues:

• Data Science in Python
• Probability Theory
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Network Analysis
• Information Visualisation
• Programming for Big Data
• Five Month Internship or Data Science in Practice

Sample Option Modules (2025/2026 Academic Year):

• Program Construction I 
• Connectionist Computing
• Parallel Computing
• Information Security
• Human Computer Interaction 
• Introduction to Research & Scientific Communication
• Formal Foundations 3

Fourth Year

Core Modules:

• Computer Science Project​
• Cloud Computing
• Data Mining
• Machine Learning
• Optimisation
• Recommender Systems & Collective Intelligence

Sample Option Modules (2025/2026 Academic Year):

• Parallel Computing
• Deep Learning
• Human-Centred AI
• Generative AI: Language Models
• Game Development
• Multi-Agent Systems
• Spatial Information Systems
• Connectionist Computing
• Information Theory
• Distributed Systems
• Contemporary Software Development
• Digital Media Ethics
• Inference for Data Analytics
• Speech and Audio 
• Advanced Machine Learning 

 

Timetables & Assessment

Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

It is possible to study abroad for a trimester, usually in the third year of the course. Universities that students have visited to date include the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the University of California, Irvine, USA, and Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Graduates trained in Computer Science with Data Science & Artificial Intelligence find employment in fields such as banking, financial services, consultancy (e.g., Accenture, Deloitte, PwC), and major internet companies like Google, PayPal, and Meta. They also work in established ICT firms such as IBM, Microsoft, and Intel, as well as in dynamic start-ups. Some choose to pursue further education through a master’s degree or a PhD.

Students have an opportunity to undertake an industry placement for 5.5 months in Third Year from March to August. Assessment is based on a learning journal and a presentation from the student.

Students who do not undertake the longer internship option also have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year.

Students in recent years have completed internships in Bank of America, Amazon, Stripe, Hubspot, SAP, Deloitte, AIB, Zurich Insurance, Optum and Viasat.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

UCD Science Office

You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:

• Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.
• Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).

This degree offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which was perfect for my interests and career aspirations. I joined various UCD societies such as Netsoc, Women@compsci, Food Society and many more. This allowed me to develop leadership skills and form connections with students who share my interests. I completed my internship with SAP during my third year. This was a six-month internship and it provided me the opportunity to explore what it is like to work in a professional environment as well as learn what day-to-day life would look like in the workplace.

Kalkidan, Graduate