Full Time option suitable for:

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

The MSc. Computer Science (Conversion) is an NFQ Level 9 skills conversion programme aimed at students holding a primary degree in another discipline (e.g., Arts, Business, Social Science, etc.) who wish to gain a postgraduate qualification in Computer Science. Building on key transferable graduate outcomes of communication, reflection, critical thinking and independent learning that our students bring to the programme, we seek to develop individuals with a passion for Computer Science and the skills and experience necessary to enter into an IT-related career. We aim to provide a learning environment that is practically-oriented and place a strong emphasis on developing competence in core Computer Science topics and programming skills. As such, the teaching, learning and assessment approaches focus on hands-on practical sessions with assignments and MCQs, individual/group projects and presentations, and enquiry-based learning activities. All of these approaches are designed and delivered by leading academics at the UCD School of Computer Science specifically to facilitate the transition of non-Computer Science graduates into the IT sector. MSc. Computer Science (Conversion) students undertake a significant project-based research practicum during the summer months and create an individual portfolio with specific project and overall programme outcomes. The final semester allows students to specialize or tailor the programme to their interests with advanced and research-led modules.

• 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

View All Modules Here

MSc Computer Science (Conversion) (T195) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9650 ^ub
nonEU    fee per year - € 25600 <sup>ub

ub</sup>Full Programme Fee for MSc Computer Science (Conv) - T195 - charged to First Year 2021/22 Entry students only.
***Fees are subject to change

• 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 

Jack Halpin -- Graduate Software Developer at SN Systems

Jack studied Biomedical Engineering before deciding to do the MSc and start a career in Dublin's thriving tech industry. "I wanted to get into web and mobile development but only had a handful of programming experience from my degree. There's a huge amount of material to learn, but in the end, you'll be greatly rewarded. From doing the MSc, I've learned a lot about the underlying theory of Computer Science as well as becoming proficient across a number of technologies that are relevant to today's industry. I'd highly recommend the course to anyone thinking of pursuing a career in IT or software development."

Ellen Rushe -- PhD Candidate at University College Dublin

"My previous background was in music technology so I had completed some more specialised Computer Science modules but felt as though I had missed out on some of the core concepts of the subject which I hadn’t had the opportunity to cover which lead me to do this masters. The volume of material that is covered is enormous meaning that, upon completing this course; I felt that I had developed a broad and varied skill set. Given the comprehensive nature of the course, the workload can be high which was challenging at times, but in my experience, it was worth it. We also had the opportunity to engage in more advanced/specialised topics nearing the end of the course which motivated me to enter graduate research afterwards."

Aoife Whelan -- Data Analyst at Accenture

Aoife previously studied Physics at undergraduate level prior to applying for the MSc. There she gained some technical skills but felt it was not enough for a career in IT. She had an interest in data science and wanted to increase her skills and knowledge in this area. After graduating from the MSc she began working for Accenture in the area of data analytics. “The workload is large and the time pressures can be challenging but you’ll find yourself with a lot of relevant skills and knowledge for finding work in the industry. You will learn a lot in a relatively short period of time.”

• MSc Cognitive Science FT
• MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) FT

The following entry routes are available: