Program Overview

Data Science

Overview

From retail and sports science to journalism and fintech, data scientists are increasingly at the heart of business and government. Whether it’s enabling product recommendations or helping a sports team decide what player to buy next, data science can unlock the secrets of any sector.

If you like maths, creative problem solving and collaborative work, data science could really appeal to you. This course sits at the intersection of computer science, maths and business, enabling you to understand what is possible with cutting-edge technology such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Become a skilled communicator

Not only will you learn programming skills and advanced maths so you can analyse and find trends in real world data, but you’ll also gain the communication skills to convey these insights to audiences who’ll appreciate the value of your analysis. You’ll study mathematics, statistics, programming, computational linguistics, computational modelling, cloud technologies, innovation and so much more.

In third year, you’ll get to complete a nine-month INTRA work placement and also have the chance to study abroad. And after you graduate? Almost every industry is crying out for data scientists, data engineers and AI data scientists, so the career opportunities following this course are boundless.

Why DCU

• There are 2,400 students in the faculty - more than a third are international students
• DCU is ranked No 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate
• DCU is ranked 19th globally for Graduate Employment Rate
• 91% of graduates are in employment or further education six months after graduation

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Cert: Minimum of H3 in Mathematics
• GCE A Level: GCE A Level B Mathematics
• FET Level 5: Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU
• Mature Applicants: Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for, academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study, and an ability to engage and succeed on the programme
• Advanced Entry: Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU
• International Applications: International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language

Course Structure

• Year 1:
  • Computer Systems
  • Computer Programming I
  • Computer Programming II
  • Data Science and Databases
  • Introduction to R
  • Linear Mathematics I
  • Linear Mathematics II
  • Probability 1
  • Calculus and its Applications
• Year 2:
  • Developing Internet Applications
  • Computer Programming 3 (Data Structure & Algebra)
  • Computer Programming 4 (Object Oriented Prog)
  • Data Warehousing and OLAP
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Data Processing and Visualisation
  • Programming for Data Analysis
  • Calculus of Several Variables
  • Statistics I
  • Statistics II
• Year 3:
  • INTRA (8 month paid work experience)
  • Optional Modules:
    • Data Exploration Using Graph Theory
    • Application Domains 1
    • Software Eng: Building Better Software
    • Professional & Research Practice for Data Sci
    • Search Technologies
    • SEMESTER ONE ABROAD
• Year 4:
  • Advanced Machine Learning
  • Application Domains 2
  • Final Year Project
  • Data at Speed and Scale
  • Natural Language Technologies
  • Building Complex Computational Models
  • Applications Domains 3

Fees and Funding

• Full time:
  • Student Contribution: €3,043 per annum
  • EU Status Fee: €6,679 per annum
  • Non EU Fee: €16,400 per annum

How To Apply

• Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK): Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
• Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU: Candidates should apply directly to DCU
• Mature Applicants: All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February
• Advanced Entry: Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 5th November to 1st July

Life On Campus

• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre
• Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies
• There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road
• Exceptional Facilities: DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses
• Campus Life: Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities
• Student Supports: We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students

FAQs

• What is Data Science?
• I am interested in studying Data Science and was wondering if the course has a work placement module?
• Do I need to know how to programme before entering this course?
• Is DCU all one campus?
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
• Does DCU provide accommodation?