Software Design with Artificial Intelligence – MSc
Program Overview
Software Design with Artificial Intelligence – MSc
Course Overview
Ireland’s reputation as a centre of software excellence is unrivalled in Europe. It is home to multinational and indigenous firms generating €16 billion of exports annually. The sectors wide-ranging activities include software development, R&D, business services and EMEA/International headquarters.
As computers become smarter Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making strides in simulating human thinking. Creating computer systems that automatically improve with experience has many applications including robotic control, data mining, autonomous navigation, and bioinformatics.
This course provides a broad introduction to machine learning and statistical pattern recognition. Students will learn about both supervised and unsupervised learning as well as learning theory, reinforcement learning and control.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold a 4 year honours degree in software design or an equivalent qualification with a minimum grade of 2.1 (60%). In line with institute policies, non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS level of 6.5 or higher.
Course Modules
Year 1
- Object Oriented Programming I
- Research Methods & Professional Practice
- Applied Scripting Languages
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Object Oriented Programming II
- Data Visualisation
- Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Networks
- Engineering Team Project
- Students may choose to complete a research dissertation or industry based work placement.
Career Opportunities
According to the Forfás Vacancy Overview Report, the most difficult to fill vacancies were for the ICT sector, primarily for professional roles in software development including software developers: cloud computing, Web development database (with Oracle/SQL), Java, JavaScript, C#, and .Net the most frequently mentioned. Based on significant industrial collaboration of the Department of Computer and Software Engineering graduate of the Artificial Intelligence for Cloud Computing stream are well placed to work in these roles. According to Irelands Skills Strategy 2025 (Department of Education and Skills) there are skills shortages for professionals and associate professionals across sectors in many areas of ICT. The shortage of ICT talent is potentially significant for a number of sectors where ICT skills are needed, in particular software development. Ireland is likely to face an average increase in demand for high-level ICT skills of around 5% a year with the employment of ICT professionals anticipated to rise to just over 91,000. This skills shortage has become increasingly acute as more and more tech companies expand their operations in Ireland.
Further Study
Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates have the opportunity to complete Level 9/10 programmes here at TUS or elsewhere.
Location and Duration
- Location: Athlone
- Duration: 1 year
Level and Study Mode
- Level: 9
- Study Mode: Full Time
Department
- Department: Computer and Software Engineering
Scholarships
Scholarships of €1,000 to maximum of €3,000 may be awarded based on academic achievement, personal statement outlining exceptional achievements, student ambassador programme, alumni scholarship and sibling scholarship to Non-EU students who apply through International Office or Country Advisors for TUS campuses.
International TUS alumni who wish to apply for a taught master’s may qualify for €3,000 reduced fee scholarship. More information is available from the International Office.
Program Outline
Software Design with Artificial Intelligence – MSc - TUS
Degree Overview:
- Overview: Ireland is a leading center for software excellence, with a thriving industry generating significant exports. This MSc program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field, particularly in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Objectives: The program provides a comprehensive introduction to machine learning and statistical pattern recognition, covering both supervised and unsupervised learning, as well as learning theory, reinforcement learning, and control.
- Description: The program focuses on developing computer systems that can automatically improve with experience, encompassing applications such as robotic control, data mining, autonomous navigation, and bioinformatics.
Outline:
- Year 1:
- Object Oriented Programming I: This module introduces the fundamentals of object-oriented programming, a widely used paradigm in software development.
- Research Methods & Professional Practice: This module equips students with the necessary skills for conducting research and navigating the professional software development landscape.
- Data Mining and Machine Learning: This module delves into the core concepts of data mining and machine learning, providing students with a foundation for understanding and applying these techniques.
- Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Networks: This module explores advanced machine learning techniques, including neural networks, which are crucial for developing sophisticated AI systems.
- Engineering Team Project: This module provides students with practical experience working in teams on real-world engineering projects, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Careers:
- Opportunities: Graduates are well-positioned to work in various roles within the ICT sector, particularly in software development, including:
- Software developers: cloud computing, Web development, database (with Oracle/SQL), Java, JavaScript, C#, and .Net.
- Outcomes: The program addresses the growing demand for ICT professionals, particularly in software development, as highlighted by the Forfás Vacancy Overview Report and Ireland's Skills Strategy 2025.
Other:
- International Students: The program welcomes international students and offers scholarships of €1,000 to €3,000 based on academic achievement, personal statement, student ambassador program, alumni scholarship, and sibling scholarship.