Program Overview

Overview of the Computer Science - Data Science Program

The M.Sc. in Computer Science – Data Science program is designed to equip graduates with the skills to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the big-data revolution. This one-year program covers statistics, cloud computing, security, and data management, preparing students to handle, analyze, and visualize data to drive impactful decisions.

Course Details

• Awards: NFQ Level 9
• Number of Places: 30 Places
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Dr. Mimi Zhang
• Course Director: Professor Doug Leith (Course Director) / Dr. John Dingliana (Co-Director for Admissions)
• Closing Date: 31st January 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants must provide the following:

• An upper second-class (2.1) Honours degree grade or higher from a reputable university, in Computing or related discipline.
• Proven programming competence. All candidates will have to complete a programming test in C, C++, or Java before being offered a place on the course. Some modules may also require programming in Python and other languages.
• A strong work ethic and the resolve to engage with a demanding but rewarding program.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The full M.Sc. program, comprising 90 ECTS credits, takes one full calendar year to complete and leads to the qualification of M. Sc. in Computer Science – Data Science, a Level 9 award according to the Irish National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ).

• Between September and April, students attend two 12-week teaching semesters, each followed by an assessment period, where they take a range of taught modules.
• Then, from April to August, students work full-time on their individual research dissertations.

Students may exit with an award of Postgraduate Diploma (P.Grad.Dip.) in Computer Science – Data Science (NFQ Level 9) upon successful completion of 60 ECTS of taught modules, not including the Research Dissertation.

Course Content

Core modules are taken by all M.Sc. students on the course:

• Machine Learning
• Data Analytics
• Applied Statistical Modelling
• Optimisation Algorithms for Data Analysis
• Data Visualisation
• Scalable Computing
• Security and Privacy
• Research Methods and Innovation

Additionally, students take a number of individually chosen elective modules from a pool of options.

Finally, all students complete a substantial Research Dissertation which comprises a third of the entire course.

Career Opportunities

We expect our graduates to be in high demand for technical positions within leading multinational companies and from startups alike. All of the major Information Technology companies, from Google to Facebook to Amazon, employ large teams of data scientists. Another important career path is management consulting with companies such as Accenture, McKinsey & Company, and PwC. There will also be opportunities to progress to Ph.D. study, with many funded positions available locally.

Is This Course For Me?

This course is designed for graduates from a computing or closely related undergraduate background. Candidates with a good undergraduate Honours degree in disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, or statistics are also encouraged to apply, if they have acquired good programming skills. Candidates will be required to provide evidence of their computing skills and experience.