Overview
Are you excited by the way technology is transforming our world? Today, the boundaries between the digital and physical are disappearing, opening up new possibilities for innovation. Integrated Intelligence now connects everything from the tiniest semiconductor chips to the global networks that keep us all in touch. By studying in this field, you’ll be at the heart of the systems that power modern life, helping to shape how we live, work, and connect with each other.
This master’s degree is designed to fit your interests and goals. With 30 modules to choose from, you can shape your studies around what matters most to you. Choose the General Masters for maximum flexibility, or specialise in one of these Majors when you register:
Major in Physical AI
Step into the future by bridging the gap between machine learning and the physical world. In this major, you’ll explore how high-performance hardware, ultra-fast connectivity, and autonomous decision-making are driving the next industrial revolution. Physical AI empowers robots and systems to interact with the world with human-like perception and decision-making, opening up new possibilities for innovation.
Major in the Internet of Things (IoT) Devices
Become an innovator in the world of connected devices by mastering the entire IoT ecosystem, from silicon to network. In this major, you’ll gain the skills to design and understand every layer of IoT, empowering you to drive change across industries like agriculture, healthcare, and beyond. You’ll not only learn the principles and technologies behind IoT, but also get hands-on experience with real hardware platforms. This is your opportunity to see how your ideas can shape the future.
Major in Semiconductor Engineering & Integrated Circuit (IC) Design
Take your place at the forefront of technology by designing the fabrication processes and high-performance integrated circuits that power everything from data centers to artificial intelligence. In this major, you’ll go beyond the limits of Moore’s Law and step into the More-than-Moore era, developing the expertise to master complex, next-generation systems that drive the global economy.
Major in Photonic Systems
Be part of the exciting convergence of light-based sensing and electronic systems. In Photonic Systems, you’ll explore how integrating photonics and electronics is driving advances in communications, sensing, and computing. You’ll also discover how nanotechnology is creating new devices and applications at the smallest scales, making a real difference in fields like biomedical engineering, telecommunications, and aerospace. By studying Nanotechnology and Photonics, you’ll develop skills that open doors across a wide range of industries.
Major in Data and Telecommunications Networks (DTN)
Shape the future of global connectivity by designing and building the next generation of data and telecommunication networks. In this major, you’ll gain the expertise to support everything from smart devices to global industries, preparing you for a world where computing, communication, and control come together. With hands-on experience and in-demand skills, you’ll be ready to tackle challenges in wireless communications, deliver fast and reliable connectivity, and make your mark in a rapidly evolving field.
DCU People
I chose this course because I wanted to further my knowledge of networking systems, particularly in optical and radio communications.
Read more about Niamh McDermott
I am Dona, and I’m a postgraduate student in electronic and computer engineering majoring in nanotechnology and photonics.
Read more about Dona Dilini Manushi Wijetunge Arachchige
Embarking on the MEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering at DCU with a specialisation in Advanced Data Networks has been a game-changer for me.
Read more about Anuja Bulathsinhalage
From early school-leaver to playing a key role on one of the world’s most complex building projects, Paul Sheridan’s journey has not been a conventional one.
Read more about Paul Sheridan
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The focused nature of the majors, combined with the continued growth of these important and very successful Irish industrial sectors, will ensure that you are in a pole position to gain employment in a wide range of industries in Ireland and overseas. Graduates of this course work in a wide range of industries, including:
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Information Technology
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Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
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Healthcare
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Smart Cities and Urban Planning
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Agriculture
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Energy and Utilities
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Retail
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Automotive and Transportation
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Environmental Monitoring
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Smart Home and Consumer Electronics
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Finance and Insurance
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Telecommunications
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Education
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Entertainment and Media
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Space and Aerospace
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Consulting and Entrepreneurship
Graduates of this course have gained employment as a:
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Network Engineer
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Network Administrator
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Network Architect
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Systems Engineer
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Wireless Network Engineer
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Telecommunications Engineer
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Network Software Developer
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IoT Developer/Engineer
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Project Manager
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Product Manager
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Security Specialist
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Data Scientist
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Consultant
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Business Analyst
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Researcher
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in leading companies including NASA, Apple, Samsung, Intel, Dell, Amazon, Meta, and Google.
Others have progressed to PhD research and gained further advancement and recognition.
Entry Requirements
General Entry Requirements:
• A Primary Honours degree, Level 8 with an award of H2.2 or higher in Electronic/Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Sciences or other Engineering Disciplines
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Programme Structure
Assessment for this course is split evenly, with approximately 50% of your mark based on exams and 50% on continuous assessment.
You have the flexibility to study full-time or part-time, and you can choose to start in September or January. If you begin full-time in September, you could finish in just 12 months, or in 18 months if you start in January. This course is designed to fit around your life and goals.
Flexible study options are also provided for part-time students. Students can complete this course in 2 - 4 years and can decide how many modules per semester and academic year they take. They can study on-campus or remotely but will be required to attend campus for examination purposes and a small number of laboratory exercises for some optional modules. An alternative Masters Qualifier entry path is available for EU-status students who do not meet the Masters programme entry requirements.
Our General masters award structure gives students the flexibility to choose a combination of any eight taught Modules from our full offering. In this way, students can truly tailor their own Masters programme. Students must also complete a substantial capstone project to achieve the overall award.
With our pre-defined Majors, students have the option of specialising in one of four different areas. Our Major options set out four “core” modules that must be completed to achieve the specialisation. While we recommend a complementary optional modules for each Major (see here), we offer flexibility so that these modules can be tailored to suit the needs of each individual student and their previous education. Students must also complete a substantial Major-specific capstone project to achieve the overall award.
Major in the Internet of Things
- Data Analysis and Machine Learning II
- Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- Connected Embedded Systems
- Network Stack Implementation
- Masters Project – IoT Major
Plus any other four modules
Major in Image Processing and Analysis
- Data Analysis and Machine Learning II
- Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- Entrepreneurship for Engineers
- Computer Vision
- Masters Project – IPA Major
Plus any other four modules
Major in Data and Telecommunications Networks
At least four of the following core modules:
- Network Performance
- Photonic Devices
- Data Analysis and Machine Learning II
- Photonic Applications and Technologies
- Future Network Architectures
- Network Stack Implementation
- Masters Project – DTN Major
Plus additional options, to make up a total of 8 taught modules.
Major in Nanotechnology & Photonics
- Nanoelectronics Technology
- Photonic Applications and Technologies
- Photonic Devices
- Device Manufacturing
- Masters Project – Nano & Photonics Major
Plus any other four modules
Fees and Funding
Fees
Faculty of Engineering & Computing International Scholarship
This scholarship is available for Non-EU applicants who have received an offer to study on eligible postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. Successful recipients will receive a €5,000 fee reduction on the full-time 2026–2027 Non-EU Tuition fee.
All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.
How To Apply
To apply for this programme, please click here.
All applicants should apply through . Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:
• Please provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
• If applicable, evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or:
For September 2026 Intake Full Time & Part Time:
- Closing date for NON-EU applicants is 1st July 2026.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2026.
For January 2026 Intake Full Time & Part Time:
- Closing date for NON-EU applicants is 5th December 2025.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 5th December 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), 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.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.