Overview
Big data is more than just a buzzword; it’s the driving force behind the world we live in, shaping everything from the insurance you receive to the content you discover online. When you study Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at DCU, you’ll gain the skills to capture, manage and analyse the vast amounts of data generated every day, and learn how to build AI models that turn information into real-world impact.
Throughout your studies, you’ll master the entire data and AI pipeline: from gathering and cleaning data, to exploring patterns, building and evaluating machine learning models, and understanding the important legal, ethical and privacy considerations in today’s data-driven world. You’ll build a strong foundation in programming, statistics, modelling, visualisation, databases and data engineering, equipping you with the essential skills every modern data scientist needs.
Ireland is one of Europe’s most exciting AI and data hubs, home to global leaders like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, TikTok and IBM, as well as more than 2,200 innovative Irish tech start-ups and scale-ups. With over 260,000 people working in digital roles and a growing demand for graduates with AI and data expertise, you’ll find opportunities in every sector, from healthcare and finance to climate, cybersecurity and public services.
This degree is your pathway to a future shaped by innovation and discovery. You’ll take part in a paid, six-month INTRA placement, work on real-world projects, and learn directly from leading researchers in AI and data science. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and skills to turn raw data into valuable insights and to create the intelligent systems that will shape the world for years to come.
Not sure which computing degree is right for you? Watch our webinar to explore all three options and discover which path best matches your interests and ambitions.
DCU People
What I enjoy most about teaching on the BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is getting to work with students who are genuinely curious and excited to learn.
Read more about Dr Alessandra Mileo
I chose this course because I enjoyed maths in secondary school and I felt that I could handle a maths-heavy degree.
Read more about Caoimhe Duignan
Hi my name is Brian Cafferty and I am a 3rd year Data Science student here in DCU.
Read more about Brian Cafferty
I have just completed my final year of studying data science at DCU, and it has been an exceptional journey.
Read more about Jane Adkins
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Some Data Science and Artificial Intelligence graduates choose to start their own businesses, others begin careers as:
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Telecommunications
- Non‑Profit
- Media
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Sport
DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
Minimum of H3 in Mathematics.
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
GCE A Level B Mathematics
Please visit our Admissions webpage for application guidance and to review specific FET course requirements, please visit the CAO QQI FET Requirements Look Up Facility.
Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.
To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.
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
- an ability to engage and succeed on the programme
All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.
For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website
Additional Requirements
This webpage will be updated shortly. Please refer to the Leaving Cert Entry Requirements for guidance on level of competency required.
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. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.
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. Click here for further information on international applications.
Course Structure
The DCU BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence combines the three key skill sets of computing, mathematics and enterprise to provide the core knowledge needed to succeed in this growing area. The course will introduce students to the major concepts in data analytics, management, processing, modelling, visualisation and enterprise. Partnering with industry provides opportunities to engage with real-world problems and data sets. You will learn to program, to study mathematics and learn to apply these skills to data from the real world, communicating the results to different audiences.
- Introduction to R
- Linear Mathematics (1 and 2)
- Calculus
- Probability & Statistics
- Computer Programming (1 and 2)
- Data Science and Databases
- Computer Systems
- Statistics (1 and 2)
- Calculus
- Computer Programming (3 and 4)
- Developing Internet Applications
- Data Warehousing
- Logic
- Data Processing and Visualisation
- Programming for Data Analysis
- Professional and Research Practice for Data Science
- Data Exploration Using Graph Theory
- Fundamentals of Software Testing
- Search Technologies
- Application Domains 1
- INTRA (8 months) or study abroad
- Application Domains 2 and 3
- Data Analytics at Speed and Scale
- Natural Language Technologies
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Building Complex Computational Models
- Final Year Project
Fees and Funding
Fees
All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.
How To Apply
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. 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, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.
All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here
Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open from the end of November to 1st July.
Please see Application Procedures or E-mail ugadmissions@dcu.ie.
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.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
What is Data Science and Artificial Intelligence?
Data Science is the study of information - where it comes from and the patterns it forms. Data scientists turn this information into a resource for businesses and governments. Students on this programme learn the skills necessary to solve a wide range of problems.
In DCU you will learn theory in maths, statistics, programming, and cloud technologies. There is a huge demand for Data Science graduates.
I am interested in studying Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and was wondering if the course has a work placement module?
All of the courses in the School of Computing (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and Computing) have a paid work placement. Data Science students go on work placements for 9 months in third year.
Data Science students liaise with the DCU INTRA office to organise a suitable placement that is relevant to their programme of study. In the past, many students have been hired by their work placement companies post-graduation. It is a wonderful learning experience and gives students the opportunity to put their learning into practice.
Do I need to know how to programme before entering this course?
Students do not require any past programming experience, as all first-year modules are taught at an introductory level. During our courses, you’ll learn coding and programming, and get to grips with databases, operating systems and networks. HTML, CSS, CSS3, Python and Javascript are examples of programming languages taught throughout the course.
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.
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