Masters in Computer Science in Ireland – Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarships & Job Opportunities
Are you a tech-savvy person who wants to study in a place filled with liberty and learning?
Then a Masters in Computer Science in Ireland would be the perfect fit to help you take advantage of this industry shift toward specialization.
Ready to study Computer Science in a place where IT is celebrated?
Tech giants like Google, Intel, and much more have placed their HQ in Ireland for more than 15 years.
A Masters in Computer Science in Ireland can help you start your tech career in a country where the government’s digital framework will maximize people’s and businesses’ well-being.
Ready to study Computer Science where IT is celebrated?
Why Study MS in Computer Science in Ireland?
1. Global Tech Hub of Choice
Ireland has become the global choice of industry giants in attracting the strategic business activities of Information Communication Technology (ICT) companies.
Annually, the island exports €37 billion worth of tech products and services.
Since 1956, tech firms have invested over $51 billion in Ireland. Companies such as Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, and Intel have all taken advantage of the low taxes imposed on them to set up their European HQs here in Dublin.
2. Thriving Jobs
Job opportunities and placements are certainly among the most significant factors for Indian students when choosing a university.
This statistic shows the employment situation in Ireland from 2013 to 2021, with projections through 2023. Approximately 2.39 million people were employed in Ireland in 2021.
In the past two years, giants like Amazon brought permanent positions to Ireland, bringing the total number of employees to 5,000.
According to a recent survey, Dublin was ranked 15th among the world’s most innovative cities based on factors like internet speed, online visibility, and job prospects.
Govt and IDA Ireland welcome the news that TikTok is to create a further 1,000 new jobs. Source: IDA Ireland
3. A Robust Startup Environment
It’s not only the big corporate guns that have shaved the creme of the crop.
Ireland’s new company start-ups have reached the highest number on record in 2021, where a total of 25,697 companies have been registered.
While the Irish technology and IT sector continues to perform strongly with an outlook of +42%, the employers have planned to expand headcount significantly by 32% in the second quarter of 2022.
4. Top-notch Education System
As the Irish poet William Butler Yeats rightly quoted,
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire
Ireland’s education system ranks in the top 10, with one of the most educated workforces globally.
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IRELAND RANKS IN THE TOP 10 GLOBALLY FOR |
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| Quality of the Education System | University Education that meets the need for a competitive edge |
The Irish government makes huge investments in its education system, such as its Technology Skills 2022 initiative, which aims to work with the higher education sector and industry to meet the country’s ICT skills requirements.
5. Focus on Building a Safe Tech Business Environment
Ireland is also focused on building a solid tech ecosystem.
Even before the pandemic, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish business development agency for Irish-owned companies, was recorded as the 2nd best in the world for offering startup seed funding.
Interestingly, the agency braced for startups during the pandemic by managing to increase the financing of startups by 58%.
Moreover, the Irish government came up with the online retailer scheme. The scheme ensured that retailers get relief of €40,000 at a minimum.
6. Placement-Focused Universities
Moreover, the Irish educational and entrepreneurial ecosystem is cyclically entrenched in favour of tech firms. Ireland uses education to provide talent for tech companies.
While the MS in computer science graduates grabs opportunities, the companies develop a great understanding with universities and help build the curriculum.
This is why Dublin, with 4/8 universities in Ireland, hosts most of the tech jobs. This is why graduating from top universities with a master’s in Computer Science helps.
When you study in Ireland, your university shall break its back to shove you into the workforce after graduation. Why? It’s because these factors impact the reputation and ranking of universities.
Ireland ranks 6th in Europe in the interaction between universities and the industry.
According to University-Business Cooperation in Europe, almost 60% of academics in Ireland collaborate with small and micro-sized companies.
Universities such as the University of Limerick have connections with over 1700 companies to help their graduates get jobs after an MS in CS. UCD ranks 75th in the world for graduate employability.
7. Up and Coming Tech Cities
This is one of the exciting reasons to study at top universities, an MS in computer science in Ireland. The island lacks the sophisticated skyscrapers that one stereotypes the West with.
However, it has a tremendous digital ecosystem. And Dublin isn’t the only city capable of being a distinct digital hub. This is one of the compelling reasons to study at top universities, an MS in computer science in Ireland.
Limerick has created over 12,000 new tech jobs in 5 years, adding €1bn to its economy. In 2018, the county bagged 6 awards from FDI Intelligence for the following: Development Plan, Education, Skills and Training, Encouraging Innovation, Incentives, and Project Wins.
Galway overtook Dublin and ranked 9th for innovation and attractiveness in Europe. This is due to Galway’s GTC (Galway Technology Centre), which has resulted in 300 startups and 3000 jobs.
Galway has particularly specialized in developing MedTech startups. Interestingly, September 2020 was a field day for MedTech startups.
Startups such as Loci Orthopaedics, Feeltect, and Bluedrop Medical have collectively raised €6.7 million in funding.
Top universities in Ireland and their courses, such as the MS in computer science, play an essential part in imparting such an ecosystem.
Top 12 Universities in Ireland for MS in Computer Science:
List of universities to pursue Masters in Computer Science in Ireland with their 2024 global rankings:
| Irish Universities for MS in Ireland | Global Rankings |
| Trinity College Dublin | 81 |
| University College Dublin | 171 |
| University of Galway | 289 |
| University College Cork | 292 |
| University of Limerick | 426 |
| Dublin City University | 436 |
| Maynooth University | 801-850 |
| Technological University Dublin | 851-900 |
| Munster Technological University | – |
| South East Technological University (Waterford – WIT) | – |
| South East Technological University(Carlow – IT Carlow) | – |
| Atlantic Technological University(LYIT) | – |
| Technological University of the Shannon(AIT) | – |
Colleges for MS in Computer Science in Ireland
| Colleges for MS in Ireland | Webometrics Ireland Rankings | |
| 1 | National College of Ireland | 16 |
| 2 | Griffith College | 24 |
| 3 | Dublin Business School | 25 |
Technological Institutes for MS in Computer Science in Ireland
| Institutes of Tech for MS in Ireland | Webometrics Ireland Rankings | |
| 1 | Dundalk Institute of Technology | 14 |
Universities in Ireland for MS in Computer Science – An Overview
All top universities in Ireland for MS in computer science are equipped with world-class labs and infrastructure to support pursuing an MS in computer science in Ireland.
1. Trinity College Dublin (MS in Computer Science)
Duration: 1 year
Fees: €24,700
Trinity is one of the top universities in Ireland for MS in Computer Science. TCD’s Computer Science wing has a remarkable research output.
As one of Ireland’s top universities for a master’s in computer science, TCD is widely known for its connections with leading industries. Every year, computing graduates use the annual recruitment fairs to find computing jobs in Ireland.
Moreover, TCD has recurred as the No.1 university in Europe for entrepreneurial graduates who have raised venture capital.
Located at the heart of Dublin, the university prides itself in placing most of its MS in CS graduates in 9 of the 10 top ICT companies in the world.
TCD also partners with The Centre for Data Analytics (INSIGHT) and The Irish Software Engineering Research Centre (LERO).
Program strands:
- Data Science
- Intelligent Systems
- Future Networks
- Augmented and Virtual Reality
2. University College Dublin (MSc Computer Science)
Duration: 1 year
Fees: €26,400
This top university in Ireland has a unique MS in Computer Science program. Here at UCD, there is no fixed course structure!
University College Dublin’s Computer Science program allows you to choose from the n number of the university’s modules, which in the end, add up to 90 credits.
You can select a master’s program that helps you achieve your career goals in Ireland.
Such a flexible route allows you to further specialize in a particular field or digress to a new area. The flexible curriculum means you’ll also access cutting-edge research in the School of Computing, Mathematics, Statistics, and Information and Communication.
Did you know?
Indian former (4th) President, V.V. Giri was an alumnus of University College Dublin
MSc Computer Science (Conversion)
UCD’s next flagship computer science program is its conversion version of the MSc in Computer Science. This program is tailored specifically for students who wish to make a transition to the IT industry.
You can apply for this program if you have a non-computer science background.
3. University of Galway (MSc in Computer Science)
Duration: 1 year
Fees: €24,140
Galway is known as where arts and theatre are celebrated, making it exciting to be a student here.
The National University of Ireland Galway is the following university where you can pursue a master’s in Computer Science in Ireland.
The subject is taught by some renowned, interdisciplinary University of Galway experts in the field.
The program has 3 strands:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Software Engineering and Database Technologies
The University of Galway is one of five European sites selected to host a new world-class supercomputer
You can apply to any of the 3 individual courses based on your prior experience and academic interests.
4. Dublin City University (MSc in Computing)
Duration: 1 year
Fees: €17,000
DCU’s MSc in Computing guarantees social mobility.
It means that getting educated at DCU helps improve your quality of life. This has been the mission of this Irish university for years. For several years, DCU has been praised as a forerunner in using education to uplift people.
The MSc in Computing course also strives to do the same. Notably, the course also has a high post-graduation employability rate.
The program has 4 strands:
- FinTech and Technology and Innovation (part-time only)
- Data Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Secure Software Engineering
5. University College Cork (MSc Computing Science)
Duration:: 1 year
Fees: €18,500
A master’s in computer science at UCC is one of the highly competitive courses in Ireland for Indian students. UCC is world-renowned for its School of Computing, where cutting-edge research is the norm.
The course has a high employability rate. Graduates of 2020 reported an employment rate of 100% after 1-year graduation.
It is said that a new graduate Software Engineer in Cork earns an average salary of EURO 30,000 – 45,000 per annum (24 Lakhs to 36 Lakhs).
6. Maynooth University (MSc Computer Science Applied)
Duration: 1 year and 2 years
Fees: €15,000
Maynooth University offers an excellent facility for practical work, while many of its students spend time working in the industry as part of their course.
Applied computer science is among the most exciting graduate programs for Indian students.
The program lasts for 2 years with an internship component. Usually, Computer Science Master’s programs in Ireland run full-time for 1 year. Moreover, the 3rd semester comprises a dissertation or software project.
However, the MSc Computer Science program at Maynooth University has the aforementioned in the 1st semester of the second year. The 2nd and final semester of the course has a university-assisted internship or work placement module.
This innovative program is a breather as opposed to 1-year computer science master’s, which is usually a gold rush yet rush.
The university offers the program in 2 strands:
- MSc in Computer Science (Applied)
- MSc in Software Engineering
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7. University of Limerick
Duration: 1 year and 2 years
Fees: €15,550 to 16,900
The University of Limerick is world-renowned for its exotic campus that lies surreally on the banks of the river Shannon. Limerick is a beacon of hope for tech investors and companies among the vibrant European cities.
Within Ireland, UL is robustly connected with the industry; over 1700 companies have ties with the universities.
The International Systems program lasts for a duration of 2-years, comprising 4 semesters. In a detailed review, the course covers several facets of computing including software development, natural language processing, mobile and app development, digital product management, and various other verticals.
Overall, the master’s in Software Development develops you into a remarkable software professional who will be anxious to make a mark in Ireland’s IT circuit. The modules are well-rounded branching out to touch several concepts of software development and management.
Modules such as Software Internationalisation shall inculcate the necessary business acumen while working in Ireland’s illustrious IT industry.
The university offers the program in 2 strands:
- MSc in Software Engineering
- MSc in Software Development: International Systems
8. Technological University Dublin
Duration:: 1.5 years
Fees: €21,750
The MSc program at TUD is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to develop complex software solutions they need to compete in the global digital economy.
The MSc in Computer Science in TUD has two variants. One offers a specialization in Software Development, while the other transforms you into a hotshot data analyst.
Overall, the university course is aimed at teaching skills in software project management, information architecture, web development, AI, and data analytics.
They make sure their graduates can work across all facets of software development. After graduating, you can work as a software developer, software engineer, test engineer, software designer, systems analyst, web developer, and technical consultant.
By reading their course modules, you can see that the university lives up to its name as a technological university.
The university offers the program in 2 strands:
- MSc in Advanced Software Development
- MSc in Data Science
9. Munster Technological University
Duration: 1 year
Fees: € 12,000
The MSc programs at MTU are designed with experts from the field residing at leading companies.
As a result, students get industry-engaged programs that match the economy’s needs and have an excellent reputation for producing the most-talented and employer-friendly computer graduates in the region.
The university offers the program in 2 strands:
- MSc in Artificial Intelligence
- MSc in Cyber Security
10. South East Technological University
Duration: 1 year
Fees: € 11,500
The MSc Computer Science graduates will be well-equipped to pursue a research-oriented career in academia and industry.
The course is aimed both at new graduates and experienced professionals who wish to obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the human factors associated with information systems in modern organizations.
The university offers the program in different strands:
10.a: South East Technological University (WIT)
- MSc in Computing (Information system processes)
10.b: South East Technological University (IT Carlow)
- MSc in Information Technology Management
- MSc in Data Science
- MSc in Cyber Security
- MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence
11. Technological University of the Shannon – AIT (MSc in Software Engineering)
Duration: 1 year
Fees: € 14,500
The program provides computer professionals and engineers with the opportunity to enhance their expertise in active software engineering research and development areas.
With the designed syllabus, graduates can gain knowledge in software engineering projects, data science, service-oriented architecture, data storage, and many other industries related to technology.
Requirements to Pursue MS in Computer Science in Ireland
UG Requirements for studying MS in Computer Science in Ireland:
| Irish Scale | Indian Scale | |
| Universities | Minimum of 2.1 honours | CGPA 6.5 and above
or 60% to 69% |
| Institute of Technology | 2.2 honours | CGPA 5.5 and above
or 50% to 59% |
| Colleges | Minimum of 2.2 honours | CGPA 6.5 and above
or 60% to 69% |
English Language Requirements for MS in Computer Science in Ireland
There are four main tests that are assessed in Ireland as part of the English language requirement: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo. A minimum score is required for any of the tests.
| English Language Requirements
(minimum eligibility criteria) |
|
| Universities | IELTS: 6.0 with no band less than 5.5*
TOEFL: 90iBT Duolingo: 100 PTE: 63 |
| Institute of Technology | IELTS: 6.0 with no band less than 5.5*
TOEFL: 70iBT Duolingo: 100 PTE: 61 |
| Colleges | IELTS: 6.0
TOEFL: 90iBT PTE: 60 Duolingo: 95 |
*Note: some Masters in Ireland might require a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS
Cost of Studying MSc in Computer Science in Ireland
| MS in Ireland Fees (Variable) | |||
| EUROS | INR | ||
| Universities | 7,700 to 26,400 | 9,97,000 to 30,32,000 | |
| Institute of Technology | 16,600 | 9,97,000 to 13,30,000 | |
| Colleges | 8,000 to 13,800 | 10,80,000 to 11,63,000 | |
Pre-arrival cost in Ireland:
While studying abroad, every penny counts. This is why you need to consider your pre-arrival cost as well.
The average cost of living in Ireland is around 10,00,000 Lakhs per year, including accommodation costs, food, and other essentials.
| Pre-arrival Requirement | Cost in INR |
| Student visa | 12,000 |
| IELTS | 15,500 |
| TOEFL | 14,197 |
| PTE | 14,700 |
| Funding proof | 10,00,000 |
| Health Insurance | 12,400 to 15,000 |
| Flight charges | 30,000 (average) |
To qualify for a student visa, you must show proof of funding of EURO 12000 to cover your living expenses.
Procedures and Documents Required for MS in Ireland:
- A completed online application form
- Official copies of the academic transcripts
- English language proficiency certificates (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL, Duolingo)
- C.V./Resume
- 2 Reference letters, one being an academic reference from a former lecturer and the other from the employer. If a graduate doesn’t have work experience, both letters can be from their academic lecturers.
- Statement of Purpose. Your statement should be approximately 500 words
- Scanned copy of the passport
-> M.S. in a Computer course might require the applicant to take an online programming test.
-> An online interview might also be required for the selection process.
Intake Options for MS in Computer Science in Ireland
There are two intakes for an MS in Computer Science in Ireland – Autumn (September) and Winter (January).
Autumn (September) intake is the most popular and widest intake for all universities, institutes, and colleges in Ireland.
All universities and Institutes have Autumn (September) intake only.
Colleges in Ireland have two, autumn (September) and winter (January) intakes for all their computer science courses.
Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in Ireland
All international students who come to Ireland for their postgraduate studies are open to applying for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship.
Students who satisfy the eligibility criteria of this Ireland scholarship will get a full-tuition fee refund and an additional waiver of Euro 10,000 to support their living expenses during their stay. Isn’t it exciting!!
Popular University Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in Ireland
| University | Scholarship | Waiver |
| Trinity College Dublin | Postgraduate Indian Scholarships | €3,000 |
| Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships | €2000 to €5,000 | |
| University College Dublin | MSc Academic Excellence Scholarship | Up to 25% to 50% of tuition fees |
| MSc Merit-Based Scholarships | €2,000 | |
| The Cormac Costelloe Dell Financial Services Scholarship | Full tuition fee waiver | |
| VV. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship | Full tuition fee waiver | |
| Dublin City University | DCU International Merit Scholarships | Up to €2,000 |
| University of Galway | South Asian Student Scholarships | Up to 50% of tuition fee |
| University College Cork | SEFS International Student Merit-Based Scholarship | Up to 20% of tuition fee |
| Maynooth University | Taught Master’s Scholarships | €2,500 |
| University of Limerick | Indian Students Scholarships | €1,500 |
In Ireland, colleges offer up to a waiver of EUR 4000 for international applicants for their master’s courses.
Job opportunities after MS in Computer Science in Ireland
The average salary after an MS in Computer Science graduate in Ireland falls around 50,000 EUROS per annum.
As of June 2022, there are 5167 jobs in Ireland for Computer Science graduates posted across the Irish job portal.
What do Our Students ask during Consultation?
1. What Is the Cost of Studying MS in Computer Science in Ireland?
If you plan to enroll in an Irish university for your MS in Computer Science, it could cost around 10 to 30 Lakhs for tuition fees.
If your choice is between a public college or an institute of technology, you probably have to spend around 10 to 14 Lakhs on your tuition fee.
2. Is It Worth Doing MS in Computer Science in Ireland?
Ireland outperforms both in the case of education and prospective IT jobs.
Ireland’s education system ranks among the top 10 for its quality and is the IT hub for global giants.
According to Morgan Mckinley, newbie Software developers in the capital city of Dublin has an excellent time to earn a salary of EURO 40,000 to 50,000 (32 Lakhs to 40 Lakhs) per annum.
3. How Many Years Is MS in Computer Science in Ireland?
Most Irish courses for MS in Computer Science have a period of 1 year. At the same time, some extend up to 1.5 or two years, like the courses at Technological University Dublin and the University of Limerick.
4. Which Is the Best Place to Study Masters in Computer Science in Ireland?
Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin are the two top universities for Masters in Computer Science in Ireland. These two universities rank among the top 200 globally.
5. Is Ireland Masters Valid in India?
Irish education corresponds to that of the European Qualification Framework and is a globally recognized one.
However, we suggest you use the post-study work visa opportunity to grab a well-paid and in-demand job experience in Ireland, which will be an added advantage to your profile to work in any other country in the future.
6. Is GRE Required for an MSc in Computer Science in Ireland?
GRE is not usually an asked requirement for Computer Science courses in Ireland. IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, and PTE are postgraduate international students’ most common entry requirements.
Hey Aspirant, Are You Looking Out for Help?
As a study in Ireland consultants, Sarem Education helps young, ambitious graduates realize their dreams quickly by guiding them through all the nuances of applying for a Masters in Computer Science in Ireland.
The info you get in your FREE consultation call is everything you can meet in the application process. This means we are no fancy storytellers. Our approach is transparent.
Hence, this is what we can do for you (free of cost):
- Provide help in applying to universities
- Help write LORs and SOPs
- Offer 100% authentic information on universities in Ireland for masters
- Relieve the various pains you have in processing your visa
- Offer a Lyca sim card before you travel to Ireland
- Help connecting to alumni from various Irish universities
- Assist in finding part-time jobs and accommodation
hi , Can we have a discussion , i have couple of queries and need some infromation .
Hi Rahul,
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please reach out to our Ireland counsellors for guidance on this number +91 82482 28446.
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