DCU offers new AI and internet degree programmes

The Minister of State with responsibility for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, today launched two new masters programmes in Dublin City University. 

Skillnet Ireland’s learning network Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet has developed the Masters in Artificial Intelligence. Technology Ireland Software Skillnet has developed the Masters in Internet of Things (IoT) in collaboration with Dublin City University. 

Both masters will be delivered part time, over two years and are primarily taught online.

Minister Mitchell O'Connor said: “Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things are shaping a new reality for Irish businesses, creating exciting new opportunities for innovation across all industries. There are currently around 100,000 tech professionals working in Ireland with another 60,000 projected job openings over the next four years. These innovative masters programmes will help to ensure we have the skills needed to meet this demand and make Dublin a frontrunner to become the world’s first Internet of Things city.”
 
Skillnet Ireland awarded funding to Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and Technology Ireland Software Skillnet last year, under its Future Skills programme, to develop both masters programmes in collaboration with industry.  The objective of the Skillnet Ireland Future Skills Programme is to encourage collaborations between enterprise, academic institutions and industry training providers to develop innovative new programmes that speak directly to the future skills needs of businesses and that address gaps in existing provision. 

Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland Paul Healy said industry practitioners in collaboration with DCU have developed both programmes in response to Ireland’s growing demand for these specialist skills. 

“Ireland is one of the tech capitals of the world. We are home to a growing array of dynamic indigenous Irish tech companies and the location of EMEA headquarters for many of the world’s leading tech firms,” said Mr Healy. 

“There is a growing need for greater numbers of highly qualified and competent engineers to work in these organisations. These new masters programmes will help ensure we are producing AI and IoT engineers here in Ireland with the skills needed to become global leaders in AI and IoT technologies,” he added.

President of Dublin City University, Professor Brian MacCraith outlined the value of this strategic collaboration with Skillnet Ireland in the areas of AI and IoT. He said these programmes are unique as they leverage the combined strengths of higher education and enterprise networks.

“DCU welcomes this opportunity to collaborate with Skillnet Ireland on these innovative programmes, which will produce graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in this rapidly changing sector. The development of a pipeline of new talent in the areas of AI and IoT is vital for our economy, if Ireland is to remain internationally competitive.”  

Professor Lisa Looney, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Computing at DCU welcomed the opportunity for the Faculty to work with Skillnet Ireland: “As a Faculty, our commitment is to be highly effective in transforming lives and in supporting the economy. These programmes will be key elements of our response to the recent report on ICT Skills Needs, but we never lose sight of the context for the learner, and will apply best-in-class pedagogy and technology to support their studies. Such flexibility ensures we support learners at all stages of their careers.” 

Applications are now being accepted for a start in September with a closing date of July 23rd 2019. In the first instance, applicants should submit their CV directly to info@ictskillnet.ie After initial screening applicants will be advised on the next steps. 

For more information on the Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence at DCU click here: https://www.ictskillnet.ie/training/msc-in-computing-artificial-intelligence-online/

For more information on the Masters degree in Internet of Things at DCU click here: https://www.softwareskillnet.ie/masters-programme-in-internet-of-things/

The Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Master in Internet of Things (IoT) is also supported by Insight@DCU and Insight@NUIG. The Insight Centre for Data Analytics is funded by Science Foundation Ireland.