Ireland’s first Masters degree in artificial intelligence (AI) is to begin in September in the University of Limerick.

The course will be welcomed by several technology companies in Ireland, as AI is one of the fastest-growing areas of technology investment.

It is being put together in collaboration with the Irish Centre for High End Computing and a number of technology companies here, including Microsoft, Nokia Bell Labs, IBM, Google and Ericsson.

It is also being supported with input from Skillnets and the IDA.

The new MSc in artificial intelligence will take 60 students per year for the next five years.

The course will run over two-years (part time) and will be delivered “primarily online with some intensive problem-based learning workshops” taking place on the University of Limerick campus.

According to the University, the programme is aimed at “existing information technology professionals”, those “migrating from associated disciplines” and “appropriately qualified recent graduates”, meaning new entrants who are interested in pursuing a career in the field.

“We believe that our technical expertise along with our ability to collaborate with external partners and engage flexibly with students, will ensure that this programme will produce the motivated and skilled engineers necessary for sustaining the growth of the AI sector in Ireland,” said Dr Ann Ledwith, UL’s dean of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Applications for the first 60 participants for the course are scheduled to begin in April of this year.

“Artificial Intelligence will have a transformational effect on business and on society over the coming years,” said Paul Healy, chief executive of Skillnets. “Although a thriving AI ecosystem is taking root in Ireland, we know that a significant skills shortage in Artificial Intelligence is emerging which needs to be addressed. We see the launch of this Master’s programme as a great opportunity to not only respond to the needs of business, but also to grow our economy by making Ireland a centre of excellence in Artificial Intelligence.”

Online Editors