MSc in Computer ScienceCourse Structure
The MSc in Computer Science programme takes one year to complete. In the first two semesters students take a range of taught modules, and then from April to August work full-time on their individual dissertations. All students take a set of core modules but then have the option to specialise in one of four strands (Please click on the strand name for more extensive detail on each):
Augmented and Virtual Reality Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Real-time Rendering | Dissertation |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Augmented Reality | |
| Advanced Software Engineering 1 | Advanced Software Engineering 2 | |
| Computer Vision | Real-time Animation | |
| Computer Graphics* | Option 1 | |
| Mathematics of Light & Sound | Option 2 |
*Computer Graphics is a mandatory module but students who can demonstrate that they have covered the material elsewhere may select an alternative module from other strands.
Option 1 and 2 are elective modules selected from other strands.
Click here for more details on the AVR Strand,
Data Science Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Optimisation Algorithms for Data Analysis | Dissertation |
| Data Analytics 1 | Data Analytics 2 | |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Applied Statistical Modelling | |
| Scalable Computing | Security & Privacy | |
| Data Visualisation | Option 2 | |
| Option 1 | Option 3 |
Option 1, 2 and 3 are elective modules selected from the other strands.
Click here for more details on the DS Strand.
Future Networked Systems Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Security & Privacy | Dissertation |
| Advanced Software Engineering 1 | Advanced Software Engineering 2 | |
| Scalable Computing | Distributed Systems | |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Internet of Things | |
| Urban Computing | Option 2 | |
| Next Generation Networks or Option 1 | Option 3 |
Option 1, 2 and 3 are elective modules selected from the other strands.
Click here for more details on the FNS Strand,
Intelligent Systems Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Text Analytics | Dissertation |
| Information Retrieval &Web Search | Artificial Intelligence | |
| Knowledge & Data Engineering | Adaptive Applications | |
| Advanced Software Engineering 1 | Advanced Software Engineering 2 | |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Option 2 | |
| Option 1 | Option 3 |
Option 1, 2 and 3 are elective modules selected from the other strands.
Click here for more details on the IS Strand.
Assessment and Progression
The Taught Component makes up the first two semesters of the course and accounts for 60 ECTS credits out of a total of 90. These are examined either continuously during the course or by end of semester exams. The passing grade for these subjects is 50%.
At the end of the 2nd semester, students who have passed at least 50 ECTS credits at a level of ≥ 50% and achieved a level of ≥ 40% in a further 10 ECTS will be granted permission to "Proceed to Dissertation". Those who fail to achieve that level will cease working on their dissertation at that point. They may re-sit the exams they have failed, but are only eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science.
In August, students submit a Research Disseratation for the remaining 30 ECTS and those who obtain 50% or greater will be eligible for an MSc in Computer Science. Students who obtain a distinction in their dissertation and an average of ≥ 70% in the taught component will be eligible for an MSc in Computer Science with Distinction.
Please note that the above is a summary of the assessment regulations detailed in the college calendar. TCD reserves the right to ammend regulations from time to time. Students are informed of applicable regulations at the start of the year, and are notified in writing in the event of any changes.
Course Regulations
The MSc in Computer Science handbook (updated each year) provides further detail on all four strands.