NCI Course Details

This course is offered under Springboard+ meaning you can join this course for free if you are currently unemployed or for a reduced cost of €700 if you are employed.

Visit the Springboard+ website to apply: 

• Postgraduate Diploma in Science in AI for Business -  Springboard+ applications for this programme have now closed.

Visit the Springboard+ website for information on eligibility criteria.

Applying as a non-Springboard+ Student

If you are not eligible for a place on this Springboard+ funded programme but still wish to apply, please click here.

The course was developed in consultation with leading tech firms and data-driven enterprises in Ireland which include Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, SAP, Mastercard, Fenergo, Workday, and Citi Bank. Regular feedback from industry partners ensures that the curriculum aligns with current market needs. Enterprise demand for this course is evidenced by partnerships with local tech companies that have committed to offering internships and project collaborations. With Ireland’s growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector and government initiatives supporting AI innovation, the demand for qualified professionals in this field is steadily increasing.

The course features Career Bridge, a non-credit module enhancing employability skills and job coaching. Learners can also apply their knowledge through a three-month work placement.

The course targets graduates from STEM disciplines, professionals seeking career transitions into AI integration across industries, and individuals wishing to upskill for AI-related roles in various business context. Special emphasis is placed on applicants with backgrounds in computing, engineering, mathematics, and data science. Machine learning engineers, AI specialists, data scientists, and automation engineers are among the most in-demand professions, particularly in fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud-based AI services. This course meets these demands by integrating industry-aligned content and practical applications of AI/ML technologies.

Ireland’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector is experiencing significant growth, contributing to record employment levels across the country. As of the third quarter of 2024, the employment rate reached 80.3%, surpassing the euro area average of 75.4%. This robust job market reflects the country’s economic resilience and the success of government policies aimed at fostering innovation and job creation. The demand for AI professionals is evident in various sectors, including information and communications technology (ICT), pharmaceuticals, construction, and renewable energy.

To address the growing need for specialized skills, the Irish government has identified AI as a critical area for job growth. The National AI Strategy, ‘AI – Here for Good,’ launched in July 2021 and refreshed in 2024, serves as a roadmap for leveraging AI to unlock productivity, address societal challenges, and deliver public services.

This strategy emphasizes the necessity for professionals with deep analytical talent, combining advanced statistical and analytical skills with business acumen and effective communication abilities. It also highlights the importance of enhancing educational and training programs to meet these demands.

Furthermore, the share of AI talent in Ireland grew more than 500% between 2016 and 2022, from 0.34% to 2.09% of LinkedIn members, indicating a substantial increase in professionals equipped with AI skills. This course bridges national strategies with current skill gaps, offering a clear route into rapidly expanding AI careers. It equips graduates with future-ready skills that align with Ireland’s AI workforce priorities.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in AI for Business is designed to meet the evolving needs of the IT sector while advancing graduates’ career opportunities. This programme equips students with in-demand skills at the intersection of artificial intelligence and business innovation.

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of a Level 8 honours qualification (2.2 or higher) or equivalent on the National Qualifications Framework in either STEM (e.g., Information Management Systems, Information Technologies, Computer Science, Computer Engineer) or Business (e.g., Business Information Systems, Business Administration, Economics) discipline and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in industry, ideally but not necessarily, in management.

The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, and an interview. The programming ability of the applicant will also be assessed.

Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.

National College of Ireland has implemented a Bring Your Own Device policy for all courses. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration.

The recommended configuration is as follows:

Processor:

• Intel 11th Gen or newer, Core i3 / i5 /i7 or Ultra 3 / 5 /7
  Or
• AMD 5000 Series or newer, Rzyen 3 / 5 /7

Random Access Memory (RAM):
16GB or greater

Storage:
SSD (Solid State Drive) 256GB or greater

Wireless Card:
802.11 n/ac/ax capability

Recommended Operating Systems:
Windows 11
Later Version of MAC OS should also be fine.
Chromebook’s are not recommended.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI cannot provide support for these personal devices.

Student Laptop Loan Scheme

A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

The course will be assessed with a blend of project work and exams. This varies between modules but typically assessment is 50% continuous assessment and 50% exam Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evenings, and at weekends. Award and Progression Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and AI are awarded an NFQ Level 9 qualification. You can optionally complete the additional 30 credits required to upgrade their qualification to the MSc in Business in AI (Not included under Springboard+ - additional fee would apply).

Semester 1:

• Data Governance and Ethics
• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
• Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Business
• Career Bridge

Semester 2:

• Intelligent Agents and Process Automation
• Risk and Change Management
• Human Centred AI

Semester 3:

• Customer Engagement and Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analytics for Business
• Emerging Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Sustainability

Your Careers Advisor will support you in identifying relevant employment during the course or within three months following completion of the course.

This course runs over 1 year; 3 semesters.

Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 22.00.

Career Bridge classes will be delivered one day per week in Semester one from 17.00 to 18.00. Day to be confirmed.

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

This is an online course which will be delivered fully online.

Springboard+ Student Fees

A student contribution fee of €700 is applicable if you are in employment. No fees applicable if you are unemployed. The scheme does not cover any allowance for books and materials. See the Springboard+ tab above for further information.

If a student contribution fee is applicable this must be paid in full no later than 14th November 2025.

Non-Springboard+ Student Fees

€7,000

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan or complete an Employer Sponsorship form if your fees are being paid by your company.

Course Fees: If your fees are being paid by your company, you will need to complete an Employer Sponsorship form and return it to the Fees Office. NCI has a Direct Debit Plan that allows students to pay 20% of the fees upfront and the remainder in equal instalments.