Skillnet Ireland and DCU: Two Exciting New Masters

Minster for State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D.,  today joined with Chief Executive of Skillnet Paul Healy, DCU President Professor Brian MacCraith and Professor Lisa Looney to launch two new Masters in Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things.

Speaking at the function in DCU’s Stokes Building, Minister Mitchell O’Connor elaborated upon both the uniqueness of the new Masters programmes, which will be delivered primarily online over a two year course, and the importance of the new offerings in aiding tech workers the opportunity to up-skill while remaining in employment.  The Minister cited the Masters programmes in IoT and AI as being central to ensuring the cutting edge skills of Ireland’s tech workforce and future national innovation, stating;

“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 front-runner to become the world’s first Internet of Things city.”

Both Master’s will be delivered part time, over two years and are primarily taught online. Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, Paul Healy, emphasized the symbiosis between industry partners and DCU evidenced by the creation of the new Masters programmes, this collaboration being a central plank both of the objectives of Skillnet and DCU’s strategic plan. Reiterating the importance of the AI and IoT Masters to Ireland’s future competitiveness, Mr Healy stated;

“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.  There is a growing need for greater numbers of highly qualified and competent engineers to work in these organisations. These new Master’s 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”.

Mr Healy’s sentiments were echoed by DCU President Professor Brian MacCraith and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing Professor Lisa Looney, whose speeches centred around the socio-economic importance of up-skilling and flexible learning respectively.

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 Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at DCU click here:

For more information on the Master’s degree in Internet of Things at DCU click here

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.