Studying Online

Starting from the academic year 2025/26 the MSc Data Science replaces the previous programme MSc Data Analytics.

The Online MSc in Data Science covers 14 modules over 6 trimesters or 2 years. The Professional diploma covers the first 4 of these modules.

This first year of the new MSc Data Science is designed to introduce you to statistical and mathematical concepts in Data Science and Statistical Machine Learning, and to get you started on programming with data. The second (final) year is split between understanding the theory behind machine learning and AI models for data incl. advanced multivariate statistical techniques and a large project component in which students develop functioning web based applications for solving problems in data science. 

Modules include (full list of modules will be available in due course):

STAT40830 Adv Data Prog with R (online)

STAT40800 Data Prog with Python (online)

STAT40740 Multivariate Analysis (Online)

STAT40790 Predictive Analytics I (online)

STAT40970 Machine Learning and AI

Our Date Science programmes give you a lot of flexibility.

The Online Professional Diploma (ProfDip) covers the first four modules of the Online MSc which contains 14 modules over two years. Students can register for the ProfDip if they just want a taster of Data Science and then transfer on to the MSc afterwards (if they achieve 3.08 or higher GPA in the Professional Diploma modules).

To complete the course, you must have access to a relatively modern computer which matches the minimum specifications required to run the UCD software. The Online MSc and Professional Diploma in Data Science are delivered through the UCD Brightspace system and consist of:

Videos and demonstrations by the lecturers
Interactive learning reinforcement quizzes
Screen recordings to demonstrate computer programmes
Online assessed multiple choice quizzes
Interactive discussion boards
Virtual classroom environments

You will be expected to spend around 10 hours per week per module watching videos and performing your own study. We require students to complete homework or quizzes every few weeks so that we can monitor their progress. In addition to making the study materials available, lecturers will spend around 2 hours per week answering student queries through the course discussion boards, or through a virtual classroom environment. Tutors will also provide regular additional support through the online portal. In addition to taught courses, students will complete a number of project modules where students will learn and demonstrate practical data science skills (e.g. structuring data bases, data visualisation) under the supervision of the School academic staff.

You are not required to attend any lectures at the UCD campus as part of the course. The majority of examinations on the ProfDip/MSc Data Science programmes are scheduled online, however, students are expected to take in-person exams at the end of the Spring trimester of Year 1. Students must be available to sit their exams online on one day at the end of each trimester but if you have to repeat or resit examinations you will typically need two days for your exams. UCD exam periods can be found HERE.

Failure to attend the exam on the specified day will result in you failing the module. 

The Brightspace Virtual Learning Enviroment (VLE) is used to provide elearning services to staff and students. It allows lecturers to share course materials, post announcements for students, run quizzes and surveys, virtual classrooms and discussion forums.  

Under the new programme structure, there are nine (9) taught core modules and three (3) core project modules. In addition, students take two (2) out of four optional taught modules - one option module in Year 1 and one option module in Year 2.

Our experience from previous students is that those who are studying online work best when taking no more than 2 taught modules per trimester. Taking one module per trimester adds a substantial delay to the completion of the MSc so is not permitted.

The Online MSc in Data Science covers 14 modules over 6 trimesters or 2 years.

The programme runs in line with the UCD academic calendar.

We are unable to delay a module until the following trimester but we structure our online modules flexibly so that students can complete the module at their own pace. This means that, for example, a student could complete a substantial proportion of the module in the early weeks leaving them free for a few weeks to take holidays or other breaks as required. We don’t see it as necessary that every student must complete their study on a per-week basis as we would with traditional offline modules. Please note that failure to attend examinations at the specified time will result in failing a module.

If you need to take a longer break from you studies you can apply for a leave of absence.

Once fees are paid in full or part paid by instalment and a correct photo is uploaded to the SISWeb account, a member of staff will post the Student UCard directly to the address listed on the student record. 

It is not possible to take exams online on the ProfCert Mathematics for Data Analytics and Statistics programme.  Students are required to attend UCD in person to sit the ProfCert exams in August.  Failure to attend exams on the specified day will result in failing the modules. Students will be informed of the specified exam day by the Module Coordinator.

Most of the examinations on the ProfDip/MSc Data Science programmes are scheduled online, however, students are expected to take in-person exams at the end of the Spring trimester of Year 1. Students must be available to sit their exams online on one day at the end of each trimester but if you have to repeat or resit examinations you will typically need two days for your exams. UCD exam periods can be found HERE (please note that summer trimester exams normally take place in late July/early August). Failure to sit exams on the specified day will result in failing the modules. 

We keep close eye on students throughout the semester to ensure that those taking the module do not fall behind without being offered extra help. However, if you do fail a module you can re-sit it in the next trimester. If you find that you are running into difficulties please make sure you tell the module co-ordinator immediately so that we can arrange for extra help.

No. A MOOC is a recent phenomenon whereby institutions enter into very large scale free teaching of popular subjects. By contrast our online programmes are personally mentored by academic staff and teaching assistants and we give personalised feedback to each student both through the return of written work, and through discussion boards which we regularly monitor. Furthermore, the exams set at the end of each trimester lead to a full UCD qualification at the same standard as any other UCD qualification