The MSc in Electronic and Computer Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD) is a full-time, two-year programme that develops advanced skills in electronic design, computer systems, and communications. You also complete an integrated industry placement (typically 6–8 months) to build practical experience and improve graduate employability.
Programme type: Full-time MSc (on campus)
Duration: 2 years
Credits: (ECTS) typically 90–120 ECTS for a 2-year MSc (confirm on the official programme page)
Industry placement: Integrated work placement typically 6–8 months
Professional accreditation: Engineers Ireland accreditation and recognition aligned with international engineering standards (Washington Accord)
Tuition fees (as listed in the record):
- International: EUR 29,100 per year
- EU/EEA: EUR 9,530 per year
Language of instruction: English
English language requirement (minimum): IELTS 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent
Application deadlines and intake dates: Check UCD’s current admissions calendar for the latest dates
Programme Structure
The MSc is delivered over two years and combines taught modules with an integrated industry placement. Course offerings may vary by academic year.
Year 1 (Taught modules)
- Networks
- Internet Systems
- Wireless Networking
- Data Science in Python
- Solid State Devices
- Electromagnetic Waves
Year 2 (Advanced study + placement)
In the second year, students complete advanced modules and the integrated professional work placement (typically 6–8 months). The placement is designed to complement your technical learning and support career readiness.
Capstone / assessment
Students complete programme assessments across modules and placement-related requirements. Specific capstone or project formats can vary by year—confirm the latest assessment structure on the official UCD programme page.
Typical technical themes (examples)
- Software engineering and system design
- Digital communications and advanced signal processing
- Radio-frequency electronics and wireless systems
- Control, optimisation, and engineering analytics
- Machine learning applications for engineering
- Entrepreneurship and innovation in engineering
Academic requirements
GPA
Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that indicates how well or how high you scored in your courses on average. Usually a GPA scales between 1.0 and 4.0, however different countries and universities can have different grading systems.
English requirements
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TOEFL® IBT
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PTE Academic
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.
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OTE
The Oxford Test of English is a suite of 100% online, adaptive tests that assess your English language proficiency in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Endorsed by the University of Oxford and developed by Oxford University Press, the tests are available to book at Approved Test Centres worldwide throughout the year. You are given a score and CEFR level for each of the four modules, and for the overall test. Trust in the only suite of English proficiency tests certified by the University of Oxford. Scores range between 0-170.
IELTS
The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
Other requirements
General requirements
- An undergraduate honours degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum upper second class honours (or international equivalent) in an Electrical, Electronic or Computer Engineering programme.
- If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0) or an equivalent accepted test.
- If you meet the academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, you may be considered for entry following successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes.
- These are minimum entry requirements; additional criteria may apply depending on the applicant profile and programme intake.
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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Post-study work permission (Ireland)
After completing your MSc at University College Dublin, you may be eligible to apply for permission to work in Ireland, subject to meeting the relevant immigration and employment criteria.
- Typical duration: Post-study work permission is generally granted for a limited period (commonly up to 12 months) to allow graduates to seek employment.
- Eligibility: You must have successfully completed your programme and hold the appropriate immigration permission at the time of application. You may also need to demonstrate that you meet the programme completion requirements and that your course is eligible for the post-study route.
- Employment conditions: Some post-study permissions allow you to work without an immediate job offer, while other routes may require you to secure employment within a set timeframe. Conditions can change, so check the latest Irish immigration guidance.
- Important: Rules depend on your nationality, the type/level of your qualification, and the current Irish immigration policy. Always verify the most up-to-date requirements with the Irish immigration authorities or your university’s international student office.
For the most accurate guidance for your situation, consult UCD International Student Support and the official Irish immigration website before you apply.