Springboard+ Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (AI & ML)
Springboard+ applications for 2026–27 are now closed, and funding for future Springboard+ places will not be announced until spring 2027. You can still join the programme as a self-funded or employer-funded student.
- Credits
- 60 ECTS credits
- Duration
- 12 months part time
- Delivery
- Fully online, cohort-based
- Award
- Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
- Starts
- Springboard+ 2026–27: closed
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Please see www.EUFunds.ie for further details
Course Overview
This programme was offered with Springboard+ funded places for the 2026–27 academic year. Applications for those places are now closed, and funding for future Springboard+ places will not be announced until spring 2027.
The programme itself remains open. You can join the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (AI & ML) as a self-funded student, or your employer can fund your place. Applications are made through the main programme page.
For fees and payment options, see Fees and funding. Full module descriptions are in the programme brochure.
Course modules
The programme in brief. Full module descriptions are in the programme brochure and on the Springboard+ course listing.
Foundations
Introduction to Computer Programming, Applied Statistics, and Mathematics for Computer Science.
Machine learning
Introduction to Machine Learning, High Dimensional Data Analysis, and Advanced Machine Learning.
Deep learning
Introduction to Deep Learning, Deep Learning for Computer Vision, and Deep Learning for Natural Language Processing.
Deployment and project
Productionisation of Machine Learning Systems, and the Applied Computer Science Project (AI & Machine Learning).
Progress to the MSc in Computer Science (AI & ML) by adding DevOps (5 ECTS), Foundations of Cloud Computing (5 ECTS) and the Advanced Applied Computer Science dissertation (30 ECTS).
Ready to start
Apply now, or download the brochure to explore the programme in detail.
Delivery
Fully online, cohort-based, with live teaching and one-to-one support throughout.
Start any month
Monthly starts, no fixed intake. Every student gets an induction at the start covering the platform, the study plan and assessment requirements.
Live classes, recorded
Regular live concept classes with the DSI teaching team, built around practical coding and modelling exercises. Every session is recorded, so you can study around work.
One-to-one tutor support
Individual guidance throughout the programme, with daily live support for questions on material, assessments and progress.
Applied projects
Individual and group work on authentic case studies, leading to the Applied Computer Science Project.
Student community
The DSI Discord channel, where you can raise questions and discuss material with other students and the teaching team.
One platform for everything
Recorded sessions, structured course materials and supplementary resources, available any time.
Internationally accredited
Our accreditation
The Data Science Institute is a full member college of Woolf. Woolf is an accredited, degree-granting Higher Education Institution and is recognised within the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). All diploma and degree programmes adhere to rigorous European Standards and Guidelines, ensuring international academic excellence and credibility.
ECTS
Our curricula are accredited through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), a recognised international standard and the world's largest academic accreditation system. ECTS certification ensures widespread acceptance, facilitating both mobility and career development.
Why it matters
Qualifications are internationally portable, recognised by employers, institutions and government agencies, and open pathways for further academic progression and career development.
Admission
The programme welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds and offers two routes: an academic route for those with a suitable qualification, and a non-academic route for candidates with relevant professional experience.
Academic entry route
For applicants with a suitable academic qualification.
- Honours degree
A 2.1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a numerate or analytical discipline: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Sciences, Economics or Business Studies with a quantitative focus.
- Alternative qualifications
Alternative qualifications demonstrating sufficient quantitative or analytical skills are also considered.
Non-academic entry route
For candidates with relevant professional experience or non-degree qualifications.
- Professional experience
At least four years of relevant professional experience, recognised as prior learning (RPL).
- Provisional admission
Join the study track with provisional status under performance-based admission (PBA).
- Full admission
Achieve a GPA of 90% or higher in the first two modules.
- Documents
CV, educational certificates and employer references; supplementary registration fees apply.
English language. IELTS 6.5 or higher, or equivalent, for non-native speakers.
Admissions
Complete the online application form, receive an invitation to enrol, register with Woolf, and finalise your admission through document verification and fee payment. Step one takes about ten minutes. You'll need your qualifications, a CV, and — if you're applying through the non-academic route — employer references.
Online application
Submit your application online with your qualifications and background.
Invitation to enrol
Suitable applicants are invited to enrol on the programme.
Registration
Register with Woolf, DSI's accrediting Higher Education Institution.
Decision
Your application is reviewed and a decision confirmed.
Fee payment
Complete fee payment to secure your place.
Questions
Can I still apply for a Springboard+ funded place for 2026–27?
No. Applications for 2026–27 Springboard+ places are closed.
When will the next Springboard+ places be announced?
Funding for future Springboard+ places will not be announced until spring 2027.
Can I join the programme without Springboard+ funding?
Yes. Self-funded and employer-funded applications are open. The Apply now buttons on this page take you to the application on the main Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (AI & ML) page.
Can my employer pay for my place?
Yes, employer-funded applications are accepted. Email info@datascienceinstitute.net or call +353 21 204 0519 to arrange it.
How much does the programme cost?
Fees and payment options are set out on the Fees and funding page.
Is this programme recognised in Ireland?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (AI & ML) is awarded through Woolf, a Higher Education Institution licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (licence 2019-015), and carries 60 ECTS credits at EQF Level 7. NARIC Ireland, the Irish ENIC-NARIC centre at QQI, advises that a Maltese postgraduate diploma is comparable to a Post-Graduate Diploma at NFQ Level 9. The programme has been approved for Springboard+ funded places each year since 2022–23, including 2026–27. It is not validated by QQI. Full details are on the Accreditation page.
Who can I contact for more information?
Email info@datascienceinstitute.net or call +353 21 204 0519.