Minister welcomes pioneering AI and Cybersecurity degrees at National College of Ireland
New degrees in cybersecurity & AI and AI & Psychology aim to equip graduates with skills critical to Ireland's digital future and growing demand for AI talent
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today welcomed the development of two pioneering degree programmes at National College of Ireland (NCI) that will help meet growing demand for skills in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The proposed Bachelor of Science (Honours) programmes in Cybersecurity & AI and AI & Psychology are currently being developed by NCI and are expected to welcome their first intake of students in September 2027, subject to programme approval.
The programmes are being designed in response to increasing demand for graduates with expertise in artificial intelligence, digital security and data-driven technologies. As AI continues to reshape workplaces, industries and public services, Ireland's need for highly skilled professionals in these areas is expected to grow significantly.
The new programmes will offer an interdisciplinary approach to learning, combining technical expertise with an understanding of human behaviour, ethics and emerging technologies. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to some of the fastest-growing and most innovative sectors of the economy.
Welcoming the development of the programmes, Minister Lawless said:
"Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work and learn, creating exciting opportunities across every sector of our economy.
These innovative programmes demonstrate how Ireland's higher education sector is responding to the rapid pace of technological change and helping to develop the talent needed for the future.
By combining AI with cybersecurity and psychology, National College of Ireland is creating new pathways for students into careers that are increasingly important for Ireland's competitiveness, innovation capacity and digital resilience."
Professor Gina Quin, President of National College of Ireland, commented:
"National College of Ireland operates at the leading edge of technology and critical thinking. These two programmes place AI in context, delivering knowledge and skills to engage with AI’s implications for cybersecurity and for humanity, anticipating and influencing the impact AI will have on industry, on work and on our personal lives.”
National College of Ireland has a long-standing commitment to widening participation in higher education and serves as an important educational and community resource, particularly in Dublin's North-East Inner City. As a private, not-for-profit higher education institution, NCI provides a range of full-time and part-time programmes from foundation level through to postgraduate study.
Minister Lawless added:
"A key priority for Government is ensuring that every person has the opportunity to access education and develop the skills needed to thrive in a changing world. These proposed programmes will support learners to pursue rewarding careers while helping Ireland build a strong pipeline of talent in areas of strategic national importance.
"I also encourage all higher and further education providers to continually review their programmes and ensure that learners are being equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies they will need to succeed in the industries and workplaces of the future. As technology continues to evolve at pace, our education system must remain agile, responsive and forward-looking.
"I welcome NCI's continued commitment to expanding access to higher education and addressing emerging skills needs."
The development of these programmes highlights the important role higher education institutions play in anticipating future workforce demands, supporting economic growth and preparing graduates to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
The proposed Bachelor of Science (Honours) programmes in Cybersecurity & AI and AI & Psychology are currently being developed by NCI and are expected to welcome their first intake of students in September 2027, subject to programme approval.
The proposed Bachelor of Science (Honours) programmes in Cybersecurity & AI and AI & Psychology are currently being developed by NCI and are expected to welcome their first intake of students in September 2027, subject to programme approval.
