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How many years is the bachelor degree course in IT or AI abroad in Ireland for a Bachelor's?

07 Sept 2026 · Answered by Saru Sharma · 1 min read
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A Bachelor's in IT, Computer Science, or AI in Ireland takes 3 to 4 years. Ordinary or general degrees run 3 years at NFQ Level 7, while Honours degrees like a BSc in Artificial Intelligence take 4 years at NFQ Level 8, often including an industry work placement year.

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Your Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or AI in Ireland will take either 3 or 4 years, depending on the qualification level you choose. A 3 year Ordinary or General degree gets you an NFQ Level 7 qualification, while a 4 year Honours degree, such as a BSc in Artificial Intelligence, gets you NFQ Level 8. Many 4 year programs also build in an industry work placement.

Ireland IT/AI Degree Options Compared

Degree TypeDurationNFQ Level
Ordinary / General degree3 yearsLevel 7
Honours degree, e.g. BSc AI4 yearsLevel 8

Why The Extra Year Matters

  • Honours degrees are usually required for direct entry into a Master's program later on.
  • Many 4 year programs include a paid or unpaid co-op placement in year 3, giving you real work experience before you graduate.
  • NFQ Level 8 is generally the qualification preferred by employers and universities abroad.

My Advice

If you are even considering a Master's later, choose the 4 year Honours route over the 3 year Ordinary degree, since most universities expect a Level 8 qualification for direct postgraduate entry.

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