6 reasons to do your data science MSc in Ireland

“The world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data,” claimed international newspaper The Economist in 2017.  

At the time it seemed a pretty bold statement, but in the five years since, it’s begun to make more and more sense. 

Data is everywhere -- we create it. And unlike oil or water, it doesn’t run out. Thus, the ability to analyze and interpret it effectively is one of the world's most sought-after talents right now.  

In the last five years alone (since that Economist article), the demand for data scientists and engineers has risen by 231% in the UK! 

And the pay is pretty great too. Junior data scientists earn between £25,000 and £30,000 per year, which rises to the £40,000 - £60,000 region after just a couple of years. 

Some even earn as much £100,000 every year, which puts them comfortably in the top 5% of earners. Long story short, data science brings big bucks. 

So, now that we’ve explored how having an MSc in the subject could propel you into a great career, let’s take a look at why exactly you should consider studying data science in Ireland. 

Recommended Study in the UK

1. Ireland is a top 10 country for scientific research

Forget the stereotypes of The Emerald Isle’, which paint a picture of a beautiful but humble, low achieving, tea-guzzling little nation. 

In actual fact, there’s something of a specialty for science in Ireland, and it’s quickly becoming a powerhouse. 

Here are some facts to back that up:

• In 2017, Ireland was ranked 10th in the world for the quality of scientific research. 
• In 2019, a total of 28 Ireland-based researchers were named in the top 1% in the world for highly-cited published works. 
• And In 2020, the country was ranked number 1 in the world for research in the field of immunology.

In a nutshell, Ireland does science well.

2. You’ll have a wide choice of universities

University College Dublin; the National University of Ireland Galway; University College Cork; the University of Limerick and Trinity College Dublin all offer Data Science Master’s Degrees. Better yet, all five of these universities found a place in the 2020 World University Rankings.  

But they’re not the only ones, with at least 6 or 7 other established universities offering Data Science Masters’ in Ireland.

3. You can get a post-study work visa

This is huge for international students. After doing a Master’s in Data Science in Ireland, you can apply for a two year work visa. This means that you can graduate and jump straight into a successful career as a data scientist. 

And finding that job might not be as difficult as you’d think...

4. The job market for Data Science in Ireland is booming

We already mentioned the huge 231% growth in demand for data scientists in the UK alone, but right across the Irish Sea, there’s also been a huge groundswell of science & tech industries. 

The country is home to the European bases of some of the world’s biggest corporations: Google, Facebook, Apple, IBM, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline.  

And companies of that magnitude are always in need of data scientists.

Also Read: Upcoming Intakes in Ireland 2024

5. Data science-dependent industries are growing

Outside of the household name corporations, the top 6 growing industries in Ireland are: ICT, Accounting, Innovation, Environment, Business Services, and Healthcare. 

While these aren’t all necessarily data-science specific fields, pretty much all of them have a need for data science professionals in some regard.

Also read: Study in Ireland for Consultants for Indian Students

6. Ireland is simply gorgeous

OK I’ll veer off topic just a little here to finish up. But really, Ireland really is a magical place. It’s a little country with just under 5 million people, a stunning coastline, rolling emerald green meadows, and mystical forests. 

But that doesn’t mean it’s reserved.  The nightlife scene is sociable, loud, and full of laughter, and the capital city of Dublin is a real multicultural melting pot.  Need any more convincing? Check out our article on the top 6 reasons to study abroad in Ireland!

So you’re thinking about studying abroad? You’ve come to the right place! Check out the huge selection of courses and universities on offer. Click here to get started with Edvoy, or follow the button below!