Programme Overview

This innovative BSc with specialisations is intended to appeal to anyone who is interested in developing practical knowledge and skills in the application of technology to help solve problems in business, gaming and multimedia or networking and mobile technologies. In 4th year you will study modules based on your chosen specialisation from important and exciting areas of computer science including cloud computing. This degree is practical in nature providing you with knowledge of how to create software applications to solve real world problems.

As a graduate of this course you will:

• Create software applications on the web, in gaming and on mobile devices.
• Understand how to incorporate multimedia into software applications.
• Understand how to engineer a software application from requirements, analysis,design, and implementation to testing the software.
• Develop business and interpersonal skills necessary to enable you to pursue a professional career in the rapidly expanding software industry.
• Understand the cloud computing paradigm and its implications for software, infrastructure and platforms.

Course Structure and Award

This course is a four year honours degree with specialisations in Gaming and Multimedia Design, Networking and Mobile Technologies, Software Systems and Cloud Computing. The course is run over 8 semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester. On completion you will receive a HETAC BSc (Honours) Degree in Computing at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Work Experience

The course is industry focused with a six month work placement in the third year. Students are highly sought after and complete their work experience in companies like Microsoft, O2, AIB, ESB, Vodafone, Meteor, Ericsson and Hertz.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be in a position to gain employment in roles such as software developer, software engineer, in organisations that use computer based systems, including gaming, multimedia, telecommunication, manufacturing, financial and service industries. Reports such as the National Skills Bulletin 2008 have highlighted the shortage of IT graduates and so there are excellent career prospects in this area. Graduates for gaming and multimedia design specialisation could work in companies such as Vivendi, PopCap and Microsoft. Graduates of the mobile and network communications specialisation could work in companies such as O2, Ericsson, Vodafone and Meteor. Graduates of the software systems specialisations could work in companies such as AIB, Hewlett Packard, Symantec and Siemens. There is a growing need of computing professionals in the area of cloud computing which is a focus area for current and future development.

Further Study Options

Upon successful completion of the BSc (Honours) in Computing, graduates can progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications such as MSc in Web Technologies and MBA programmes at National College of Ireland.

Who is the Course for?

The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of FETAC level 5/6 programmes.

Entry Requirements

Minimum entry requirements are a grade C3 or above in two Higher level subjects,together with a D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) in four subjects. A minimum of grade D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) must be obtained in English & Mathematics. Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying through the DARE or HEAR access schemes should consult ourDARE and HEAR webpage.

Course Fees

This course qualifies under the Free Fees Initiative, the Higher Education Grants Scheme and the VEC Scholarship Scheme.

Programme Modules

View our Module Descriptor for more information on the modules in this course