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DC121

Computer Science

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC121
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
498
Duration
Four Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 7364

Our world runs on computing. It’s used in every single sector and industry. From climate modelling and the study of disease to high tech companies and the latest online games, innovation and progress needs software engineers to solve problems and build products.

Overview

Overview Icon

If you want to know how computers work and learn how to develop cutting-edge computer, internet and mobile technology, choose Computer Science. Along with programming, you’ll study advanced data tools and algorithms, databases, networks and cryptography, along with other much needed skills such as critical thinking and communications skills.

Use the latest real world tools
At DCU, our Computer Science course has a strong emphasis on software engineering, which is writing, modifying and maintaining software systems. You’ll get to study DevOps and full stack development in second year and use Git for all your project work – these hands-on, practical approaches based on the latest industrial practices.

In third year, you’ll go on a six-month work placement at a tech company and you have the option to study abroad too. There is huge demand for graduate software engineers and systems analysts, so you’ll find a world of opportunity awaits once you finish this course!

DCU People

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Luke Derwin
Alumni

Luke Derwin’s interest in coding started as a child and is linked to DCU.


Read more about Luke Derwin
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Joanna Talvo
Alumni

I’ve always been interested in the wonders of science and technology.


Read more about Joanna Talvo
Profile picture of Benjamin Olojo
Benjamin Olojo
Student

When I was choosing between universities, computer science at DCU stood out to me due to its focus on practical learning and six-month INTRA work placement.


Read more about Benjamin Olojo
Profile picture of Dr Hossein Javidnia
Dr Hossein Javidnia
Staff

What I enjoy the most about lecturing in this field is interacting with interested and intelligent students.


Read more about Dr Hossein Javidnia

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

Some Computer Applications (Computer Science) graduates choose to start their own businesses, others begin careers as:

  • Computing and Electronic Companies
  • Finance Companies
  • Self Employment
App Developer
Cloud Computing Developer
Programmer
Research and Development
Software Engineer
Systems Analyst
Teaching
Technology Consultant
Web Developer
Software Engineers
Programmers
Systems Analysts
Web Developers
Cloud Computing Developers
App Developers
Technical Consultants
Computer Studies Teachers (degree recognised by the Teaching Council)

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Icon

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O4 or H6 in Mathematics

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C Mathematics

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Holders of Higher Certificate/National Certificates in Computing with Credit or Distinction or Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma in Computing with Credit may be admitted into second year.  Holders of Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma in Computing with Distinction may, in exceptional circumstances, be admitted into third year.  Each case will be considered on its individual merits. 

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. Click here for further information on international applications.

Course Structure

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  • Computer Systems
  • Problem-solving & Critical Thinking
  • Web Design
  • Computing Programming
  • Mathematics
  • Digital Innovation
  • Networks & Internet
  • Operating Systems
  • Systems Analysis
  • Introduction to Databases
  • Probability & Statistics
  • Computer Programming
  • Operating Systems
  • Logic
  • Software Testing
  • Full Stack Development
  • Linear Algebra
  • Computer Networks
  • Object Oriented Analysis and Design
  • Advanced Algorithms
  • Artifical Intelligence
  • Computability and Complexity
  • Comparative Programming Languages
  • User Interface Design and Implementation
  • Communication Skills
  • IT Architecture
  • Year 3 Project
  • INTRA (6 month paid work placement)
  • Uaneen Non-Contributing Module
  • Compiler Construction
  • Search Technologies
  • Data Mining
  • Cryptography
  • Software Engineering
  • Optional Subjects:
  • Concurrent Programming
  • Computer Graphics
  • Statistical Machine Translation

For more information on the course structure click here

Fees and Funding

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Fees

Student Contribution
€3,043 per annum
EU Status Fee
€6,679 per annum
Non EU Fee
€16,000 per annum

How To Apply

How To Apply Icon

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide 

  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

 

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 6th November to 1st July.

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

FAQ Icon

What is the difference between Computer Science and Computing for Business?

Computer Science focuses directly on programming and software engineering. By studying this course you will qualify as a strong programmer and software engineer. This course will give you in-depth knowledge of software engineering and the practical skills to apply this knowledge to develop the technology behind computer games, mobile phones, the Internet, web applications etc. With this degree you can travel the World and work in any country as programming languages are the same Worldwide.

Computing for Business focuses more on the management of technology. For example, perhaps you see yourself in a career in IT Management, Technology Management, or Project Management for a Tech/IT company. This course focuses on the business and management aspects of the computing industry. While this course does have programming modules, it is not the same level of programming as Computer Science.

 

Is Computers Science (DC121) very design focused?
Computer Science is more programming and software engineering focused rather than design focused. You do not require any past experience in CAD or programming, as all first year modules are taught at an introductory level. If you are someone who wants to have a career in game development, programming is a crucial requirement to have and Computer Science focuses heavily on programming.

 

Do I need to know how to programme before entering this course?

Students do not require any past programming experience, as all first-year modules are taught at an introductory level. During our courses, you’ll learn coding and programming, and get to grips with databases, operating systems and networks. HTML, CSS, CSS3, Python and Javascript are examples of programming languages taught throughout the course. 

 

I am interested in studying in Computer Science and was wondering if the course has a work placement module?

All of the courses in the School of Computing (Computer Science, Computing for Business and Data Science) have a paid work placement. Our students go on work placements for a minimum of 6 months in third year. 

The School of Computing students liaise with the DCU INTRA office to organise a suitable placement that is relevant to their programme of study. In the past, many students have been hired by their work placement companies post-graduation. It is a wonderful learning experience and gives students the opportunity to put their learning into practice.