you are here: home » programmes courses » full-time-courses » bsc honours in computing
BSc Honours in Computing
Programme Overview
CAO Code: NC003
With Specialisations in
- Gaming and Multimedia
- Networking and Mobile Technologies
- Software Systems
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 your 4th year you will study modules based on your specialisation chosen from important and exciting areas of computer science. This degree is practical in nature providing you with knowledge of how to create software 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.
Course Structure and Award
This course is a four year honours degree with specialisations in Gaming and Multimedia, Networking and Mobile Technologies, and Software Systems. 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, ESB, AIB, Vodafone, O2, Meteor, Ericsson and Hertz.
Career Prospects
Graduates will be in a position to gain employment in roles such as software developers and software engineers, or as managers in organisations that use computer based systems, including gaming, multimedia, telecommunication, manufacturing, financial and service industries. Several reports have highlighted the shortage of IT graduates and so there are excellent career prospects in this area. Graduates may pursue careers in IT management. Graduates for gaming and multimedia specialisations could work in companies such as PopCap and Microsoft. Graduates of 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.
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 and MBA programmes.
Who is the Programme 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. A minimum of grade D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) or a B2 or above in Foundation level must be obtained in Mathematics. Please check details of points awarded for foundation level subjects.
Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying from Docklands or Area Based Partnership areas should consult further information for applicants.
Programme Fee
All courses qualify under the Free Fees Initiative, Higher Education Grants Scheme and the VEC Scholarship Scheme.
Student Profile
Hailua Netsiyanwa
There is great support and always
somebody ready to give a hand. There are
great job opportunities in the computing,
multimedia and gaming industries. This is
a great qualification to have to get into
these areas. The facilities for computers,
with the labs and software, are really
great.
Fact File
| Location | Duration | NFQ Level | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| IFSC, Dublin 1 | Four years, full-time |
Level 8 | End of semester exams Continuous Assessments |
Programme Modules
| Year 1 | |
|---|---|
| Computer Architecture | Introduction to Computers |
| Introduction to Mathematics for Computing | Introduction to Multimedia |
| Introduction to Programming | Managerial Foundations of Information Systems |
| Object Oriented Programming | Operating Systems |
| Personal and Professional Development | XHTML & Web Design |
| Year 2 | |
|---|---|
| Advanced Databases | Business Entrepreneurship |
| Data Communications and Networking | Data Structures and Algorithms |
| Introduction to Databases | Introduction to Software Engineering |
| Object Oriented Software Engineering | Project |
| Software Project Management | Web Development |
| Year 3 | |
|---|---|
| Advanced Internet Technologies | Advanced Programming |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | Team Project |
| Wireless Networking | Work Experience |
| Year 4 | |
|---|---|
| Applied Artificial Intelligence | Business and Network Security |
| Change Management | Computer Graphics Design and Animation |
| Distributed Systems | Multimedia and Mobile Application Development |
| Networking Programming and Distributed Systems | Software Project |
| Strategic Management | |
Start Date
Tuesday 7th September 2010
Programme Location
IFSC Campus
