Computer Science Common Entry University of Limerick

Overview

The Computer Science Common Entry course from the University of Limerick well-equipped and modern laboratories will enable you to acquire practical experience and skills with confidence. You will follow a common first-year programme of study and then select one of the three BSc programmes during the second semester. During the first year you will become well-versed in a range of computing subjects, and therefore, can make better choices that suit your particular needs and interests.

The modules in first year provide students with a foundation in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Java and python, and introduce functional and assembly languages. The modules are selected to give insights into the three Denominated Programmes (options), these being (a) BSc Computer Systems, (b) BSc in Cyber Security and IT Forensics, and (c) BSc Computer Games Development.

BSc in Cyber Security and IT Forensics focuses on the construction of safe and secure networks and systems of the future. The basics of computation are discussed in the computer science modules. The structure and operation of a computer and networks are presented in the computer organisation modules.  The Games Design module introduces design and programming of games. A basic competency in discrete and computer maths is necessary for all of the above, and for the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science streams in years 3 and 4 of two of the Denominated Programmes. Abstraction and problem solving are fundamental in computer science and these are covered in the module Representation and Modelling. 

Career opportunities:

The career opportunities will depend primarily on the BSc programme chosen by you. One specific career path open to a graduate from all three programmes is that of Software Developer / Software Engineer. These roles now sometimes specify additional specialities such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, and cloud computing; all of which are covered in depth across the three Denominated Programmes (options). In addition, there are attractive follow-on postgraduate options, both nationally and internationally, leading to Masters and PhD awards.

• Computer Systems

IT Consultant, Web Developer, Dev Ops, System Administrator, Software testing, Software Project Manager, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, Technical Sales Consultant.

• BSc. in Cyber Security and IT Forensics

IT/Networking Project Manager, Network Designer/Administrator, IT Administrator/Manager, Network Security Analyst/Consultant, Computer Crime Consultant.

• B.Sc. Computer Games Development

Games Programmer, Graphics Programming, High-Performance Computing. These roles lead to senior positions in the longer run such as technical lead, enterprise architect, solutions architect, software architect, security architect, information architect, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and software product manager.