Computer Science Common Entry

About You

Are you the kind of person who:

• Likes problem solving, even if it takes time?
• Appreciates creativity, and gets a buzz from making “things”?
• Enjoys using the computer, but you’re curious about how it works?
• Would like to enrol in a degree program that leads to a wide variety of career paths and opportunities?

Why study Computer Science at UL?

LM121 Computer Science Common Entry is designed to provide you with a gateway to better choice if you’re unsure which area you’d like to study. You can avail of a broad common first semester which will introduce you to various topics in Computing. Having gained a better understanding of each subject area, you then choose your preferred pathway to specialise for the remainder of your degree programme. At UL, you get to try before you decide.

LM121 Computer Science is a gateway from Semester 2 (Year 1) to a degree in either:

B.Sc. Computer Systems

B.Sc. Mobile Communications and Security

B.Sc. Computer Games Development

The Faculty of Science and Engineering currently offers a number of degree programmes oriented around computer science. This programme allows you to take a variety of subjects centred on Computer Science (Common Entry) before deciding to choose a specific programme.

The Computer Systems degree is a blend of typical computer science and software engineering degree programmes; with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and data science

Mobile Communications and Security focuses on the construction of safe and secure networks and systems of the future.

Computer Games Development concentrates on approaches and technologies for the design and implementation of intelligent games.

In all of the programmes, you will learn to develop mobile applications and web/ cloud systems applicable to a broad set of areas such as connected health, smart cities, smart homes, entertainment, communication, and automation. Each degree pathways requires three years of study in addition to the one introductory year for LM121.

Why you will study

Computer Science (Common Entry) offers exposure to a variety of subjects relating to different areas of computing such as general programming, knowledge of computer architecture, games modelling, and an understanding of the mathematical basis that underpins computing. Our 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 provide students with a foundation in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), 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 Mobile Communications and Security, and (c) BSc Computer Games Development.

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. The modules are as follows:

Semester 1

1.  CS4012 Representation and Modelling

2.  CS4141 Introduction to Programming

3.  CS4221 Foundations of Computer Science 1

4.  ET4011 Fundamentals of Computer Organisation

5.  MS4111 Discrete Mathematics

Semester 2

6.  CS4043 Games Modelling Design

7.  CS4222 Software Development

8.  CS4182 Foundations of Computer Science 2

9.  ET4162 Computing Systems Organisation

10. MA4402 Computer Maths 2

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade O2/H6 in Mathematics.

A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

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. There are attractive follow-on postgraduate options, both nationally and internationally, leading to Masters and PhD awards.

Computer Systems
IT Consultant, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Software Project Manager, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, Technical Sales Consultant.

B.Sc. Mobile Communications and Security
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.