Key Info
Computer Science Common Entry
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 year 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 Year 1 to a degree in either:
BSc. Computer Systems
BSc. in Cyber Security and IT Forensics
BSc. 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
Cyber Security and IT Forensics 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.
Read about our students' experiences:
What 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 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.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| CS4012 | Representation and Modelling | CS4043 | Games Modelling Design |
| CS4141 | Introduction to Programming | CS4222 | Software Development |
| CS4221 | Foundations of Computer Science 1 | CS4182 | Foundations of Computer Science 2 |
| ET4011 | Fundamentals of Computer Organisation | ET4162 | Computing Systems Organisation |
| MS4111 | Discrete Mathematics | MA4402 | Computer Maths 2 |
Entry Requirements
| CAO points history |
434
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
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. |
| Subject requirements |
In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade O2/H6 in Mathematics. |
| Additional considerations |
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. Application information for mature student applicants (PDF) QQI EntryCertain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme. Visit the UL Undergraduate Admissions QQI site for a full list of modules. |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
Filters |
How to Apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this degree here. |
Fees and Funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €7,358 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €7,358 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €7,358 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €17,104 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €17,200 |
Student course fees are comprised of three components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The curent student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €96. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy the citizenship and/or residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Shannon "Paul Whelan" Scholarship | €2,500 for the remainder of your degree | |
| Intel, Shannon Women in Technology Scholarship | €2,000 grant for the remainder of your degree | |
| The Ei Electronics Women in Engineering Scholarship | €2,500 for 3 years | 1 |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €5,000 | 5 |
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your Future Career
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.
