Download BSc Computer Science Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere

BSc Computer Science
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I find out about Computer Science at
UCC?
Information on Computer Science, what you will
study, entry requirements, work placement etc.
can be found on:
www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/what/sefs/compsci/
Do I need to have prior knowledge of Computer
Science?
No prior knowledge of Computer Science is
required.
Is it a disadvantage not to have done
programming?
Most of our students have no formal experience of
programming; those students who have may have
a slight early advantage but for interested students
the field levels out pretty quickly.
What are the points for Computer Science?
2014
2013
430
430
Is it a disadvantage if I don’t have honours
maths?
Those who struggle with basic maths may not have
the reasoning, analytical and problem solving skills
that Computer Science relies upon; interested and
motivated students with pass maths can and often
do well in Computer Science.
Is Computer Science just Programming?
No, Computer Science includes programming
but also covers many other topics such as
computer applications, networking,
multimedia, computer hardware, information
storage and processing, and artificial
intelligence to name a few.
What programming languages are taught?
The main languages are Python, Java, C
programming, JavaScript and Haskell.
Will they be the same next year?
Do I need specialised software and my own
laptop?
There is no way to be certain until the points are
published by the CAO. The points are calculated
based on the demand for places and the number
of places available at UCC. Increased demand in
recent years has pushed the points up.
The laboratory facilities in the Department have
the equipment and software needed for
assignments and projects. Much of the software
used is open source and free to install on your own
PC/laptop.
How many places are there?
How much does it cost?
We can accommodate up to 85 students in
1st year.
The fees for registration for all courses is set by the
government; information can be found on
http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/cost
Do I need honours maths?
There is no formal requirement for honours maths
but you must have at least passed ordinary level
maths.
What is the demand for ICT graduates like?
The demand for ICT talent is strong and the career
prospects are excellent for good ICT graduates.
Department of Computer Science, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork
T: 021 4205892; E:[email protected]: W: www.cs.ucc.ie; Facebook: www.facebook.com/UCCCS
I hear there is a skills shortage in ICT; what areas
are in short supply?
Ireland is likely to face an average increase in
demand for high-level ICT skills of around 5% per
year up to 2018; with employment of ICT
professionals anticipated to rise to just over
91,000 (Forfás, ICT Skills Action Plan 2014-2018).
Where are our graduates?
The job market for ICT graduates is quite buoyant
and varied. A survey conducted by UCC Careers
Services indicated our graduates are employed by
companies such as IBM, Cisco, Credit Suisse,
Apple, Microsoft, Pilz, VMware, Xerox, as
IT analysts, project managers, software
engineers and developers, technical
consultants, to mention just a few.
Employment of UCC Computer Science graduates
is strong; on average 90-95% of graduates are
employed or in further studies the year following
graduation (2010-2014).
Where are the jobs?
There is a strong demand for Computer Science
graduates nationally and internationally from both
SMEs and multinationals. A degree in Computer
Science is recognised all over the globe. Many of
our graduates work in the UK, Europe, the US as
well as in Ireland.
Is the degree a full-time course?
YES, the degree programme involves about twelve
one-hour lectures per week and about twelve
hours of laboratory work. You will also need to
allocate a significant amount of time for study - in
total about 40 hours per week.
Can I specialise?
1.
2.
YES, all students take a common 1st year and
can choose to specialise after 2nd year
graduating with:
 BSc Computer Science
 BSc Computer Science (Web Systems
Engineering)
 BSc Computer Science (Software
Entrepreneurship)
 BSc Computer Science with Chinese
graphics, and artificial intelligence to name a
few.
MATURE STUDENTS
I am a mature student; can I study Computer
Science at UCC?
Yes, to be considered as a mature student, you
must have reached 23 years of age on or before
1st January of the year of proposed entry.
Applications are made through the Central
Applications Office (CAO) www.cao.ie.
How will my application be assessed?
When you are applying as a Mature Student you
will be required to complete a personal statement.
The importance of the personal statement cannot
be underestimated as in some cases it is the sole
basis for selecting successful applicants for certain
degree programmes. It should include: relevant life
experience, educational goals and objectives,
relevant work experience, voluntary work
experience; previous academic history and hobbies
& interests.
How many places are available for mature
students?
Currently, Computer Sciences offers 12 places to
mature students.
USEFUL LINKS
Computer Science website: www.cs.ucc.ie
Application: www.cao.ie
Useful information about studying at UCC
http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/faqs
Scholarships
http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/firstyearsc
holarships
Student accommodation
http://www.uccaccommodation.ie/currentstudents/accommodation-options/
In years 2, 3 and 4 different modules are
offered allowing students focus their studies
on areas that interest them. Many opt for
elective modules such as computer security,
Department of Computer Science, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork
T: 021 4205892; E:[email protected]: W: www.cs.ucc.ie; Facebook: www.facebook.com/UCCCS