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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