Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Computer Science Course

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
I am an
Internships Opportunity
Study Abroad

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
4 Years
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
8 (240 credits)
Level:
Undergraduate
Award:
Bachelor of Science
Next Intake:
September
General Entry Requirements (A-Level)

AAC / ABBD / ABB

+ D AS Level

 

General Entry Requirements (IB)

33

Subject Requirements (Mathematics)

GCSE A / A Level D (or AS Level C)

IB SL 6 / HL 4

*Computer Science with Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

GCSE C / AS Level D / A Level E
IB SL 6 / HL 4

* A Level C or IB HL 5 in Mathematics is recommended for Computer Science programmes.

CAO Points 2025

540

Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements

O2/H6 in Mathematics, O6/H7 in English, Irish and three other recognised subjects.

Special Entry Recommendations: We strongly recommend that all students in Computer Science should have a minimum Grade H4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

Computer Science is a common entry course and offers the following two degree subjects:

Students decide on their degree subject at the end of Second Year.  If you are a logical thinker who likes problem solving and you enjoy subjects like mathematics, a degree in Computer Science could be for you.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2026 Brochure (PDF). 

CAO Applicants: Please email AskScience@ucd.ie if you have any queries.

About This Course

Do you ever wonder how Google, social media platforms, Stripe or computer games work? Would you like to develop the next generation of cutting-edge computing technologies? If you are a logical thinker who likes problem solving and you enjoy subjects like mathematics, a degree in Computer Science could well be for you.

Special Entry Recommendations

We strongly recommend that all students in Computer Science should have a minimum Grade H4 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.

The UCD Computer Science course covers the fundamentals of Computer Science while also exposing students to the contemporary languages and technologies used in the industry. Key topics include programming, foundational mathematics, advanced software engineering, cloud development, theory of computer science, networks and security. The principal programming languages used are C, Java and Python. Specialised topics include computer graphics, game development, robotics, mobile development and others.

*Modules are subject to change each year and are not guaranteed by UCD.  

First Year

Core Modules:

Sample Option Modules (2025/2026 Academic Year):

Second Year

Core Modules:

Sample Option Modules (2025/2026 Academic Year):

Third Year & Fourth Year

Students decide on their degree subject at the end of Second Year. Computer Science is a common entry course and offers the following two degree subjects.
Computer Science  
Computer Science with Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

 

Timetables & Assessment

Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

It is possible to study abroad for a trimester, usually in the third year of the course. Universities that students have visited to date include the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the University of California, Irvine, USA, and Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

A UCD Computer Science degree equips you with fundamental skills for roles such as software developer, software architect, engineering manager, database designer, web developer, network engineer, systems administrator, or IT consultant. Graduates work in diverse domains including internet, telecommunications, healthcare, finance, online retail, gaming, and social networking. Some even start their own companies after graduating. With a BSc in Computer Science, you can pursue graduate study in computer science or related areas like business, mathematics, and engineering, or continue into PhD research at UCD or elsewhere.

Students have an opportunity to undertake an industry placement for 5.5 months in Third Year from March to August. Assessment is based on a learning journal and a presentation from the student.

Students who do not undertake the longer internship option also have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year.

Students in recent years have completed internships in Ericsson, SIG, KPMG, Workday, Yahoo, Microsoft, General Motors, Intel, Deloitte and AMD.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.



More information about the internship module and application process.


UCD Science Office

You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:


  • Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.
  • Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10040 Introduction to Computer Architecture Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10070 Formal Foundations 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10110 Computer Programming I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10300 Functional Programming Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10330 Critical Thinking in Software Development Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10050 Software Engineering Project 1 Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10120 Computer Programming II Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 COMP10320 Intro to Data Science and AI Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10210 Foundations of Mathematics for Computer Science I Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10220 Foundations of Mathematics for Computer Science II Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Students who do not achieve a minimum grade of O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. All other students must take MATH10200.
MATH00010 Introduction to Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Students who do not achieve a minimum grade of O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. All other students must take MATH10200.
MATH10200 Matrix Algebra Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students may take COMP10310 instead of an Elective module in the Spring Trimester.
 COMP10310 Web Design Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20020 Digital Systems Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20070 Databases and Information Systems I Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20320 Computer Networking Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20350 Object-Oriented Programming Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20360 Formal Foundations 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20050 Software Engineering Project 2 Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20180 Intro to Operating Systems Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20280 Data Structures Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 COMP20290 Algorithms Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MST20050 Linear Algebra II Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not taken in Stage 1 students must take MATH10200 in Stage 2
MATH10200 Matrix Algebra Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 elective credits or select additional Option Modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
 PHIL10040 Introduction to Ethics Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 elective credits or select additional Option Modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
 COMP20200 UNIX Programming Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 elective credits or select additional Option Modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
 COMP20330 Functional Programming II Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 COMP30030 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 COMP30940 Information Security Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 COMP31020 Formal Foundations 3 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 COMP30770 Programming for Big Data Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 COMP30860 Web Development Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 COMP30870 Graph Algorithms Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not taken in stage 3, students must take COMP30950 Multi-paradigm Programming in stage 4.
 COMP30950 Multi-paradigm Programming Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B)1 of:
All students should select COMP30880 at the start of the academic year. Students who wish to apply for the Industry Internship module and are successfully placed on an internship will be manually registered by the School Office to COMP30790 and subsequently dropped from COMP30880. Further information is available at: http://www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students.
 COMP30790 Industry internship 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  15
Stage 3 Options - B)1 of:
All students should select COMP30880 at the start of the academic year. Students who wish to apply for the Industry Internship module and are successfully placed on an internship will be manually registered by the School Office to COMP30790 and subsequently dropped from COMP30880. Further information is available at: http://www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students.
 COMP30880 Software Engineering Project 3 Spring  15
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students may register to additional option modules from the list below in order to fulfil their stage requirements. Students may also register to 10 credits from elective modules.
 COMP30060 Program Construction I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students may register to additional option modules from the list below in order to fulfil their stage requirements. Students may also register to 10 credits from elective modules.
 COMP30230 Connectionist Computing Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students may register to additional option modules from the list below in order to fulfil their stage requirements. Students may also register to 10 credits from elective modules.
 COMP30960 Human Computer Interaction Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students may register to additional option modules from the list below in order to fulfil their stage requirements. Students may also register to 10 credits from elective modules.
 COMP30970 Competitive Programming Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 COMP30170 Computer Science Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  15
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not taken in Stage 3, students must take COMP30950 Multi-paradigm Programming in Stage 4.
 COMP30950 Multi-paradigm Programming Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP30250 Parallel Computing Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP30520 Cloud Computing (UG) Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP30690 Information Theory Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP30220 Distributed Systems Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP30930 Optimisation Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP40010 Performance of Computer Systems Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP41960 Advanced Information Security Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 4 of:
Students take at least 4 modules from this list.
 COMP47480 Contemporary Software Development Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP30190 Program Construction II Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP30230 Connectionist Computing Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP40370 Data Mining Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP40610 Information Visualisation Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP41400 Multi-Agent Systems Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP41740 Human-Centred AI Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP47490 Machine Learning (UG) Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP47930 Augmented and Virtual Reality Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 SCI30080 Professional Placement-Science Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP30110 Spatial Information Systems Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP30540 Game Development Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP40660 Advances in Wireless Networking Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP47650 Deep Learning Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP47700 Speech and Audio Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students take sufficient modules from this list to fulfill their stage requirements. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office. Students who wish to choose COMP47650 "Deep Learning" should contact the School of Computer Science office.
 COMP47980 Generative AI: Language Models Spring  5

Hear some of our students talk about their studies at UCD in this video

"This course offers a fascinating range of modules on every aspect of Computer Science. The opportunities to get involved with clubs and societies were fantastic. Through Netsoc, I made many new friends and contacts by attending and organising events. In third year, I had the chance to undertake a six-month software engineering internship at Amazon. It was a wonderful experience to apply my studies in a practical setting and receive invaluable mentorship from my teammates. This even led to me being hired as a full-time software engineer by Amazon, where I work on new and exciting problems every day." 

Thomas, Graduate

This course offers a fascinating range of modules on every aspect of Computer Science. The opportunities to get involved with clubs and societies were fantastic. Through Netsoc, I made many new friends and contacts by attending and organising events. In third year, I had the chance to undertake a six-month software engineering internship at Amazon. It was a wonderful experience to apply my studies in a practical setting and receive invaluable mentorship from my teammates. This even led to me being hired as a full-time software engineer by Amazon, where I work on new and exciting problems every day.

Thomas, Graduate

Print this page

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Computer Science Course:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
CSSA
Computer Science Course
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU
DN201
Computer Science Course
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Application through CAO
Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Computer Science Course:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
CSSA
Computer Science Course
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Apply
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
CSSA
Computer Science Course
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
IFY Pathway
IFY Pathway
Opens 23 Feb 2026
Application to this pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently on the UCD ISC International Foundation Year programme, your application will be marked as invalid.
Contact UsContact UsEventsInformation for your CountryUndergraduate AdmissionDownload BrochureDownload BrochureView UCD ProspectusChat to Students
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.