This course is available through the following application route(s)
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 2025 Brochure (PDF).
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.
Computer Science is one of the degree subjects available through the common entry Computer Science DN201 course.
The UCD Computer Science degree 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.
First Year
Algorithmic Problem Solving • Introduction to Comp Architecture • Formal Foundations • Computer Programming • Functional Programming • Software Engineering Project • Foundations of Mathematics for Computer Science • Statistics with Python
Second Year
Digital Systems • Databases and Information Systems • Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science • Object-Oriented Programming • Computer Networking • Software Engineering Project • Introduction to Operating Systems • Data Structures • Algorithms • Linear Algebra
Third Year
Foundations of Computing • Introduction to AI • Information Security • Multi-paradigm Programming • Programming for Big Data • Web Development • Graph Algorithms • Five Month Internship or Software Engineering Project • Elective/Option module
Fourth Year
Computer Science Project • Parallel Computing • Information Security • Distributed Systems • Cloud Computing • Deep Learning • Machine Learning • Human-Centred AI • Generative AI: Language Models • Game Development • Data Mining • Multi-Agent Systems • Spatial Information Systems • Optimisation • Performance of Computer Systems • Information Visualisation • Advanced Wireless Networking • Contemporary Software Development
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 the fundamental skills to work in a variety of roles including software developer, software architect, engineering manager, database designer, web developer, network engineer, systems administrator or IT consultant. UCD Computer Science graduates work in a wide range of domains including internet, telecommunications, healthcare, finance, online retail, gaming and social networking. Some graduates start their own companies, even immediately after graduating. With a BSc in Computer Science, you are also eligible to pursue graduate study in computer science and in related areas, such as business, mathematics and engineering. Graduates also pursue research in computer science through PhD programmes in UCD or other institutions.
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:
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
COMP10040 | Introduction to Computer Architecture | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
COMP10070 | Formal Foundation 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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 Creavin, 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. The highlight of my time here was hosting the SISTEM tech conference at UCD. In third year, I had the chance to undertake a six- onth 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 Creavin, Graduate
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Computer Science:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | CSSA Computer Science Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates Closed |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN201 Computer Science Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Application through CAO |