Computer Science

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.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

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).

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