Computer Science

If you want to build software systems that matter, this is the course for you. You’ll develop future-proof skills in systems programming across languages and platforms, cloud-native development, and emerging technologies like blockchain and extended reality. With industry internships and research-active lecturers, you’ll graduate ready to shape the digital world, not just join it.

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 at UCD is your gateway to one of the most dynamic and rewarding fields in the world. You'll gain solid foundations in algorithms, data structures, computational thinking and systems thinking – the skills that underpin modern information and communications technology, from operating systems to AI. Core topics span advanced software engineering, cloud development, networks, cybersecurity, and the theory of computation.

You’ll code in a variety of languages, including C, Java and Python, before progressing to specialised areas such as computer graphics, game development, blockchain and mobile development. Our research-active lecturers bring the very latest industry and academic advances into the classroom, ensuring your knowledge stays ahead of the curve. The sample modules below give you a flavour of the exciting journey ahead

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

First Year

Introduction to Comp Architecture • Computer Programming • Functional Programming • Software Engineering Project I • Foundations of Mathematics for Computer Science • Intro to Data Science and AI • Critical Thinking • Formal Foundations I

Second Year

Digital Systems • Databases and Information Systems • Object-Oriented Programming • Computer Networking • Software Engineering Project II • Introduction to Operating Systems • Data Structures • Algorithms • Linear Algebra • Formal Foundations II

Third Year

Foundations of Computing • Multi-Paradigm Programming • Software Engineering Project III • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence • Information Security • Game Development

Fourth Year

Computer Science Project • Spatial Information Systems • Distributed Systems • Advances in Wireless Networking • Cloud Computing • Mobile App Development • Augmented and Virtual Reality • Blockchain & Decentralisation

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.

Third and Fourth Year students have the opportunity to study at Beijing University of Technology (BJUT).

A UCD Computer Science degree opens doors to exciting careers. Graduates can pursue careers as software engineers, cloud architects, technology specialists and entrepreneurs, driving innovation in fintech, healthtech, gaming and beyond. They are also prepared for an AI-first future, where those who can build, deploy and govern computational systems will help lead every industry. Many graduates work for companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Stripe, while others launch startups or pursue MSc or PhD study at UCD or leading international institutions. Whatever path you choose, Computer Science gives you a competitive edge in the age of IT and AI.

Students have the opportunity to undertake an 8-month industry placement in Third Year during the Spring and Summer Trimesters. The placement is worth 30 credits. 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. 

• 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).

"Choosing UCD for my Computer Science degree was an easy decision. Dublin’s reputation as Europe's tech capital, home to the European headquarters of companies like Google, Meta, and Yahoo, ma de it an incredibly exciting place to study. Computer Science at UCD struck the perfect balance between theory and practice. I particularly loved the software engineering modules, where we collaborated in teams to build real products, and my final year project, where I owned an end-to-end system from research through to deployment. After graduating, I’m excited to be returning to Yahoo as a full-time Software Engineer, a role that grew directly from my internship there in Third Year. UCD didn’t just prepare me for a career in tech, it helped me launch one."

Nikhil