Computer Science (DN201/CSSA)

 The UCD Computer Science degree subject covers the fundamentals of Computer Science, including contemporary languages and technologies used in the industry.

Topics include advanced software engineering, theory of computer science, networks, security and the underlying mathematics behind logic and formal software. Students learn programming languages such as Java; software development tools and   methodologies such as Git; web technologies such as JavaScript; and Big Data programming techniques. Students will also use different operating systems.

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 • Introduction to Java • 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 • Optional Modules • Elective Modules 

Fourth Year
Computer Science Project • Spatial Information Systems • Distributed Systems • Advances in Wireless Networking • Cloud Computing • Mobile App Development • Computer & Network Security • Human Computer Interaction • Contemporary Software Development • Programming for IOT • Information Theory • Multi-Agent Systems • Performance of Computer System 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

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

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