Program Overview

Bachelor of Science (Education) in Mathematics and Computer Science

Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Education) in Mathematics and Computer Science is a four-year undergraduate degree program designed to produce graduates with the mathematical knowledge and skills to satisfy the needs of Irish second-level schools in teaching the mathematics curriculum. Graduates will also be qualified to teach the new Leaving Certificate Computer Science curriculum, as well as short courses in coding and digital literacy for junior cycle.

About the Course

This program is offered by the University of Limerick's School of Education, which is one of the largest suppliers of teachers in Ireland. The school is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for education programs and is also ranked within the top 75 universities in Europe for excellence in teaching and learning.

What You Will Study

The course is four years in duration and offers streams in the following subject areas:

• Education
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Computer Science

In relation to mathematics, students will study topics including:

• Differential and Integral Calculus
• Statistics and Probability
• Algebra and Geometry

For Computer Science, students will study topics in:

• Programming
• Software Development
• Web Development
• Computer Graphics
• Data Structures and Algorithms

Education modules on the program will help develop students' understanding of:

• How young people learn
• Contemporary issues in education
• Classroom practices
• Planning for learning
• Inclusive education
• Curriculum and policy issues

The course also includes two blocks of school placement where students will spend time in schools teaching both mathematics and computer science to all year groups.

Year 1 Modules

• Semester 1:
  • Contemporary Understandings and Thinking on Education
  • Introduction to Module Driven
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Algebra & Discrete Mathematics 1
  • Calculus 1
• Semester 2:
  • Professional digital competence for teaching
  • Understanding Young People and How they Learn
  • Software Development
  • Algebra & Discrete Mathematics 2
  • Calculus 2

Year 2 Modules

• Semester 1:
  • Planning for Learning
  • Subject Pedagogy 1 (Computer Science)
  • Object Oriented Development
  • Database Systems
  • Linear Algebra
• Semester 2:
  • Understanding Classroom Practices
  • School Placement 1
  • Subject Pedagogy 1 (Mathematics)

Year 3 Modules

• Semester 1:
  • Curriculum and Assessment, Policy and Practice
  • Diversity of Learners: Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
  • Sociological Perspectives
  • Introduction to Web Development
  • Software Testing and Inspection
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Analysis
  • Statistics for Computing
  • Geometry
• Semester 2:
  • Subject Pedagogy 2 (Computer Science)
  • Subject Pedagogy 2 (Mathematics)

Year 4 Modules

• Semester 1:
  • School Placement 2
  • Teacher as Professional
  • Computer Graphics
  • Best Practice Internationalisation
  • Groups and Algebraic Structures
  • Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations
• Semester 2:
  • Teacher as Professional
  • Computer Graphics
  • Best Practice Internationalisation
  • Groups and Algebraic Structures
  • Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations

Entry Requirements

• CAO points history: 455
• Minimum grades:
  • Two H5 (Higher level) grades and four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher level) grades
  • Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English
  • Applicants must hold a H4 grade in mathematics
• Additional considerations: Students admitted to the program are required to undergo a Garda Vetting process

Fees and Funding

• Student course fees are broken into three components: Student contribution, Student Levy, and Tuition Fees
• EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant:
  • HEA pays Tuition Fees: €4,762
  • SUSI pays Student contribution: €2,500
  • Student pays Student Levy: €104
  • Total: €7,366
• EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant:
  • HEA pays Tuition Fees: €4,762
  • Student pays Student contribution: €2,500
  • Student pays Student Levy: €104
  • Total: €7,366
• Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant:
  • Student pays Tuition Fees: €4,762
  • Student pays Student contribution: €2,500
  • Student pays Student Levy: €104
  • Total: €7,366
• Non-EU Students:
  • Student pays Tuition Fees: €22,596
  • Student pays Student Levy: €104
  • Total: €22,700

Scholarships

• Johnson and Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme
• All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus
• Bursary for my Future Scholarship
• Civic Engagement Scholarship
• Cooperative Education Award
• Elaine Fagan Scholarship
• Hegarty Family Access Scholarships
• Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants
• Irish American Partnership Access Scholarships
• Love Actually Charity (LAC) Scholarship
• Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship
• Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme
• Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme
• Stuart Mangan Scholarship
• The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O'Brien Athletics Scholarship
• UL Sports Scholarships

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be eligible for appointment to all second-level schools (vocational, secondary, community, and comprehensive). Graduates will be able to teach Mathematics, Computer Science, and Coding.

Follow-on Study

Graduates have the opportunity to pursue further study in the disciplines of Mathematics, Computer Science, or Education. There are a number of taught Master's degrees in UL. In addition, graduates can register for higher degrees by research in either Mathematics Education or Computer Science Education that lead to Master's or PhD qualifications.