Computer Science Professional Experience

Program Overview

Computer Science Professional Experience

Overview

From driving cancer research forward to accurately predicting the weather, Computer Scientists are powering progress. In fact everything from social care to cybersecurity or even space travel, relies on the talents of Computer Science graduates. We would say the sky is the limit, but we’re already well beyond that!

A degree in Computer Science teaches you to approach technical problems creatively. It also gives you the information and understanding to find ground-breaking solutions to the world’s emerging problems. The course will also equip you with the practical skills to approach the specification, design, construction and use of computer systems.

In an ever changing technological climate, the Computer Science degree programme is constantly evolving to anticipate emerging digital breakthroughs. You will cover topics like machine learning, augmented reality and data analytics, but also receive a grounding in skills like hardware architecture, software engineering and simulation & modelling too.

Employer experience is paramount in this this course, from day one you will learn from prospective employers about ‘real world’ challenges. Industry placements, company sponsored hackathons and project based learning form a core part of the curriculum and vastly improve our graduate employability rates.

Course Structure

The course is divided into four years, with the third year spent on a paid, full-time placement.

Year 1

• Introduction to Computer Architecture
• Data Driven Systems
• Introduction to Cyber Security
• Fundamentals of Maths for Computing
• Object Oriented Programming
• Introduction to Embedded Systems
• Procedural Programming
• Programming

Year 2

• Professional and Transferrable Skills
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Theory of Computation
• Software Engineering and Systems Development
• Networks and Protocols
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Systems Security and Cryptography

Year 3

• Year of Professional Experience

Year 4

• Computer Science Project
• Cloud Computing
• Deep Learning
• Network Security
• Video Analytics and Machine Learning
• Advanced Computer Architecture
• Formal Methods
• Software Testing
• Concurrent Programming
• Malware Analysis

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Approach technical problems creatively
• Find ground-breaking solutions to emerging problems
• Specify, design, construct, and use computer systems
• Apply knowledge of computer science to real-world challenges
• Demonstrate practical skills in hardware architecture, software engineering, and simulation & modelling

Skills

• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Practical skills
• Business awareness
• Project management
• Professionalism

Entry Requirements

• A-level: BBB including at least one preferred A-level (see list below) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including at least one preferred Leaving Certificate subject at grade H3 (see list below) + Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level
• Access Course: Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65% in a computing or mathematical Access Course + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level to include at least one preferred Higher Level subject (see below)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma: A relevant computing QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with DDD + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £25,300
• International: £25,300

Career Prospects

• Software Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Web Designer
• Games Developer
• Systems Developer
• IT Consultant
• Project Manager

Additional Information

• The School has links with over 500 IT companies both here and abroad.
• We benefit from the fact that there are more software companies located in N Ireland than any other part of the UK, outside of London.
• This offers benefits on many levels for our students, from industrial input to the content of our courses, through to year long and summer placements as well as activities such as competitions organised by the companies etc.