Computer Systems

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Computer systems student at a computer desk
Computer systems student at a computer desk
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
30
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 802
Entry Requirements
410 CAO Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr David Stynes

T: +353 (0)21 433 5160

Email: (email)

Overview

The first-year curriculum is common for all degrees in the Department of Computer Science, MTU Bishopstown Campus. All first year students study the same modules and this means that students can transfer to another programme within the Department in year two if they meet the CAO entry requirements for that programme when they enter MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork. This offers great flexibility for qualifying students who may wish to change programmes after year one. This flexibility allows a student to make a more informed decision one year into their studies.

A computer system engineer combines knowledge of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to develop, test, and evaluate software for personal computers and more. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of computer systems, embedded systems, systems programming and real-time systems, along with knowledge and understanding of modern computer architectures. You will become a software developer who has the programming, analysis and design skills combined with the hardware knowledge to create network/ Internet/cloud-based applications. You will understand how devices (such as smart devices, desktop computers and tablets) communicate with each other and the world around them. You will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of computer systems, embedded systems, systems programming and real-time systems, along with knowledge and understanding of modern computer architectures. You will be encouraged to use initiative and confidence in approaching problems, investigating solutions using a blend of analytical and practical skills and be able to plan and design the infrastructure and systems that will allow this to happen.

In year 3, placements for students are organised on a countrywide basis with a particular focus on Cork and Dublin. Students have also obtained placement in other countries such as France, Germany, Sweden, and the USA.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

Year 1 is a common curriculum for all students and focuses on the fundaments of Computer Science. Modules include:

  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Web Development Fundamentals
  • Computer Architecture
  • Computer Security Principles
  • Maths for Computer Science
  • Modular Programming
  • Introduction to Databases
  • Operating Systems in Practice
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Physical Computing

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include 03/H7 in Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

You will have career opportunities with large multinationals such as IBM, EMC, Intel, Johnson Controls, Google, Cisco, and also with smaller Irish companies. You will be qualified to work in a wide variety of industries, such as networking, telecoms, data storage, and finance. Some graduates have progressed into project and people management roles. Graduates have commented that the dual nature of the course and the variety between the modules, opened more doors to employment than a single focused course could have. Areas of employment include software developer; network engineering; network specialist; internet of things (IoT) specialist; embedded systems programmer; systems engineer

Progression

Suitably qualified graduates may apply for postgraduate research degrees at master (MSc) or  doctoral (PhD) level where further specialisation in your preferred area of computer science is possible. Suitably qualified graduates may also apply for these taught programmes:

  • MSc in Software Architecture and Design
  • MSc in Cybersecurity
  • MSc in Information Design and Development
  • MSc in Cloud Computing
  • MSc in Artificial Intelligence

Question Time

It has a stronger hardware and telecommunications emphasis, and uses mathematical abilities more.

The McKesson Women in IT Scholarship is awarded each year to the female Leaving Certificate student with the highest CAO points entering a programme in the Department of Computer Science, MTU Bishopstown Campus. The scholarship will be paid to the recipient for each year of her undergraduate degree programme along with mentoring, internship and networking opportunities at McKesson Cork.

Programming and software development are a crucial part of the programme, accounting for roughly a quarter of the mandatory modules.

Job opportunities in this field are projected to grow by 9% from 2018-2028. As of September 2019, the median annual wage for a computer systems analyst was €88,740 which is 123% higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. There is also an opportunity to innovate and create impact both nationally and internationally.

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