Computer Science in University College Cork, Ireland

Computer Science in University College Cork

Graduates of Computer Science at UCC understand how computer-based systems work and how we can harness their potential to develop sophisticated computer applications upon which our modern world depends. The BSc in Computer Science is a full-time four-year degree course that encompasses all aspects of computer systems (both software and hardware) and ICT (information and communication technology), including software development, database technology, computer networks, operating systems, algorithms, security, web technology and applications.

Computer Science encompasses all aspects of computer systems, software and hardware, as well as information and communications technology. Topics include software development, database technology, computer networks, operating systems, algorithms, security, web technology and applications. Graduates learn to harness the potential of these technologies to develop useful and sophisticated computer applications.

The School of Computer Science and Information Technology aims to ensure you are work-ready, and it has a mandatory work placement module in Year 3.

To complement the work placement module, you will undertake a Year 4 project, supervised by one of our academic staff. This will require you to apply your knowledge to a technological challenge of your choice and will help develop your skills and understanding of computer science.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Work placement:

In Year 3 (end of second term), you will undertake mandatory work placement which provides real-life experience of the workplace. The placement can be for a 6- or 12-month period. Working in a company setting provides you with additional skills that cannot be taught through lectures or in the laboratory. You work as part of a team to solve real problems that have economic consequences. The placement is jointly monitored by an academic staff member and employee of the company. Our students have been placed in SME’s, national and international companies. Companies that repeatedly employ student on placement include DELL EMC, Amazon, Intel, Pilz, Teamwork, Tapadoo, Workday, EMBL, Laya Healthcare, McAfee, CoreHR, Fidelity Investments, JLR, Johnson Controls, KPMG, Accenture, Tyco, IBM, Janssen, Microsoft, Netgear and others.

Skills and Careers Information

The technology sector in Ireland directly employs over 105,000 people, with 75% employed in multinational companies and the remainder in the indigenous digital technology sector.

In 2017 92% of graduates from the BSc (Hons) Computer Science surveyed were in employment while a further 6% went on to further study or training. Employers taking people on from this cohort of graduates included Dell EMC, Google, Amazon Web Services, Johnson Controls, McAfee, Teamwork, McKesson, Stryker, and many more.

Ireland is home to:

• 10 of the top 10 global technology companies
• 9 of the top 10 global software companies
• 5 of the top 5 security software companies
• 3 of the top 3 enterprise software companies
• 3 of the top 5 games companies
• 4 of the top 5 IT services companies
• The top 10 'born on the internet' companies (Source:  ictireland.ie)

“Driven by the continued growth of Ireland as a global technology hub, as well as the spread of digitalisation across all sectors of the economy, demand is forecast to grow at 8.5% annually, generating potential job openings of almost 73,000 during the period 2018-2022.” (Source: Tony Donohoe Chairperson, Expert Group on Future Skills Needs)

“The current trend for digital transformation is steadily driving the demand for ICT skills to new levels. According to studies on monitoring skills demand and supply, by 2020 there will be a demand for almost 6.3 million IT professionals in the EU.” (Source: Forecasting the Future Demand for High-Level ICT Skills in Ireland, 2017 – 2022, National Skills Council)