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If you are interested in computer science or software development, but are unsure as to where you would like to specialise, then Computer Science (Common Entry) is for you. You will learn about the basics of computing/software development, and then decide which of the specialisms you think best suits your personal interests, strengths and plans. Through the use of specialist streams, we can quickly react to industry trends, while always ensuring that you will become a strong programmer/software developer.

Unique Features

If you know that you are interested in computing and in programming/software development but are not fully sure as to your strengths and/or interests, then this is the programme for you. You get to choose your specialism after first year, when you will know more about those strengths/interests. During year three of the programme, students embark on Work Placement (or study abroad). Most students find paid employment during this time.

In particular, as a graduate of this programme, you will:

Have excellent programming skills

Be an excellent problem solver

Have unrivalled employment prospects (most students have job offers before they sit their final year examinations)

Course Aims

This is a four-year full-time programme, and will prepare you for an exciting career in computer science and software development with specialisms in

AUTOMOTIVE AND AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

COMPUTER FORENSICS AND SECURITY

CLOUD AND NETWORKS

GAMES DEVELOPMENT

INTERNET OF THINGS

This degree programme is the longest running in SETU Waterford and our graduates are amongst the most nationally sought-after computing graduates.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Computer Science can pursue a wide and varied set of careers. The key role that graduates find themselves in is that of a Programmer (or Software Developer). This could be developing apps, websites, full-stack systems, or something else entirely. Some graduates take up design or architecture roles, whereas others work in infrastructure or operations management. It really depends on where the graduate's individual interests lie.

Graduates may work directly in the computing industry or act in a technical capacity in other sectors (for example - developing healthcare systems or technical operations for video production). Individuals may stay in a technical role or move into management or executive positions. Entrepreneurship is encouraged and many of our graduates have founded their own companies. Alumni of Computer Science can be found across the world, holding key positions in many organisations.

The world of computing moves incredibly quickly, so many of technologies people will eventually work with have not been invented yet. Computer Science provides students with a solid foundation of computer science fundamentals so that graduates can adapt as technologies evolve (e.g. software development) and new sub-disciplines become widespread (e.g. data science). For example, someone who graduated from Computer Science in 2007 would have studied at a time when smartphones were not the most widely used computing devices on the planet. However, the knowledge and skills they learned on Computer Science would have equipped them to successfully adapt to a changing world of technology. The same is true today for whatever disruptions next occur.

Graduates of Computer Science are well-positioned to undertake roles in many Information technology areas:

Software Development
Software Engineering
Systems Architecture
Developer Operations (DevOps)
Cloud Engineer
Web Developer
System Support Engineer
Infrastructure Management
IT Consultancy