BA Hons Computer Science

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
• PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
• DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

The BA Hons in Computer Science program at University College Cork provides students with a solid foundation in computer science principles and practical skills, preparing them for diverse and rewarding careers in technology, software development, cybersecurity, consulting, and entrepreneurship. With its emphasis on problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy and to make meaningful contributions to society through technology-driven solutions.

1. Software Developer/Engineer: Graduates of the BA Hons in Computer Science program are well-equipped for roles as software developers or engineers in various industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. They design, develop, and maintain software applications, systems, and solutions, using programming languages and frameworks such as Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript. Software developers work on diverse projects ranging from web and mobile app development to enterprise software and embedded systems, applying their knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles to create innovative and user-friendly solutions.

2. Data Scientist/Analyst: With the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, there is a growing demand for data scientists and analysts who can analyze large volumes of data and extract valuable insights. Graduates with a background in computer science may work as data scientists, leveraging their skills in programming, statistics, and machine learning to analyze data, build predictive models, and generate actionable insights. Data scientists may work in industries such as finance, healthcare, marketing, and e-commerce, helping organizations harness the power of data to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth.

3. Cybersecurity Specialist: With the rise of cyber threats and security breaches, organizations are increasingly investing in cybersecurity professionals to protect their digital assets and infrastructure. Graduates may work as cybersecurity specialists, responsible for implementing security measures, monitoring network traffic, and detecting and responding to security incidents. They may specialize in areas such as network security, cloud security, cryptography, or penetration testing, helping organizations safeguard their data, systems, and networks from unauthorized access and malicious activities.

4. Software Quality Assurance/Test Engineer: Graduates may pursue careers as software quality assurance (QA) or test engineers, responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of software products and systems. They design and execute test plans, identify defects and bugs, and work closely with developers to troubleshoot issues and ensure that software meets quality standards and user requirements. Software QA engineers may use manual and automated testing techniques to validate software functionality, usability, and performance, helping to deliver high-quality software products that meet customer expectations and industry standards.

5. Systems Analyst/Architect: Graduates may work as systems analysts or architects, responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex IT systems and infrastructure. They analyze business requirements, assess existing systems, and design solutions that meet organizational needs and objectives. Systems analysts may work on projects such as system integration, enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation, or cloud migration, collaborating with stakeholders to define system requirements, architecture, and specifications. They may also provide technical guidance and support to development teams, ensuring that systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with industry best practices.

6. Technology Consultant: Graduates may pursue careers as technology consultants, advising organizations on the strategic use of technology to achieve business goals and objectives. They assess clients' technology needs, evaluate existing systems and processes, and recommend solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Technology consultants may work for consulting firms, advisory firms, or as independent contractors, providing services such as IT strategy, digital transformation, and technology implementation. They may also help clients navigate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT), identifying opportunities for adoption and integration into business operations.

7. Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Graduates with a BA Hons in Computer Science may choose to start their own businesses and pursue entrepreneurial ventures in technology and innovation. They may identify market opportunities, develop innovative products or services, and launch startups in areas such as software development, mobile apps, e-commerce, or digital platforms. Entrepreneurship offers graduates the opportunity to pursue their passions, build scalable businesses, and make a positive impact on society while potentially achieving financial success and personal fulfillment as business owners and leaders.