DT228: Computer Science

Did you ever wonder how emails get sent, how Google works, how to develop your own computer game? Are you interested in understanding what goes on behind the scenes at Amazon or eBay? Do you want to know what an MP3 file actually is or how podcasting and iTunes work? Then this programme is for you. As well as answering these questions, this programme will prepare you to work as a software application developer in a variety of commercial and industrial environments. It will equip you with the understanding and skills needed in an exciting and constantly changing industry.

The third year of the programme is focussed on experiential learning. You will participate in a business and enterprise module, and may then opt to participate in our highly successful work placement programme. Our work placement programme's success is due to the close liaison we have developed and maintained with industry partners throughout the history of our school. Alternatively, you can work with community organisations on our innovative service-learning module, whereby you take responsibility for significant ICT projects in the community.

Students on this programme have been highly successful in national and international competitions such as the Imagine Cup and the ACM Collegiate Programming Competition.

In addition to having students on this programme in Dublin, there are also students participating in this programme in China and Tanzania, giving a truly international flavour to the course.

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As a graduate of this programme, you will be equipped to work in the following areas:

• Programming, Systems Analysis & Software
• Information Technology

in roles such as 

• Software Engineer
• Software Developer
• System Analyst
• Software Tester
• Games Developer
• IT Consultancy
• Research and Development

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Read the full prospectus information and apply for advanced entry through the admissions website.

First year applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

For more information please see the programme website and the programme content, or contact the programme chairperson:

• Contact: Dr. Susan McKeever
• e-mail: Susan.mcKeever@dit.ie
• Tel: + 353 1 402 2865

My interest in computers came from a broad curiosity about how things work and I felt that since no matter what career I chose it would involve using a computer, I may as well find out how they work!

The first year introduced many of the basic elements of computing including programming and software engineering. There is a heavy emphasis on gaining practical and applicable skills for today’s marketplace, however this is complemented very well by theory based modules which allow you to take step back from the technical details and understand why you’re doing something in a particular way. I found the lecturers very approachable and helpful at all times. The learning environment was very open and tutorials often involved lively debates and discussions. Class sizes are relatively small and there is less of an impersonal feel to the place that you don’t get with large lecture environments. 

Today I work as part of a professional development team on a range of projects for the insurance industry in Ireland and North America. Both the practical and theory based modules I took during the degree have been extremely useful in my career, in particular web development, databases, software engineering and any subjects around project management and the software life cycle.