| Course Name |
Computing Technologies - Common Entry |
| Course Provider |
University of Limerick |
| Course Code |
LM121 |
| Course Type |
Higher Education CAO |
| Qualifications |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ)
More info...
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Major |
University of Limerick |
Level 8 NFQ |
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| Apply To |
CAO |
| Attendance Options |
Full time, Daytime |
| Location (Districts) |
Limerick City |
| Duration |
4 Years |
| Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements |
Expand+Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (H...
Hide-Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade O2/H6 in Mathematics.
A Special Mathematics (Higher Level) Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.
Irish Leaving Certificate Applicants
Minimum Entry Requirements
Degree
An applicant is expected to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate with a minimum of six subjects which must include:
• Two H5 (Higher Level) grades; and
• Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades.
Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Certificate/Diploma Equine Science
An applicant is expected to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate with at least five O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or five H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. Candidates wishing to transfer to the follow-on Diploma programme in Equine Science will require at least a Second Class Honours award at Certificate level. Graduates obtaining at least a Second Class Honours in the Diploma will be considered for entry to year 4 of the B.Sc. in Equine Science.
Special Mathematics Entrance Examination
The University holds a special mathematics entrance examination in August each year for students who achieve sufficient CAO entry points and satisfy all other entrance requirements, but who do not achieve the requisite grade in Higher Level Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate for Faculty of Science and Engineering undergraduate degrees. Candidates who pass this special examination are deemed to have satisfied the Higher Level Mathematics entry requirement for all programmes run by the Faculty of Science & Engineering. Further information and an application form is available from www.ul.ie/admissions
Computer Studies Course
The University of Limerick is involved, in association with a number of schools, in the delivery of a Computer Studies course. A passing grade in the Computer Studies course is deemed equivalent to a Leaving Certificate subject for eligibility and scoring. Further information from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Specific Subject Requirements for Individual Programmes Specific subject requirements for individual programmes are detailed above. It should be noted that candidates may continue to fulfill minimum and specific subject requirements from more than one sitting of the Leaving Certificate. Foundation Mathematics, Foundation Irish and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) do not satisfy specific subject requirements.
Competitive Entry
Due to the number and calibre of applicants, qualified candidates to all undergraduate degree programmes who satisfy the minimum and specific entry requirements outlined above, are placed in order of merit based on a points system. The system operates as follows:
• Points are awarded for all Leaving Certificate Higher and Ordinary Level Subjects based on the grades achieved in each subject with the exception of the following subjects o Foundation Mathematics o Foundation Irish
• Points are awarded for the best six subjects.
• Where applicable the LCVP can be considered for points purposes provided the minimum entry requirements and specific subject requirements are satisfied.
• The six subjects must be taken at any one sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
• An additional score of 25 points is awarded for grades H1 to H6 in the Higher Leaving Mathematics. The additional scores apply only where it is included as one of the applicant’s best 6 subjects.
The following rules apply to combinations of subjects when computing an applicant’s point score. These rules also apply in fulfilling minimum entry requirements:
• Physics, Physics and Chemistry count as one subject;
• Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry count as one subject;
• Physics, Chemistry and Physics, and Chemistry count as two subjects,
• Home Economics (Scientific and Social), Home Economics (General) and Home Economics (Single course), any combination counts as one subject.
• English, English Composition count as one subject.
• Music, Music and Musicianship, Music and Musicianship A, Music and Musicianship B, any combination counts as one subject.
• Agricultural Economics, History, Economics, Economic History count as three subjects.
• Any two or three subject combination of: History, Economics, Economic History, Agricultural Economics, counts as two subjects except when Agricultural Economics and Economics are combined in which case they count as one subject.
Bonus points are ONLY awarded for Higher Level Mathematics at Grade H6 and above and where it is included as one of the applicants best six subjects.
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| Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP |
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
Fulfilling Minimum Entry Requirements: No
Fulfilling Specific Subject Requirements: No
Points (as one subject in best of six): Yes
LCVP
Grade Points
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28 |
| Mature Applicants |
Expand+We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.
Mature Entry
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants may apply for consideration on the grounds of mature years...
Hide-We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.
Mature Entry
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants may apply for consideration on the grounds of mature years. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age on 1st January in the year of entry.
Selection and Assessment
Admission to Nursing and Midwifery Programmes
Mature applicants to degree programmes in General, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability Nursing and Midwifery must undertake a written assessment test. This test is run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The test is usually held in April. Mature applicants seeking further information on application to degree programmes in Nursing, and in Midwifery, should also consult the booklet “Nursing/ Midwifery a Career for You” available from:
Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
Telephone: 01 6398528
Email: careersinformation@nmbi.ie
Web: www.nursingcareers.ie
Admission to LM089 Sports and Exercise Sciences, LM100 Physiotherapy and LM102 Psychology
In the case of LM089 Sports and Exercise Sciences, LM100 Physiotherapy and LM102 Psychology applicants are required to undertake the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) test. There is one sitting of the test annually, usually in March. Further details, including test date and test centres, are available from http://msap-ie.acer.edu.au.
The test is designed to assess a range of competencies considered important for success in higher education studies. The purpose of the test is to assess ability to understand and analyse material, to think critically about issues and to organise and express thoughts in a logical and effective way.
Admission to LM103 Paramedic Studies Mature applicants to LM103 Paramedic Studies are assessed for places by means of a written assessment test and subsequent interview.
Admission to all other programmes
Each mature applicant is considered on an individual basis. Applicants are expected to provide details on the CAO form of their highest qualification to date, current studies, post-secondary education, second level education, non-certificate courses, employment or voluntary work, English language proficiency (if applicable), references, statement of interest and hobbies/interests. See admissions.ul.ie for full details on the supporting documentation required for different programmes.
All applicants must also provide a tailored personal statement for each programme of study being applied for. The detail provided in the personal statement is an important part of the assessment process as it allows the applicant to outline:
• Reasons for wishing to undertake this particular degree
• Programme’s potential contribution to future career or life plans
• Highlight relevant experiences or skills gained through employment, voluntary work, or personal interests which have prepared you to undertake this degree programme
• Knowledge and understanding of the career area in which you are interested
• Preparation made for undertaking this degree programme
Mature Student Access Certificate
The Mature Student Access Certificate is a one year pre-degree course designed for prospective mature students who feel that they need a foundation level of study before starting a degree course. The programme prepares students for third-level education by facilitating the development of key learning and academic skills through subjects such as Study Skills, Computer Skills, Educational Guidance, Maths and a choice of Engineering, Science, Humanities or Business. On successful completion of the programme students can progress directly onto a range of designated degree programmes in UL. Applicants must be at least 22 years of age by 1st January of the year of registration for this programme. Contact the Mature Student Office for further details.
Supports for Mature Students
A number of supports are available to mature students through the Mature Student Office. Further information is available in the Mature Student Handbook. For copies of the handbook and further information please contact the Mature Student Office: Telephone 061 202735 Email mso@ul.ie or www.ul.ie/mso
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| Alternative Entry |
For information on alternative entry go to: http://ulsites.ul.ie/admissions/ |
| Higher Education Access Route HEAR |
Web Page - Click Here |
| Disability Access Route to Education DARE |
Web Page - Click Here |
| Recognition of Prior Learning RPL |
Web Page - Click Here |
| Link to Course Fee |
Web Page - Click Here |
| CAO Application Dates and Fees |
Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2018 at 5:15pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm
Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2...
Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2018 at 5:15pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm
Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2018 at 5:15 pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2018 5:15 pm
Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2018 CAO Handbook: Fee €60 Closing Date: 22nd July 2018 at 5:15pm
You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2018 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2018, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2018 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5th March 2018 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are currently undergraduate students in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, Maynooth University and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 15 of the 2018 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.
Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2018 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2018 at 5:15pm.
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| Course Content |
Expand+About you
Are you the kind of person who:
• Likes problem solving, even if it takes time?
• Appreciates creativity, and gets a buzz from making “things”?
• Enjoys using the computer, but you’re curious about how it works?
• Would like to enrol i...
Hide-About you
Are you the kind of person who:
• Likes problem solving, even if it takes time?
• Appreciates creativity, and gets a buzz from making “things”?
• Enjoys using the computer, but you’re curious about how it works?
• Would like to enrol in a degree program that leads to a wide variety of career paths and opportunities?
Why study Computing Technologies at UL?
The Faculty of Science and Engineering currently offers a number of degree programmes oriented around computing technologies. This programme allows you to take a variety of subjects centred on Computing Technologies before deciding to choose a specific programme. On entry into the Computing Technologies programme, three different B.Sc. programmes will be open to you as follows:
• B.Sc. Computer Systems
• B.Sc. Mobile Communications and Security
• B.Sc. Computer Games Development
The Computer Systems degree is a typical computer science degree. Mobile Communications and Security focuses on the construction of safe and secure networks and systems. Computer Games Development concentrates on approaches and technologies for the design and implementation of games. In all of the programmes you will learn to develop mobile applications and web/ cloud systems applicable to a broad set of areas such as health, entertainment, energy, communication and automation. These three programmes require three years of study in addition to the one year for LM121.
Why study Computer Systems at UL?
The Computer Systems programme at UL aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a successful and effective computer professional. You are probably aware of the important role of computer software in everyday life, for example, in your phone, your camera, your music player, not to mention your social networking site.
But are you also aware of the many advanced and highly sophisticated software-intensive systems that underpin the modern world? For example, software-based systems play an important role in all kinds of systems including traffic management, energy generation, manufacturing, aeronautical systems, as well as education, entertainment and business.
But creating software-intensive systems is a human activity. Despite all the advances, software-intensive systems still present many demanding challenges for the professionals who design, build, test and deploy them. Being involved in the development of computer-based systems promises to be an exciting and indispensable career for the foreseeable future.
On completion of the programme, graduates go on to a variety of interesting and rewarding software careers based in large and small organisations, in industry, in research and in education and training. As ever, the primary focus of this course is on the underlying principles of software development and their application to modern software development practices. In particular, we want you to secure a firm and lasting intellectual foundation that will allow you to acquire new and specific technical knowledge over a lifelong career. The course is designed to give you ample opportunities to learn and apply knowledge in small tutorials and practical groups.
The aims and objectives of the Computer Systems programme are:
• To develop the skills you will need in order to analyse a wide range of problems
• To provide a sound understanding of the theory of computer science and the principles of software development
• To develop social and communication skills that will enable you to function successfully in organisations and teams
• To develop a sense of professionalism that will help you to apply your skills for the good of society.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development
Why study Computer Games Development at UL?
The Computer Games Industry is an exciting field, currently outselling the film industry worldwide. Computer Game development is innovative and exciting from a technological and creative perspective, providing career opportunities for imaginative, logical, and energetic students. Graduates will have the satisfaction of seeing their work being enjoyed by a global audience. You will learn the art and science of computer games programming and design.
This programme will equip you with the skills and technological ability to develop both Computer Game and computer graphic related systems. You will study Computer Science, with special emphasis on topics relevant to Game Design such as software development, mobile devices, computer graphics and artificial intelligence.
You will also study topics relevant to development of a game concept to the final “shooting script” (prior to programming).
The key aims of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Computer Games Development programme are to provide you with:
• Knowledge of the various programming languages and related platforms
• Skills in System Analysis, and integration of software components
• Expertise in areas such as the human computer interface and artificial intelligence which will enable you to develop software for an array of computer graphics and computer games domains.
Why study Mobile Communications and Security at UL?
Today, at the start of the 21st century, computers, networks and mobile devices are everywhere. We rely on them for our banking, for our shopping, to store and send all kinds of sensitive and important data. But are they safe? When you use an ATM machine, how do you know that your transaction is secure? When you order groceries, how can you trust the system not to give away your credit card details? Thanks to mobile devices, people can now be contactable wherever they are. Not only that, we can work from many locations using Smart Mobile devices as we now have access to the web from wherever we happen to be.
But how can you be sure that someone isn’t snooping on your connection? In a wireless-connected world populated by computer viruses, spyware, malware and bots, security is vital. As the world is becoming increasingly interconnected using telecommunication networks, Cloud Computing and the internet, there has been a rapid growth in security software and the electronic communications market. Companies, governments and research organisations in Ireland and across the world are actively seeking professionals to design, manage and secure networks and telecommunications systems.
The BSc in Mobile Communications and Security Degree in UL is about teaching you how to build secure systems to protect vital information, like bank details and medical records. You will be equipped with the expertise to be a leader in the on-going mobile networking revolution. You will be taught key concepts in computer and web security, such as: Software Development, Data Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Encryption, Computer Law and Ethics, Cloud Computing fundamentals and security. By the end of this course you will be well placed to build the secure and safe networks and systems of the future, in addition to tackling web and computer based crime. Our well-equipped and modern laboratory facilities will enable you to acquire practical experience that will make you very competitive in today’s and tomorrow’s job market.
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| Subjects Taught |
Expand+What you will study
Computer Technologies offers exposure to a variety of subjects relating to different areas of computing such as general programming, knowledge of computer architecture, games modelling, and an understanding of the mathematical ba...
Hide-What you will study
Computer Technologies offers exposure to a variety of subjects relating to different areas of computing such as general programming, knowledge of computer architecture, games modelling, and an understanding of the mathematical basis that underpins computing. Our well-equipped and modern laboratories will enable you to acquire practical experience and skills with confidence. You will follow a common first year programme of study and then select one of the above three programmes during the second semester. During the first year you will become well-versed in a range of computing subjects, and therefore, can make better choices that suit your particular needs and interests.
Computer Systems What you will study
• Principles of software design and implementation
• Programming languages and technologies
• Computer Science
• Computer Organisation
• Computer Networks
• Operating Systems
• Database technologies
• Systems Analysis
• Systems Design
• Professional issues and ethics
An integral part of the course is the Cooperative Education period, during which you will spend eight months working in a course-related job in a business or industrial environment outside the University. You will undertake a substantial individual project in your final year, which integrates and applies your previous learning and deepens your knowledge of some particular application or research area relevant to the course. To find out more, go to www.csis.ul.ie
What you will study Computer Games Development
You will study the modules presented in Year 1 of the Common Entry route to Computer Games Development. The emphasis in Year 1 is on programming, an appreciation of its basis, and the study of the physical machine on which programs run. In the second year, and in the first semester of third year, the programme will extend your knowledge of general software development, while other modules are directly relevant to game development.
In semester two of year three, you will have an eight month cooperative education placement, either in Ireland or abroad, where you will get the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have learned, increase your awareness of the computer games work place and develop your social and business skills.
In the fourth year, you will undertake a significant independent project in the area. Normally this will involve development of one or more software components of a computer game, or developing a complete game using existing software components. In addition, you will continue to deepen your knowledge of general software development and to acquire deeper expertise in specialised aspects of game related issues.
To find out more, go to www.csis.ul.ie
What you will study
Students study the modules presented in Year 1 of the Common Entry route to Mobile Communications and Security. The emphasis in Year 1 is on programming, an understanding of its basis, and the study of the physical machine on which programs run. Throughout the 3 years, one area of focus will be computer programming with modules in Computer Software and Operating Systems. Another major field of study is Communications and Networking, which provides plenty of hands-on practical laboratory experience.
Your study of Computer and Network Security modules begins in semester 3 and runs throughout the course – including topics in Cryptography, Computer Forensics, Computer Law and Ethics and Host and Network Security. Finally, you will also study Web, Internet and Mobile technologies throughout the course.
During the final year, you will have the opportunity to take modules from various Specialist Elective streams. You will also undertake a final year project which develops skills in design, implementation, testing and reporting. Each student will work with the guidance of an individual supervisor. The final year project will help you to ‘pull together’ the skills and techniques that you have acquired throughout the course.
As with other UL courses, a Cooperative Education placement provides 30 weeks of industrial work experience. In this course, CoOp takes place in the second semester of 3rd year and through the summer break preceding 4th year.
To find out more, go to www.ece.ul.ie
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| Comment |
KEY FACT - Computer Systems
Despite all the advances, software-intensive systems still present many demanding challenges for the professionals who design, build, test and deploy them. |
| Careers or Further Progression |
Expand+Career Opportunities
The career opportunities will depend primarily on the BSc programme chosen by you. One specific career path open to a graduate from all three programmes is that of Software Developer / Software Engineer. There are attractive fol...
Hide-Career Opportunities
The career opportunities will depend primarily on the BSc programme chosen by you. One specific career path open to a graduate from all three programmes is that of Software Developer / Software Engineer. There are attractive follow on postgraduate options, both nationally and internationally, leading to Masters and PhD awards.
Computer Systems:
IT Consultant, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Software Project Manager, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, Technical Sales Consultant.
Computer Games Development:
Games Programmer, Graphics Programming, High Performance Computing.
Mobile Communications and Security:
IT/Networking Project Manager, Network Designer/Administrator, IT Administrator/Manager, Network Security Analyst/Consultant, Computer Crime Consultant.
Computer Systems - Career Opportunities
Careers open to you with a degree in Computer Systems include;
• IT Consultant
• Software Engineer
• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Project Manager
• Application Specialist
• Business Analyst
• Technical Sales Consultant
Career Opportunities
Career open to you with a degree in Computer Games Development include:
• Games programmer
• Graphics programming
• High performance computing
• Research and development in media and entertainment related technologies
• Software development
• Software engineering
• Systems analysis and design
For the qualified graduate, job opportunities abound in the software and software games industry. There is a worldwide scarcity of software developers especially in the domains of graphics programming and computer simulation. Employment possibilities in the computer games arena in Ireland and the UK are mainly in the area of games programming and design and games project management.
Career Opportunities
Careers open to you with a degree in Mobile Communications and Security include:
• Computer programmer/ software developer (who designs and builds new computer applications)
• E-commerce/Web developer (who builds the systems, like Amazon, Facebook, e-Bay and Google which allow everyone to use the Internet for business and for fun)
• IT/Networking project manager (who specifies, designs and runs networking projects and installations)
• Network administrator/manager (who keeps the computer networks running)
• IT administrator/manager (who runs or manages the IT department in an organisation)
• Network security analyst/ consultant (who designs and maintains computer systems which resist cyberattack)
• Computer crime consultant (who assists in the detection and investigation of cybercrime)
• Advanced study and research (developing the systems of the future)
There are many possible careers available to graduates from this programme. The knowledge and skills gained in this course are needed in all industries across public and private sectors and at both national and international level. Employment opportunities exist in the development, deployment, maintenance and enhancement of secure networks.
For example - major multinationals need people with IT security skills to help protect their vital computer systems, banks will employ them as IT security experts, helping to secure the vital data and networks that are their primary assets, and police forces need people with skills in IT forensics to help detect and prosecute computer crime. Graduates with the skills provided by this programme will help to design and build the safer, more trustworthy computer systems and networks of tomorrow.
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| Further Enquiries |
Course Contact:
J.J. Collins
Phone: 00 353 61 202409
Email: j.j.collins@ul.ie
Admissions:
Tel: 00 353 61 202015
Email: admissions@ul.ie
www.ul.ie/admissions
Computer Systems
Course Contact:
Dr Noah Power
Tel: 00 353 61 202769
Email: norah.power@ul.ie
Computer Games Development
Course Contact:
Dr Chris Exton
Tel: 00 353 61 213108
Email: chris.exton@ul.ie
Mobile Communications & Security
Course Contact:
Dr John Nelson
Tel: 00 353 61 202358
Email: john.nelson@ul.ie |
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