Computing Degrees at Dublin City University Ireland

Established in 1980, the School of Computing at Dublin City University has earned a strong reputation for excellence in teaching and learning. With close industry links, the School offers a range of innovative programmes aimed at developing graduates with the kind of professional and personal skills most sought after in the Information Economy:

Undergraduate Courses:

· BSc in Computer Applications

Postgraduate Courses:

· MSc in Security & Forensic Computing
· MSc in Bioinformatics
· MSc in Electronic Commerce
· Graduate Diploma/MSc in Information Technology

PRACTICAL, INDUSTRY-ORIENTED FOCUS

DCU School of Computing’s programmes have a strong practical focus, with industry-relevant assignments helping to blend theoretical and practical elements. Its MSc programmes all see students collaborating to work on a practicum, or major project of a practical nature, during the summer months. Interactive learning methods, including laboratory work, presentations, seminars and guest lectures, are employed throughout the year so that students learn to evaluate theoretical material and apply it effectively to these practical assignments. By so doing, students also develop vital professional and interpersonal skills in areas such as teamwork, communication, research and critical thinking.

The same industry-oriented focus is evident at undergraduate level, with students of the BSc in Computer Applications degree completing a six month work placement during the third year of their studies. Project work is also a major feature, particularly during the third and final years of the programme.

NEW POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES RECENTLY LAUNCHED

DCU School of Computing is an innovative institution, constantly evolving in response to changing industry needs. This fact is reflected in its two new recently launched Masters programmes in the rapidly-expanding areas of Security & Forensic Computing, and Bioinformatics.

MSc in Security & Forensic Computing

In recent years, technologically competent criminals have been increasingly exploiting the use of new technologies in the commission of crime. The investigation of such crime has led to the emergence of a new field of specialisation termed “forensic computing”. This involves the detection, storage, analysis and exhibition of digital evidence in a legally admissible manner. DCU’s MSc in Security & Forensic Computing equips graduates to carry out this sophisticated technical work, while also exploring effective methods which may be used to assist in the prevention of digital crime.

The programme is delivered over one year full-time and offers strong employment prospects in the areas of security consultancy, secure software development, and forensic computing itself. The skills developed in graduates are particularly attractive to financial institutions, law enforcement agencies and software security houses, to whom security is of paramount strategic importance. With major fee support for EU students, DCU is one of the few universities in Europe to offer a taught MSc programme in this expanding area.

Further information on this programme…

MSc in Bioinformatics

Jointly offered by DCU’s School of Computing and School of Biotechnology, this one-year full-time Masters programme is designed to produce graduates with the inter-disciplinary skills required to prosper in the expanding bioinformatics and biotechnology sectors. It features a common core curriculum with two distinct streams, Computing and Life Sciences, to appeal to both kinds of specialist. With major fee support for EU students and excellent graduate employment prospects, DCU’s MSc in Bioinformatics is the only Masters programme in the Republic of Ireland to have at its core the integration of the life science and computing aspects of this exciting new discipline.

Further information on this programme…

EXISTING POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

The two new MSc programmes outlined above are offered alongside the School’s existing MSc in Electronic Commerce and Graduate Diploma/MSc in Information Technology courses.

MSc in Electronic Commerce

Jointly offered by DCU Business School and DCU School of Computing, the MSc in Electronic Commerce features a common e-commerce curriculum with two distinct streams, Business and Technical. The uniqueness of this programme lies in the interaction fostered between participants on both streams, thereby instilling graduates with the multi-faceted skills required to operate successfully in the exciting and dynamic e-commerce industry.

Further details…

Graduate Diploma/MSc in Information Technology

The Graduate Diploma/MSc in Information Technology is an in-depth skills conversion course aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in the Information Technology field but whose primary degree lies in an area outside IT. It is offered on a one-year full-time or two-year part-time basis. The programme attracts graduates from a variety of disciplines including the arts, engineering, education, business and science, and provides students with an excellent grounding in IT and its related disciplines. Additionally, graduates who achieve an overall distinction may enter DCU’s one-year part-time MSc in Information Technology programme.

Further details…

MAJOR FEE SUPPORT FOR EU STUDENTS

All postgraduate programmes in DCU School of Computing are financially supported by the country’s Higher Education Authority under its IT Investment Fund and Advanced Skills Conversion programmes. This means that European Union students pay only a small portion of the annual fee, amounting to approximately €1, 000.

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

DCU School of Computing provides a lively, active environment for research in many areas of computing. It currently has over 70 research students, and a wide range of funded projects at both national and international level. Research within the School of Computing is divided into four main groupings:

· Dependable Systems

· Information Management

· Language & Intelligence

· Modelling & Scientific Computing

 

A number of scholarship and studentship opportunities are available each year to students wishing to undertake full-time postgraduate research in an area of interest to the School of Computing.

Further details… 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDY AT DCU SCHOOL OF COMPUTING

The B.Sc. in Computer Applications degree prepares students for a professional career in computing and information technology. This four-year programme gives students a firm foundation in software engineering and information systems, as well as a knowledge of how to apply these skills in an effective way. Programming and the ability to develop software applications are fundamental parts of this degree. Among the topics studied are Artificial Intelligence, Cryptography, Web Design, Multimedia Technology and Computer Graphics - all interesting subjects with real relevance in today's high-tech world.

Attractive features to this degree include a six month work placement at the end of third year, lots of tutoring support, and a choice of degree specialisms: one technically-oriented (Software Engineering) and the other business-oriented (Information Systems). As the first year of the degree is common, students can familiarise themselves with both options before choosing.

Further details…

APPLICATIONS & Application

Application on study at DCU School of Computing is available on the School’s website at www.computing.dcu.ie or from our marketing officer at marketing@computing.dcu.ie

The closing date for receipt of non-EU applications is February 15^th 2004. EU applications will be processed on an on-going basis until all places have been allocated. Early application is advised, however, to avoid disappointment. Next intake of students onto all programmes (undergraduate and postgraduate) is in late Sept. 2004.

Application for postgraduate study is via our Postgraduate Studies Application Form (Taught Programmes).

Applicants to the School’s BSc in Computer Applications degree should use the Undergraduate Studies: Direct Application Form.

 

Dublin City University Dublin 9

Ireland

School of Computing

Tel.

+353 (0) 1 700 5000

Fax.

+353 (0) 1 836 0830

Website:

http: //www.dcu.ie/

EMail:

marketing@computing.dcu.ie