Course Structure

This programme gives you choice of studying for a Bachelor's degree (BA Moderatorship in Computer Science) over four years and a Master's degree (Master in Computer Science (MCS)) over five years. The first three years of the programme are the same for all students and you can decide which degree you wish to study for at the end of third year.

Years 1, 2 & 3

The first two years, called Junior Freshman and Senior Freshman in Trinity, are the foundation of the course. You will study topics in mathematics, logic, programming, microprocessors, telecommunications, information management, electronics and the role of computers in society. You will also be able to choose a broad curriculum module on a topic outside the field of computer science.

In your third year, called Junior Sophister in Trinity, you will begin to encounter topics at a more advanced level. You will also be able to begin to specialize in areas of interest to you through the selection of elective modules.

The programme places a strong emphasis on developing practical skills and you will have extensive opportunities to work on design and development projects both individually and in teams with fellow students.

At the end of third year, you will elect to enter fourth year with the intention of graduating with a BA (Mod) in Computer Science at the end of fourth year, or to pursue two more years of study, with the intention of graduating with the degree of Master in Computer Science. (You must achieve a mark of 50% or more to enter the Master in Computer Science programme.)

4th Year - BA (Mod) Computer Science Programme

In fourth year, with all the basic principles at your command, you will get an opportunity to study a range of more advanced topics. Most of the topics are taught by active researchers, so the selection can vary somewhat from year to year. At present, topics include computer vision, advanced computer graphics, advanced computer architecture, fuzzy logic and more. You will also undertake a significant final year project. This project is an opportunity for you to pull together all you have learnt during the course to develop a new piece of knowledge; be it a new program, a new piece of hardware, a state of the art review or a new way of looking at things. The project is, in many respects, the culmination of your studies, and it should allow you to deploy and display your skills and virtuosity as you come to the end of the course.

4th and 5th Years - Master in Computer Science Programme

In the first half of fourth year, you will study a range of more advanced topics. Most of the topics are taught by active researchers, so the selection can vary somewhat from year to year. In the second half of fourth year, you will undertake an Industrial Internship in any one of a wide range of companies. Alternatively, you may undertake an internship in a Research Laboratory. Your internship will last approximately eight months.

In the first half of fifth year, on your return from your internship, you will study a further range of topics at Master's level. Finally, in the second half of fifth year, you will select and carry out an in-depth research project and submit a dissertation.