Key Info
Computer Science Common Entry
Why Study Computer Science ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?
Computer systems are now prevalent in our society. And computer algorithms often make decisions that significantly impact us: the content you get to see (or not) on the web, where police patrol and where they don’t, etc. So much so that it’s been said that the code behind software is a form of pervasive law, constraining and defining the behavior of society. If that is true, then it is software developers who will shape the future of our world! Imagine being able to shape that future by building the next generation of secure intelligent software applications for the common good. Imagine conducting research that leads to the responsible and efficient development of highly innovative solutions.
LM121 provides the foundation to make these aspirations a reality, and is designed for students:
With a strong interest in technology and problem-solving
Who are curious about how computers work and how they can be used to create highly innovative solutions
Who seek a challenging and rewarding career
LM121 Computer Science is a gateway to a degree in either:
BSc. Computer Systems – is a blend of typical computer science and software engineering degree programmes, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and data science.
BSc. in Cyber Security and IT Forensics - focuses on the construction of safe and secure networks and systems of the future.
BSc. Computer Games Development - concentrates on approaches and technologies for the design and implementation of intelligent games.
You choose a pathway in the spring semester of Year 1, and there are no limits on the number of places available in each of the three programmes. 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 connected health, smart cities, smart homes, entertainment, communication, and automation. Each degree pathways requires three years of study in addition to the one introductory year for LM121.
Reasons to choose LM121:
Discover your passion through diverse computing experiences.
Learn alongside world-class students and faculty.
Gain 8 months of work experience via Cooperative Education.
Access support from the ICT Learning Centre.
Practice in state-of-the-art facilities.
Experience an outstanding university environment.
Are you a little concerned that Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI will eliminate the need for expert practitioners with a knowledge of coding? Not according to those who reflect deeply on this question, for example, Mary Lou Maher, director of the Computing Research Association USA and others quoted in a New York Times article 30th June 2025. They see increasing demand for those versed in computational thinking, who have a deep knowledge of the benefits and liabilities of these new tools, and who can deploy them effectively to solve problems and build novel solutions. AI will impact practice and is likely to do so in ways that we cannot envisage today. Our challenge as educators is to prepare students for this new reality. For example, through emerging disciplines such as Chat-Oriented Programming and Prompt Engineering.
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
What you will study
Computer Science (Common Entry) 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 three BSc 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.
The modules in first year provide students with a foundation in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Java and python, and introduce functional and assembly languages. The modules are selected to give insights into the three Denominated Programmes (options), these being (a) BSc Computer Systems, (b) BSc in Cyber Security and IT Forensics, and (c) BSc Computer Games Development.
BSc in Cyber Security and IT Forensics focuses on the construction of safe and secure networks and systems of the future. The basics of computation are discussed in the computer science modules. The structure and operation of a computer and networks are presented in the computer organisation modules. The Games Design module introduces design and programming of games. A basic competency in discrete and computer maths is necessary for all of the above, and for the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science streams in years 3 and 4 of two of the Denominated Programmes. Abstraction and problem solving are fundamental in computer science and these are covered in the module Representation and Modelling.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| CS4012 | CS4043 | ||
| CS4141 | CS4222 | ||
| CS4221 | CS4182 | ||
| ET4011 | ET4162 | ||
| MS4111 | MA4402 |
Entry requirements
| CAO points history |
382
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
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. |
| Subject requirements |
In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade O2/H6 in Mathematics. |
| Additional considerations |
A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement. We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Application information for mature student applicants QQI EntryCertain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme. Visit the UL Undergraduate Admissions QQI site for a full list of modules. |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €7,364 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €7,364 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €7,364 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €21,798 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €21,900 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €102. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 years' duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the .
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| BD Bursaries for Women in STEM | €5,000 for one year | 4 |
| BD Science and Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship | €2,000 for one year | 6 |
| Brindle Foundation and Fidelis Partnership Scholarships | €5,000 a year for 2-4 years | 8 |
| The Ei Electronics Women in Engineering Scholarship | €2,500 for 3 years | 1 |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Bursary for my Future Scholarship | €2,750 one off payment | 4 |
| Civic Engagement Scholarship | €1500 | 1 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,500 | |
| Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | €5,000 for one year | 2 |
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Irish American Partnership Access Scholarships | €5,000 | 2 |
| Love Actually Charity (LAC) Scholarship | €1,000 | 3 |
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
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. These roles now sometimes specify additional specialities such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, and cloud computing; all of which are covered in depth across the three Denominated Programmes (options). In addition, there are attractive follow-on postgraduate options, both nationally and internationally, leading to Masters and PhD awards.
Computer Systems
IT Consultant, Web Developer, Dev Ops, System Administrator, Software testing, Software Project Manager, Application Specialist, Business Analyst, Technical Sales Consultant.
BSc. in Cyber Security and IT Forensics
IT/Networking Project Manager, Network Designer/Administrator, IT Administrator/Manager, Network Security Analyst/Consultant, Computer Crime Consultant.
B.Sc. Computer Games Development
Games Programmer, Graphics Programming, High-Performance Computing. These roles lead to senior positions in the longer run such as technical lead, enterprise architect, solutions architect, software architect, security architect, information architect, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and software product manager.
