What is Computer Science and Information Technology?
Are you someone who is creative minded that also loves coding, a tech savvy and loves playing around with data? Then you may be interested in furthering into computer software and IT.
Computer science and Information Technology (IT) sets to be the theoretical fundamental subject for information and computer systems as well as the application of those. It is a field of study of processes that involve data and that can be represented as a data in the form of programs.
This degree covers a wide range of specialisation such as programming, video gaming, editing, data mining, cloud technologies, multimedia to human resource content and much more. It is an art that teaches the computer what to do. It enables the use of coding to manipulate, store and communicate digital information. Given the pervasiveness of computer technology in the society today.
Why Ireland?
No fear for language barrier
There are a number of languages used in Ireland. Since the late nineteenth century, English has been the predominant first language, displaying Irish. Irish English could be a little in contrast with British English with the local accented slang. However, Irish English is primarily spoken in the country. Irish English could be gaped with filler words in between which would be eventually easier to catch up with later on.
The ideal weather
Not too cold, not too hot. The local weather is just right for you. If you have heard of the typically unsettled weather in England that could be extreme and distinct, then the weather in Ireland is far bearable with the better climate. Ireland’s climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean so it does not have the similar weather conditions like the countries in the same latitude would have.
Low cost of studying compared to the UK
Whether you are going to study in the UK or Ireland could depend on the certain criteria that you wish to focus. Ireland is known as one of the friendliest countries to pursue higher education for international students. The cost of living in Ireland is slightly cheaper than the UK especially in the outskirts of Ireland.
Plenty of student perks
If you are a student in Ireland you will be entitled to endless students perks such as free buses, special discounts on public transports and many more. Your student card will be worth a lot when you can also join plenty of clubs and have more fun.
Vibrant culture
Ireland is known for his vibrant culture. The local people are warm and active. Join local sports clubs and be an active member. Learn their local musical instruments. Commute daily using a second hand bike or bicycle.
Working with student visa
This is possibly the best privilege of studying in Ireland. The Irish government has allowed international students to stay back for 24 months after graduating to work locally. Students can also work part time On average students can work part time for 20 hour/week or 40 hour/week during holidays or break. This is also a great opportunity to continue being employed there and become a permanent resident.
What are the major fields in Computer Science and IT?
Information Technology or IT professionals are highly specialised in their field. You might have heard of ‘IT nerds’ or ‘IT geeks”. Most of the companies dealing with computers and programmed telephones have their own IT department to ensure the machine function is proper.
If you are interested in the field, you will be rewarded financially but also what are the fields in the industry that will interest you more? Consider these 5 leading fields in the industry and their specifications.
1. IT Consultant
As apt as it sounds, the job scope of an IT consultant is to consult or supervise the IT system in an organisation that no one understands. Big companies need IT consultants to help them figure out the cheapest and fastest ways to run computers better.
2. Computer Forensic Investigator
The computer forensic investigator plays the role of searching for, identifying and evaluating information from computer systems, often for trials evidence. This field requires specialist study in computer forensics.
3. Health IT Specialist
Health industry as it has been booming for the past decades now require even bigger and stronger base of IT department. Health IT specialist typically mix computer knowledge skills with health record-keeping skills such as medical billing, patients details, coding etc.
4. Mobile Application Developer
Mobile applications aka apps are something that have been used by every smartphone/tablet users. Using basic coding languages, developers will create programs for future iOS and android devices.
5. Software Engineer
If you like video games, you are probably suitable for this. Software engineers are behind all the programs we run on our mobile phones and personal computers.
What are the important skills I need in this field?
It all takes the right skills to become successful in what you are doing. Here are the top skills to possess if you want to be a successful computer software and IT major.
Problem solving skills
A computer scientist works with myriads of data and codes to program. Computer science and IT professionals are the doctors to the computers. In nature, this profession is to solve the problems that come with the software. This could not be easy and could be a lot complicated in real life.
Thus a computer science major should be able to solve problems and be analytical in the first place.
Sharp memory
Computer science and IT is all about dealing with complex sequence of programming. It could be all scattered and further scramble up your brain. Hence, it is required to remember everything in sequence.
A little tips to sharpen your memory. Eat foods enriched with nutrients and get sufficient sleep.
Work under pressure effectively
Are you someone who always hurries in the last minute? Then maybe you will the potential one. Bill Gates once said that, ‘give a task to a last minute person and he will complete it twice as quicker than a normal person. This is the art called effective laziness. You also need to think from a lazy person perspective because programming is all about automating the bigger way to a simpler and quicker way.
Creative minded
Are you someone who loves something not the norm? You like to be innovative and creative? To be an efficient problem solver you need to be creative minded. You need to think out of box to solve the problems in a creative manner.
Perseverance
You need to understand that before succeeding with a proper solution you will fail many times. While it deals with complexity, problem-solving could as equally challenging. To be determined and resilient is part of the process in this field.
How long will I study in this programme?
The study duration could vary from one institute to another. However, as a general estimate, we have compiled a general estimate of the duration according to the study levels and qualifications.
| Study Levels | Duration |
| Foundation/A Levels | 1 year |
| Diploma | 2 years |
| Undergraduate Degree | 4 years |
| Master's Degree/PhD | 1-4 years |
What are the entry requirements and qualifications ?
To successfully get admission into an Irish degree or pathway programme, students must meet the minimum academic and entry level English language requirements.
However, requirements could vary according to institutions. We advise you to refer to the institutions directly for more details.
- Foundations / A levels
- SPM with minimum 5 passes
- Pass 4 relevant subjects in STPM, including English
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and IT
- Completed any relevant American Degree or any equivalent International Degree with minimum CGPA 2.5 , completed Masters Degree and/or PhD from a recognised American Institute or any equal International Institute
English language requirements :
- TOEFL score 61
- IELTS score of 6.0 (no bands below 5.5)
- Kaplan iBT 61
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) 53
How much are the average tuition fees?
The average tuition fees for Computer Science and IT can vary from one institute to another according to different levels and qualifications. Here’s the average estimated tuition fees below:
| Programme | Estimated Fees |
| Foundation/ A Levels | RM15,000 - RM30,000 |
| Bachelor's Degree | RM55,000 - RM150,000 |
| Master's/ PhD | RM45,000 - RM115,000 |
What are the job opportunities Computer Science and IT?
There are a number of job possibilities for the computer science major. The right job will be dependent on your personal skills, preference and personality.
Here are the career choices available for Computer Science and IT major :
- Software Developers
- Database Administrator
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Computer System Analyst
- Web Developer
- Information Security Analyst
- IT Project Manager
Top Universities in Ireland that offer the programme Computer Science and IT
Computer Science and IT is highly trendy in universities in Ireland. In fact, Ireland is booming with plenty of big firms. Below are the top institutions offering the programme.
Trinity College Dublin
Ranked #1 in Ireland and #120 in world, is the best university in Ireland to pursue computer science and IT course. Trinity has excellent facilities and lecturers and good supportive administration.
University College Dublin (UCD)
Ranked #201 in the world, tops 1% of the higher education institutes worldwide; is the largest and most richly diversified university in Ireland. A very vibrant institute with over 30,000 students including 8,000 international students yearly.
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI)
Ranked #301 worldwide and has also been ranked #260 in the QS world ranking. It has been awarded full five QS stars for excellence in year 2018. It serves to provide education to and encourage consistent research from their students.
University College Cork (UCC)
Placed at world ranking #301. Students studying here will be potentially be selected to study abroad at affiliate colleges in Canada, Finland, France and Germany. Teaching methods conducted in the Computer Science department with coordinated lectures, tutorials and practicals.
University of Limerick (UL)
University of Limerick (UL) is an independent, internationally focused university with over 11,000 students yearly. The university has proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship.