Computer Science, Mathematics & Education
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIf you’re interested in mathematics and computer science, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this course may be for you. It’s designed so that from the start, you study mathematics and computer science, along with education, in an integrated manner. In third year, you will gain teaching experience by completing placements (which we find for you) in a post-primary school and as a third-level tutor.
The four-year BSc in Computer Science, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc in Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees, you should be fully qualified to teach Computer Science and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level.
Key Facts
The five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland. Placements are integrated into this course from first year, with year-long placements at two different post-primary schools during the final two years of the course.
This is a sample pathway for Computer Science, Mathematics & Education.
First Year
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Elective module
Second Year
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Education
- School placement – one placement in a post-primary school and one placement as a third-level tutor
- Elective modules
Fourth Year
- Education
- School placement
- Mathematics & Computer Science
Fifth Year
- Education
- School placement
- Research Project
For detailed information on subject content click here
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why I chose to study Maths and Science at UCD.
After graduating with their BSc, students proceed to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education.
Placements are integrated into this 5-year course from first year, with all undergraduate placements arranged for you. Care is taken to gradually introduce you to school placements, to enable you to build your knowledge and confidence before teaching a class of pupils.
During the last two years of the course, students complete year-long placements at two different post-primary schools. These placements are designed so that students not only obtain teaching experience, but also gain a whole-of-school experience through participating in parent-teacher meetings, timetabling etc.
“I had teaching at the back of my mind for a while, and the flexibility that came with choosing UCD Science gave me the time I needed to make sure that’s the path I wanted to take. By choosing Computer Science, Mathematics & Education, I could continue to study the subjects that I’m passionate about, while also training to be a secondary school teacher. I was attracted to this course for the blend of Mathematics and Computer Science that it offers, as well as the social aspects of school placements and learning how to teach. I particularly like the sense of community and the supportive environment in the program’s education modules. The lecturers genuinely care about students’ learning and know all their students by their first names.”
Conor Sievwright, Student
Associate Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shúileabháin
UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: aoibhinn.nishuileabhain@ucd.ie
