Computer Science, Mathematics & Education
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIf you are interested in Mathematics and Computer Science, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this degree subject may be for you. It’s designed so that you study mathematics, computer science and education in an integrated manner.
Throughout the course you will gain teaching experience through structured educational placements.
The four-year BSc Computer Science, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc 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.
Computer Science, Mathematics & Education is one of the degree subjects in the Science, Mathematics & Education stream in the common entry Science course.
Students study the modules required for the Computer Science, Mathematics & Education in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. Students interested in Science, Mathematics & Education degree subjects also have the choice to pursue the modules required for degree subjects in other streams within the common entry Science course. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. This is a sample pathway for Computer Science, Mathematics & Education.
First Year
- Scientific Enquiry
- Mathematics & Science Education & Communication
- Computer Programming
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus
- Statistical Modelling
- Optional Modules
- Elective Module
Second Year
- Key Ideas in Education
- Science and Mathematics Pedagogy
- Introduction to Java
- Software Engineering
- Calculus of Several Variables
- Differential Equations
- Mathematical Analysis
- Elective Modules
Third Year
- Schools and Society
- Post-Primary Placement
- Peer-Assisted Tutoring
- Data Structures
- Networks and Internet Systems
- Algorithms
- Introduction to Operating Systems
- Algebraic Structures
- Probability Theory
- Option Modules
- Elective Modules
Fourth Year
- Pedagogical Approaches to Mathematics and Computer Science
- Psychology for Teaching & Learning
- Year-Long Placement in Post- Primary School
- Group Theory
- Geometry
- Complex Analysis
- History of Mathematics
Fifth Year
- Research Methods
- Professional Dissertation
- Year-Long Placement in Post- Primary School
- Continuous Professional Development
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. The complete five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council in Mathematics and Computer Science.
“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: askscience@ucd.ie
