Computer Science Common Entry at the University of Limerick gives you a shared first-year foundation across core computing topics. In semester two, you choose one of three BSc pathways: Computer Systems, Cyber Security & IT Forensics, or Computer Games Development.
- Programme type: Common entry / pathway selection after first year
- University: University of Limerick (UL)
- First-year focus: Core programming and computing foundations (OOP, discrete maths, modelling)
- Pathways you choose: BSc Computer Systems; BSc Cyber Security & IT Forensics; BSc Computer Games Development
- When you choose your pathway: Semester two of the first year
- Delivery format: On-campus (check UL programme page for the latest details)
- Language of instruction: English (confirm on the UL programme page)
- Credits / duration: Common first-year entry leading into a 3–4 year BSc structure (confirm exact duration and credit allocation on the UL programme page)
- Application & intake: Apply via UL admissions; start dates and deadlines vary by entry route (check the UL programme page for current cycles)
Programme Structure
This common entry programme provides a shared first-year curriculum. In semester two, you select one of three BSc pathways, and your later modules align with that choice.
Common first-year curriculum (examples of core modules)
- Representation and Modelling — abstraction, problem solving, and modelling approaches used across computing disciplines
- Discrete Mathematics — mathematical foundations supporting computing, including reasoning and logic
- Programming foundations — introductory work in object-oriented programming using languages such as Java and Python
- Computing fundamentals — introductory concepts that support later study in computer organisation and systems
- Additional introductory topics — exposure to functional and assembly-level thinking to broaden your technical understanding
Pathway selection (semester two)
After the common first-year, you choose one of the following BSc options:
- BSc Computer Systems
- BSc Cyber Security & IT Forensics
- BSc Computer Games Development
What changes after you choose
Your later-year modules build on the common foundations and specialise in your selected pathway. For example, the Cyber Security & IT Forensics pathway includes content related to secure networks and systems, while the Computer Games Development pathway includes game design and programming concepts.
Note: For the most accurate module list by semester and year, please refer to the University of Limerick programme website.
Academic requirements
Applicants must meet the University of Limerick entry requirements for undergraduate study in Computer Science Common Entry. Specific grading details depend on the applicant’s education system and qualification type.
For applicants using the Irish Leaving Certificate, a minimum of six subjects is required, including:
- Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades, or
- Four H7 (Higher Level) grades
Subject requirements include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
A Special Mathematics Examination may be offered by UL following Leaving Certificate results for students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.
GRE/GMAT/GPA: UL does not list GRE/GMAT requirements for this programme. GPA requirements are not specified in the provided record.
English requirements
English language proficiency is required. The following minimum scores are shown in the record:
- IELTS (Academic): 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 61
- Duolingo English Test: 120
Check UL’s admissions page for the latest minimums and whether your test date must fall within a specific validity period.
Other requirements
General
- Applicants must hold the required qualification(s) at the time of enrolment.
- Where Mathematics is not met in the Leaving Certificate, UL may offer a Special Mathematics Examination after results.
Post-study work rights (Ireland): Graduates of eligible programmes in Ireland may be able to apply for a Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) permission, subject to meeting the relevant conditions.
- Typical duration: The permission is commonly granted for up to 12 months for eligible graduates (subject to the latest Irish immigration rules at the time of application).
- Eligibility: You must have completed an eligible third-level programme in Ireland and hold the appropriate immigration permission at the time of application.
- Application timing: Applications are generally made after graduation, within the required window set by the Irish authorities.
- Work conditions: You may be permitted to work without needing a separate work permit, but you must comply with the conditions attached to your immigration permission.
Important: Immigration rules can change. Always verify the most up-to-date requirements with the Irish immigration authorities and/or UL’s international student office before planning your post-study stay.
