Software Design with Virtual Reality and Gaming – BSc (Hons)

CAO Points: 289
Campus: Athlone
years: 4

Course Code US821
Level 8
Course Type Undergraduate
Study Mode Full Time
Department Computer and Software Engineering

Course Overview

Software development is an enormous growth area in ICT engineering. Over 900 software companies are currently in operation in Ireland employing more than 24,000 people. Ireland’s reputation as a centre of software excellence is unrivalled in Europe. It is home to multinational and indigenous firms generating €16 billion of exports annually. The sectors wide-ranging activities include software development, R&D, business services and EMEA/International headquarters.

Game development is one of the fastest growing sectors in the entertainment industry. Annual video games sales are approximately €30 billion and are expected to rise to €40 billion in the next four years. The value of the computer games industry worldwide is in excess of €85 billion and it is an area with enormous potential for development. Last year, there was global investment of over €3 billion in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) industries. It reflects the exciting potential to provide immersive environments in gaming and movies that were not possible before now. Our VR and Gaming specialisation prepares you to work as a software developer in these fast-paced industries.

As a student on this course, you’ll work with the latest tools and technologies to enhance your skillset. Software development languages, tools and methodologies provide the backbone of this programme. These skills are critical to following a career in the game development industry but they also have widespread application across many domains.

As part of your adventure in software design you will have the opportunity to work in industry both locally and abroad on our work placement programme. This gives you relevant working experience and valuable contacts in the industry before you graduate. If you decide to travel abroad on your placement our excellent International Office will set you up with one of our partner institutes across Europe and Asia. The world really is your oyster.

Contact Details

Dr. Enda Fallon

Head of Department

Email: Enda.Fallon@tus.ie

John Barrett

Course Co-ordinator

Email: John.Barrett@tus.ie

Mark Daly

Course Co-ordinator

Email: Mark.Daly@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade 06 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish)

QQI

QQI applicants to this programme must hold the following award: Information Technology (CITXX). They are also required to have Software Development (5M0529) and the module mathematics (5N1833) or Maths for IT (5N18396) or Maths for STEM (5N0556) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 1

Digital Media
Mathematics for Software Design
Software Development
Web Development
Game Development
Agile Methodologies
Digitalisation for Connected Devices
Communications
Computer Applications

Year 2

Mathematics for Software Design
Software Development
Agile Methodologies
Software Development for Gaming
Databases
Game Development
Networks
Game AI and Physics
Group Project

Year 3

Operating Systems and Concurrency
Software Development
Software Engineering
Software Development for Gaming
Game Hardware
VR Application Development
Placement

Year 4

Project
Computer Graphics
Networks
Management and Organisational Behaviour
VR and Gaming Technology
Real-time Rendering for VR
Databases
The Engineer in Society
Security
Distributed Systems

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Students graduating from this course will be in a position to take up careers as game developers, software designers, database programmers and administrators, and technical salespersons. Employers include: Ericsson, Valeo, Cisco, Avaya (Nortel), SAP, Hewlett-Packard, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Riverdeep, as well as financial institutions and SMEs.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere. Graduates with honours are eligible to apply for the Master of Science in Software Design with Virtual and Augmented Reality or another cognate programme.