About BSc in Computing in Multimedia Programming

Multimedia is a fast growing and exciting area within the software industry. Multimedia is the technology which produces computer games, computer-generated movies and internet applications. If you have ever bought a CD or DVD, watched a movie like Shrek, sent text messages on a mobile phone, played a computer game or logged on to the internet then you have participated in multimedia entertainment. If you buy items or do banking over the internet, then you are using multimedia business applications. If you have ever accessed an encyclopaedia from a CD or the internet, you have used educational multimedia!

Information Technology (IT) is one of Ireland’s fastest growing industries and multimedia is one of the fastest growing applications of IT. It is a very varied and exciting area with lots of opportunities. A multimedia professional might be working in a very small company or a large multi-national or indeed may be self-employed (as many multimedia workers are).

Aims and Objectives

The programme aims to give you the skills and knowledge to participate in the IT industry, which is in constant need of skilled people. You will study the subjects found on any computing programme such as how to program a computer (using Java), how computers and the internet work, as well as specific multimedia subjects, including multimedia design.

You will also study the concepts required to represent phenomena such as planetary motion or traffic patterns at road junctions using multimedia systems. This means you should be comfortable with studying the mathematical subjects needed to achieve this.

Please note: Mathematics is an integral part of the programme and is covered in the First and Second Year (Computer Modelling 1 and 2). Mathematical principles are taught in an applied manner by solving problems through multimedia programming systems such as Director and Flash.

The overall aim of the programme is to ensure that you develop the personal and professional skills to enable you to work as a mature, self-confident professional in the computing/IT industry, with particular reference to the multimedia/digital media sector.

On successful completion of the programme, you will:

• have the core skills, knowledge and capabilities to gain good employment in the computing industry, plus the additional skills required specifically by the multimedia sector
• have attained the personal and professional knowledge required to participate in a rapidly changing and competitive business environment.

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Most graduates opt to progress to DL142 – BSc (Honours) in Computing in Multimedia Systems (Level 8 Award).

You will also qualify to continue your studies at Honours Degree level in other Institutions of Higher Education in Ireland or overseas.

Careers in: Games development, web application development, multimedia application development, computer based training and e-Learning application development, interactive multimedia development, software development, software analysis, project management.

What subjects will I study?

• Year 1: Computer Applications, Computer Technology, Programming, Multimedia Authoring I, Digital Media Production Techniques, Computer Modelling I, The Internet. Contemporary Issues in Multimedia
• Year 2: Internet Programming, Software Production, Multimedia Authoring II, Multimedia Communications Techniques, Computer Architecture and Operating Systems and Computer Modelling II
• Year 3: Object-Oriented Programming, Multimedia Programming, Database Management Systems, Computer Networks and Distributed Systems, Digital Media Entrepreneurship and Project

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

The expenditure in this programme is of €50 approximately per year. You will have to purchase USB sticks, CD-Rom, DVDs, headphones, microphones, etc.

It would be desirable that students could purchase their own digital camera. Cost could vary from €100 to €400.

What are the Entry Requirements?

Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent educational qualification) with a minimum of grade D in five subjects which must include Mathematics and English.

Any FETAC (NCVA Level II) Award may be used for application to this programme.

We welcome applications from mature students, who must apply to the CAO.

Success story

Students from year 1 and 2 of this Computing Degree took the first 3 places in the 2005 Typetec Interactive Design Competition.