In an earlier article here at Edvoy, we took you through 10 Computer Science Masters you can study in Ireland. On that list was none other than University College, Cork - one of Ireland's best (and most under-celebrated) universities.
Well, we think it's about time we shone some light on the benefits of studying Computer Science at University College Cork, be it at undergraduate or Master's level.
In this article, we take you through 6 great reasons why Computer Science at UCC is the way to go.
6 reasons to study Computer Science at University College Cork
1. UCC has an amazing reputation
University College Cork might not be the most famous Irish university, but it's won The Sunday Times Irish University of the Year no less than FIVE times! Indeed, in 2016 and 2017, it became the first ever university to win the award two years in a row.
2. Fantastic support for international students
Of UCCs approximate 20,000 students, around 3,000 are international students, representing over 100 countries.
To help support such a thriving study abroad culture, the International Office at UCC is always there to help with moving, settling in and feeling at home on and off campus in the city of Cork.
In annual Student Satisfaction Awards, the International Office periodically receives satisfaction ratings of over 90%, while Ireland itself is one of the top countries in Europe for international student support satisfaction.
3. UCC makes a real-world impact
As well as being one of Ireland's leading research universities, UCC is the number one university in the country for industry collaboration. The Knowledge Transfer Ireland Annual Review assesses the input of Irish universities industry, and UCC was found in 2020 to be the country's leading university for research income, both overall and in terms of research funding from industry partners.
UCC now plays host to a range of world-leading research centres and institutes focused on diverse fields including gut health, maternal and child health, data analytics, photonics, sustainability and renewable energy.
The fact that data analytics is one of these fields demonstrates the huge benefits of studying computer science at UCC
4. Cork is an IT hub
Beyond the university campus itself, Cork is one of Ireland's (and Western Europe's) busiest IT hubs and tech startup hotpots, meaning there are a plethora of opportunities for people with degrees and MScs in Computer Science.
The Irish government is also super keen to attract more and more tech startups to Cork, as shown by it offering almost 200 financial grants to businesses in the areas of R&D, training, employment, and cyber security and capital investment -- all fields where computer scientists are a key cog.
5. You can stay in Ireland to find a job
This is probably the strongest reason of all to study Computer Science at UCC! After graduating, non - EU and EEA graduates are allowed to stay in Ireland for up to two years to search for a job, after which they are allowed to apply for a work permit.
Given UCC's commitment to make students "world-ready and work-ready", it's encouraging for students to know that they can search for a job once they're finished their studies.
And about those jobs...
6. High-end job prospects for Computer Science UCC graduates
We've already detailed how Ireland, and Cork itself, is a hot spot for the tech industry, so let's take a look at what kind of jobs Computer Science grads are getting.
First though, it's important to point out just how high the employment rate is -- 93% of UCC graduates are in work (or indeed continuing their studies) within 9 months of graduation. That's a pretty amazing return on investment for the students!
And since Ireland is home to some huge multinational companies such as Faecbook, Apple, and Google, it's no surprise to learn that UCC computer science Master's and undergraduate degree holders are employed by these big guns.
As well as this, a UCC Careers Services survey shows that a large number of their graduates are also employed by the likes of IBM, Credit Suisse, and Xerox!
So you're thinking of studying Computer Science in Ireland? Great news! Here at Edvoy, we're in the best position to help you do just that. Check out how we can help you by clicking the button below or simply clicking right here.
