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BSC - Mathematics and Computer Science (with Education)

Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH212

CAO Points : 420

Closing Date : 01 July 2024

View QQI details

If you are interested in a career as a second-level Mathematics and Computer Science teacher, this may be the degree for you.

You will study with the Maynooth University Department of Education who are committed to reflecting on and interrogating the purposes, principles and values underpinning educational policy, practice and theory. You will take a five year route to second-level teaching instead of a six-year route.

Why choose this degree?

As an undergraduate, you will study a four-year Science degree, while also completing 60 credits in Education. After four years you are awarded a BSc Mathematics and Computer Science (with Education) degree – a level 8 honours degree.

You now have two pathways open to you:

  • You can choose to exit your studies with your level 8 qualification and take a different path in your education or career.
  • You can continue with your studies to become a fully qualified teacher. This means you complete one further year of study at postgraduate level - required in order to meet the Teaching Council requirements to be registered as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) in two subjects. Having graduated with your Level 8 BSc Mathematics and Computer Science (with Education) degree, you are guaranteed your place in this postgraduate year. At the end of year five of your studies, you will be a fully qualified second-level computer science and mathematics teacher up to Leaving Certificate level. Through this pathway you are fully qualified after five years rather than taking the six year route (details of the six-year route are outlined in the next bullet point above).

For those students who may not achieve the points necessary to secure a place on MH212, an alternative, six-year route to second-level teaching is available. You can take the BSc Bachelor of Science (MH201) degree for four years and then apply for the Level 9 Professional Master of Education degree. The PME is a two-year, full-time programme designed to qualify graduates to teach at second level. Entry to the PME is competitive and is not guaranteed to graduates of the BSc Bachelor of Science degree.

Duration: 4 years + 1 year postgraduate study

  • After four years of concurrent Mathematics, Computer Science and Education studies, students may graduate with a Level 8 honours degree in Mathematics and Computer Science (with Education)
  • To become a fully qualified Mathematics and Computer Science teacher, students must complete a fifth year of study at Masters level – the Professional Master of Education
  • Once you reach the required standards after 4th year, the place in 5th year is guaranteed
  • Having studied Mathematics, Computer Science and Education for four years you are awarded a BSc Mathematics and Computer Science (with Education) degree - a level 8 honours degree. You can decide to exit the programme at this stage or stay on for one more year of postgraduate study, which will result in the Level 9 Professional Master of Education degree. This extra year is required in order to meet the Teaching Council requirements to be registered as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) in two subjects.
  • Having completed the five years of the BSc Mathematics and Computer Science (with Education) degree, students have a Professional Master of Education (PME). Graduates from this programme are on an equal footing with graduates from the consecutive route (i.e. four year BSc followed by two year PME). Through this pathway you are fully qualified after five years rather than taking the six year route.
Course Duration: 5 years (4 years BSc + 1 year PME)

Education Department - Joe Oyler

Head of Department

Department of Education

Maija Salokangas

Head of Department

Department of Education

Joe Duffin

Academic

Department of Computer Science


Department of ALL Institute

Default Profile Photo - Library

Academic

Department of Computer Science


Department of ALL Institute


Department of Hamilton Institute


Department of Human Health Institute

Academic

Department of Education


Department of ALL Institute

Options after graduation?
Graduates will be qualified to teach Mathematics and Computer Science up to Leaving Certificate Higher Level. Graduates apply to the Teaching Council of Ireland for registration.

Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math Yes N/A H4
Science Yes O6 H7

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2024 to the Access Office. 

Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline. 

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2024

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants 

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & Science subject (one of Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) & *H4 Mathematics. MH212 Round 1 Points 2023: 420

*Students admitted to MH212 are required to have H4 Mathematics to register for MCS.

CAO applicants may also consider the BSc MH201 degree as another potential route into MH212. Up to 3 places each year are available in MH212 for students successfully completing their first year of MH201. These transfers are subject to the availability of places, the student's performance in first year and an interview.

Garda Vetting

An offer of a place on this course is subject to a satisfactory background check by the National Vetting Bureau.

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

APPLY TO THE CAO

WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

CAO applicants may also consider the BSc MH201 degree as another potential route into MH212. There is a transfer pathway from 1st year MH201 Science to 2nd year MH212 MCS Mathematics and Computer Science (with Education) for students who have taken Mathematics, Computer Science, Experimental Physics and Mathematical Physics. Places are limited and are based on 1st year results and possible interview.

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