Routes into Physics/Computer Science

patriks

Hey guys,

Firstly, just a little preface: This thread is possibly a complex of previous posts, and, if that's the case, I'm sorry for that. Also, I know this isn't a computer science forum, but I figured people on this board would have at least some experience in the field.

Over the last few years, I've come to develop a burgeoning interest in the physical and computer sciences; however, by this time, I had already completed a significant amount of my primary bachelor's degree in economics. I've just finished the final year of the undergraduate degree, and I figured I'd try to see whether or not there was any postgraduate route through which I could pursue this interest at academic level.

The following is a series of links to courses that I have found whilst researching (Just to be crystal clear, the following is not intended as advertising):

1) Higher Diploma in Mathematical Sciences/Physics:
http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie/prospectivepostgrads/taughtcourses/scienceandengineering/mhq54
This provides a route to the following programme:
http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie/prospectivepostgrads/taughtcourses/scienceandengineering/mhq50

2) Higher Diploma in Information Technology/Computer Science:
http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie/prospectivepostgrads/taughtcourses/scienceandengineering/mhg54
This provides a route to the following programme:
http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie/prospectivepostgrads/taughtcourses/scienceandengineering/mhg58
And from here, a masters is feasible.

3) M.Sc. in High Performance Computing
http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/prospectivestudents/courses/taught/coursepg.php?course_id=130

4) M.Sc. in Computer Science (Conversion)
http://www.csi.ucd.ie/content/msc-computer-science-conversion

5) Finally, some M.Sc courses will accept candidates from a cognate discipline, particularly candidates with strong numeracy skills; therefore, the following may be useful:
http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie/prospectivepostgrads/taughtcourses/scienceandengineering/mhr54

As previously alluded to, my primary degree is in economics, so I have acquired familiarity with certain quantitative techniques; I hope this will be of assistance with respect to gaining admission into one of the above courses.

I was wondering, has anybody got any feedback on which courses - if any - they believe to be well composed, which are most worthwhile, which are relevant to the employment market or any other advice in general?

Finally, I didn't intend for this post to be so lengthy - it just kind of happened - so if you've stuck with it to the end, thanks a million!;)

Kevster

I would not commit to anything long-term, and would instead do a course that is 2-years max. You cannot take the risk that your 'newfound' interest might begin to wane. A conversion degree might be good in this sense, as you might get accepoted to any particular MSc or other postgrad course you want. There might very well be candidates who have studied a degree in a more related area.

You could just start a new degree from the beginning. I started Computer Science in 2000, Industrial Biology in 2005, and I'm doing a PhD in cancer and genetics in Leicester, UK now.

Kevin

Edit - I just looked again at the courses you've listed and they're all 'short-haul', which is good. The first one at NUI Maynooth seems to be the best for what you want. I would love the chance to study theoretical physics. I studied quantum chemistry and laser technology briefly when I was working at the University of York before starting my PhD in Leicester.