Switching from and Arts degree to a CSSE degree

JellyBeans92

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone could give me some info about moving from Arts to Computer Science and Software Engineering. I know you need to study Maths and Computer Science ( which I am ), but after that I've no clue?
If someone could tell me the criteria like if certain grades are needed, who you talk to about switching ( if you have to talk to anyone (?) ) etc. that'd be great

Seren_

One of my friends was offered a place on the CSSE course after doing Computer Science in first year arts - I know it was because she got high marks in her exams and assignments, so if you're doing well in it and are interested I'm sure there'd be no problem switching Maybe have a chat with the department secretary or your course co-ordinator though just to make sure it's still feasible - my example is from three years ago so there's a chance things may have changed.

I hope it all works out for you ^_^ also there seems to be loads of people studying computer science on this forum, and on boards in general (loads of info in the forums in the Tech menu) so there'll always be someone to ask if you need a bit of help!

pakb1ue

I know someone who switched as well but he did it 4 years ago and it was at the very start of first year. He ended up being one of the best at the course.

Not really sure who to contact but I would probably say Adam (HOD) or Dr. Phil (CSSE COURSE DIRECTOR) would be the best bet.


CSSE is a hard course but its worth it in the end as at lot of my class mates started on <=€30,000.

You could always do a H.Dip in CS as its just fourth year CSSE but the work placement is very handy for getting jobs after graduation.

Your Text Here wrote: »

There seems to be loads of people studying computer science on this forum.

CS students have no life other then computers so they live their lifes on forums, I'd say most of them spent NYE like this

Seren_

^ :pac:

Just had a thought there, it might be a good idea to go over to Academic Advisory too just to see if there's anything they can do to help with switching courses. If you end up transferring, there could be some sort of form you need to fill for the Student Records office or something. And also they'd know if you have to do anything with the county council if you get a grant, seeing as the course would be 4 years instead of the 3 for arts.
Is it obvious that I'm procrastinating? :P

JellyBeans92

pakb1ue wrote: »

I know someone who switched as well but he did it 4 years ago and it was at the very start of first year. He ended up being one of the best at the course.

You could always do a H.Dip in CS as its just fourth year CSSE but the work placement is very handy for getting jobs after graduation.

Well like I'm doing Psychology with the Computer Science and Math, and I heard in Orientation week from some lecturer (not sure who) that with CS and Maths through Arts you can switch into a CSSE in 2nd year, just they saying nothing about how etc.

Your Text Here wrote: »

Just had a thought there, it might be a good idea to go over to Academic Advisory too just to see if there's anything they can do to help with switching courses. If you end up transferring, there could be some sort of form you need to fill for the Student Records office or something.P

Well sure it can't hurt to give them a shot I suppose, Academic Advisory is in Arts block right?.. (Easy tell I'm a 1st year? )

Your Text Here wrote: »

^

Is it obvious that I'm procrastinating? :P

Sure I'm supposed to be studying?

Seren_

Academic Advisory is in Arts block right?.. (Easy tell I'm a 1st year? )

Yep, go down the corridor beside Bewleys and it's the room with all the chairs outside.

And it's not obvious you're a first year from not knowing where it is - This is my fourth year here and I only found out there was such a place last year :P

AdmaialNimitz

I studied History, Geography and Computer Science in first year and was then offered a change to CSSE. Im now in 4th CSSE.

The person you need to talk to is Susan Bergin. Shes the firsy year co-ordinator.

You need to be doing well in CA and do well in Semester 1 exams. You also need to be quite interested in Computers in general.

Once you show an aptitude you should be offered the transfer without too much hassel. The change can be quite a shock to the system - but if its what you like then itll be well worth it!

rcaz

I was in a **** place, worrying about whether I was in the right course and all that, at the start of this year (I'm 2BA), went to Academic Advisory and spoke to Rose there, and she is the soundest, most helpful person you could hope to meet if you're wondering about changing your stuff around.

I dunno, she helped me out a lot so I feel like I should sing her praises whenever I get the chance

the_observer

Mate of mine made this switch about a year ago. He lasted til Christmas before he dropped out. He said it was the sort of course that, unless you had the mindset for it and complete commitment, forget about it.

BeneGal

I swapped from BA Multimedia (having done Maths as my Arts subject) into CSSE after 1st year. You just need to pass all the CS modules you're doing, and your maths ones - then it's just a matter of filling out a form in Student Record Office and paying a transfer fee of around €10.

If you've found that CS is something you enjoy/are pretty good at I'd definitely recommend the swap!

JellyBeans92

BeneGal wrote: »

I swapped from BA Multimedia (having done Maths as my Arts subject) into CSSE after 1st year. You just need to pass all the CS modules you're doing, and your maths ones - then it's just a matter of filling out a form in Student Record Office and paying a transfer fee of around €10.

If you've found that CS is something you enjoy/are pretty good at I'd definitely recommend the swap!

Was this like last year or when?
Were you just offered the place by somebody or did you have to go to the Records office?
Just I don't think passing will be really too much bothers tbh, but I'd heard ya have to get really good marks to be able to switch?

BeneGal

I swapped at the start of last (academic) year into 2nd CSSE, in 3rd year now. I just went to records office without consulting any course coordinators since I had already made up my mind to swap. The records office administrator will just check that you've satisfied the criteria for entry into 2nd year - which is a passing grade in all CS and maths modules.

I've never heard of someone being approached and offered a place on the course but it may be something lecturers just mention to a class as something to consider.

mp3guy

There is a big initiative going to get more girls into CS and Engineering (http://worldofinnovation.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/why-you-should-attend-the-techie-girls-event/ for example).

Chances are that CS try and poach any female (edit: or male) talent for the pure streams rather than general science.

AdmaialNimitz

BeneGal wrote: »

I've never heard of someone being approached and offered a place on the course but it may be something lecturers just mention to a class as something to consider.

I was appoached by Dr. Bergin when I was in first year!

JellyBeans92

I was just wondering does anyone know if you switch from BA Computer Science to CSSE to you have to do CS151 (Discrete Structures) again.

Just I noticed it's listed as a 2nd year CSSE module but we do it in first year in Arts.. can you choose to do another module instead or do you do the module twice?

AdmaialNimitz

JellyBeans92 wrote: »

I was just wondering does anyone know if you switch from BA Computer Science to CSSE to you have to do CS151 (Discrete Structures) again.

Just I noticed it's listed as a 2nd year CSSE module but we do it in first year in Arts.. can you choose to do another module instead or do you do the module twice?

When I switched you did a module called Humnities Computing. Pretty sure thats still the case!!

mp3guy

JellyBeans92 wrote: »

I was just wondering does anyone know if you switch from BA Computer Science to CSSE to you have to do CS151 (Discrete Structures) again.

Just I noticed it's listed as a 2nd year CSSE module but we do it in first year in Arts.. can you choose to do another module instead or do you do the module twice?

I think you choose from a small number of CS modules. Sound Synthesis is one.

BeneGal

JellyBeans92 wrote: »

I was just wondering does anyone know if you switch from BA Computer Science to CSSE to you have to do CS151 (Discrete Structures) again.

You don't do CS151 again if you transfer. The replacement module you take up instead has to be a computer science one (can't do Chinese as I learned) - when I swapped over I had to do CS153 Sound Synthesis and wasn't given any choice in the matter.