CS Arts vs CS Science vs CSSE

Frigating

Currently in 6th year, looking at doing computer science at MU. Thing is, I love both arts and science subjects, and I'm not sure whether I'd prefer doing it as part of either course or on its own. It's basically the extra subjects I'm looking at,experimental physics and electronic engineering vs English and possibly history, or anything else that catches my fancy. I know I'd be about 90% happy doing the arts subjects, vs 75 for science (but I think that's mainly a fear of wandering into the unknown vs doing what I know I'm good at). But then there's also the stigma attached to arts degrees, that all they'll lead to is McDonalds, and the fact I could easily do those outside uni (reading history, writing etc), and that I could just be wasting an opportunity.

What I really want to know is if there are any changes in the course between doing it as part of an arts or science course or on its own. As far as I can tell if I do it as arts I can't switch to CSSE, but if that's wrong let me know.

And if anyone can give any advice with my decision, it'd be very much appreciated, thanks.

PopePalpatine

Look at the modules involved in CS through Arts, CS through Science and CSSE. The first year of CSSE and CS through Science are the same, you learn it along with two optional modules and maths, but you have the option before second year to decide to do a general Science degree or a CSSE degree. Maths is also required for CS through Arts, too, and you can only pick one additional subject along with CS and maths.

brainiac

PopePalpatine wrote: »

Look at the modules involved in CS through Arts, CS through Science and CSSE. The first year of CSSE and CS through Science are the same, you learn it along with two optional modules and maths, but you have the option before second year to decide to do a general Science degree or a CSSE degree. Maths is also required for CS through Arts, too, and you can only pick one additional subject along with CS and maths.

That logic only holds true if you want to switch into CSSE in 2nd year. You can take CS through Arts without maths and still keep it as a double honour though.

Personally, I came in the CSSE arts route doing Maths, CS and Law as I was unsure whether I'd prefer law or cs. Ended up sticking with CSSE.

So if you want the option of doing the full CS degree (and in my opinion, you should keep this option open) you will take CS, maths and either one art or two sciences for first year. After that you can stick with an arts degree, science degree or csse degree depending on your choice (ie, you could take cs and history, or history and your other art) . You would do less CS in anything but csse but you'll still get a good handle on it regardless.

CSSE09

Here's the breakdown of the modules for CSSE through science, http://apps.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses/?TARGET=QS&MODE=VIEW&TARGET_SOURCE=QUALIFICATION&QUALIFICATION_CODE=CSEN
My username gives away what I did so I can't give you any useful advice on the arts subjects but as for the above it's a good course but go in with your eyes open, take a look at the module breakdown. A lot of people that do drop out of IT courses don't read in to them much and soon realise it's not just using a computer. It's a hard four years but if you're looking at becoming a programmer or a dba or a system admin etc then it's a good route to go down.