The BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) programme combines a strong foundation in education, computer science and mathematics. 

Studying the combination of computer science, mathematics and education provides ample room for innovation, creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning, while also contributing to the advancement of technology and society as a whole.  

You will study the three discipline throughout the four year programme.  

In first year students study core education, computing and mathematics principles. All module start from a common baseline, whether you are an experience programmer of not.  

In second year students attend modules from the three disciplines. Education classes sizes are generally small, and the computer science and mathematics modules are attended by students from various programmes across the university. 

In third year students continue with the combination of education, computer science and mathematics modules in both semester one and semester two. 

In final year students take a block school placement in a post-primary school anywhere in Ireland, during the first semester. Second semester is a combination of computer science and mathematics modules, including a final year project.  

Year 1 

• Preparing to teach
• Principles of second level mathematics
• Philosophy and history of Irish education 

Year 2 

• Computer science methodology
• Mathematics methodology
• Curriculum and assessment
• Practical teaching programme 2

Year 3 

• Practical teaching programme 3
• Psychology, sociology and catering for diversity
• Research dissertation Part 1

Year 4 

• Research dissertation Part 1
• School placement 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• This programme combines education, computer science and mathematics disciplines, so you experience a variety of subjects.
• You are fully qualified teacher and registered with the Teaching Council for Computer Science and Mathematics upon completion of this programme.  
• Computer Science and Mathematics are subject in constant demand in schools nationally and internationally. 
• The BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) programme is more than a degree - by teaching these skills, you are preparing students for success in a tech-driven world.

Our BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) graduates are highly sought after and are successful in securing teaching positions upon graduation. However many also go on to pursue further study or work in industry nationally and internationally. 

A computer science and mathematics teacher is not just an educator, but a facilitator of future innovation! 

A teaching qualification enable flexibility and provides many opportunities.    

Our BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) will equip you with the key skills that today’s employers need, including: 

• Teaching skill set - whether you go and teach in a post-primary school or further education setting, or industry - you will be able to teach, communicate and help others to understand.
• Computing and programming skills - developing a competency necessary for industry and or the changing society and tech requirements. 
• Critical thinking and creativity - solving problems and thinking outside the box with a technical skillset and competency. 

No matter what path you choose, the BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) gives you the skills to build a successful career nationally or internationally. 

Practice Education  

School Placement is at the core of our teacher education programmes at the University of Galway. 

The School Placement component of the programme consists of a range of active learning experiences designed to prepare student teachers for the responsibilities and demands of working in a school.  

School placement activities offer students a variety of practical experiences which are designed to build student teachers’ confidence and competence in the classroom and are structured to allow them to gradually take on the professional responsibilities of a practicing teacher. 

All students are required to successfully complete 100 hours of Practice Education in their fourth year. 

Location 

In 1st, 2nd and 3rd year the University will organise placement opportunities. In year four, students can secure a school of their choice for school placement experience anywhere in the country.  

Accrediting Body 

The programme is accredited by The Teaching Council of Ireland, the regulator for the teaching profession in Ireland.  

Students are automatically registered on the Teaching Council register upon completion of the programme.  

Graduate Opportunities  

Graduates are qualified to work as Teaching Council registered teacher of computer science and mathematics in post-primary education setting. 

International Opportunities 

Teacher of mathematics and computer science are in high demand worldwide and our graduates have taking up positions in the United Kingdom, Dubai, Australia and many other countries.  

This means that graduates can practise in settings across the world, although each country will have its own entry requirements - sometimes including an exam. 

• Professor Cornelia Connolly
• Professor Tony Hall
• Ms Rachel Konisberry
• Dr Ian Munday
• Dr Kathy O’Sullivan
• Dr Stephen Quirke 

Learning and Assessment  

The approach to assessment across our teacher education programmes is predominantly learner-centred, developmental and authentic.  

Our strategy is driven by an awareness that assessment directly influences student attention on what is perceived to be most important in a course, and plays a significant role in shaping the quality of student learning and development.  

Constructively aligning with the conceptual framework for the programme, our assessment strategy aims to accommodate and respond to student teachers’ individual backgrounds, and fluid learning and professional development needs.  

The strategy draws upon the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principle of multiple means of action and expression. 

Indeed student choice around modes of working is mobilised wherever possible in relation to assessments, based on the recognition that it can operate as a pathway to satisfaction of autonomy needs that drive intrinsic motivation. 

How Will I Learn? 

1. Active learning - Students engage in learner-centred practices, teamwork and individual components with phased assessment submissions throughout.
2. Practical and theory - Modules combine both theory and practice, with a combination of large lectures and small lab based tuition. 
3. Interdisciplinary Approach - This method uses input from a the three academic disciplines to integrate the technical and education components for your professional development as a teacher.
4. Technology-Enhanced Learning - Online tools, language labs, subtitling software and AI-driven applications support independent learning. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, in-class tests, and language exercises. Students receive regular (weekly) feedback on their progress. 
2. Examinations - Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Written and oral exams evaluate proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and communication. 
3. Oral Assessments - Students participate in debates, interviews, and presentations to test fluency and pronunciation.
4. Project Work - Research and subtitling projects and translation assignments allow students to apply their skills in real-world contexts. 
5. School Placement - Students will be assessed during the school placement opportunities throughout their programme.

Course queries: 
education@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Cornelia Connolly, School of Education 
Dr Michael McGettrick, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences 
Dr Finlay Smith, School of Computer Science

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, another language and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Additional requirements: A H6 or O2 grade in Mathematics. 

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements
Students must satisfy the Garda/police vetting requirements.

Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications 

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students 
• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€3,076	€3,000	€20,500	€140	€3,140	€6,216	€20,640

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

Application Process 

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.