University of Dublin Trinity College

Course Details

Ba(Computer science and language)

Course Description

The CSL degree course is one of the most interdisciplinary offered by the University, bridging both science and arts, and its different strands foster a wide range of talents, from analytical problem-solving in computer science and mathematics to analysis of theories and data from linguistics, to fluency and cultural awareness in the language component. In computer science, students learn the underlying fundamentals of computer software and computer-related mathematics. Advanced areas of study include software engineering and artificial intelligence. Linguistics is the scientific study of languages in general. This cognitive science explores the internal properties of languages (constraints on syntax, semantics and sound patterns), the process of human language acquisition, and sociological factors that impinge on language use and languages in contact. The chosen language (French, German or Irish) is studied to degree level, with emphasis on aural, oral and written fluency. Computational linguistics is a discipline that unites the three strands of this course. Students choose their year abroad, as well as third and fourth year projects and options to allow them to shape their major focus within one of the three strands of the degree, or within computational linguistics.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
4year

Career outcomes

Since the course began in 1985, graduates have moved on to careers that reflect the range of topics within the degree. Graduates will be qualified to work as language specialists, information technologists or software specialists in any of the IT, banking, translation, publishing or multi-media sectors. A number work as software engineers in international consulting firms. Some have embarked on careers in professional translation; others have moved into primary and secondary-level education. About 65% of graduates work in software engineering (whether in a mainly English speaking country or in a country where the language of the degree focus is the primary language); about 25% pursue research careers. A number of graduates now hold academic staff positions in Ireland and abroad. Another 10% tend towards a focus in technical translation. Some graduates have taken up employment in government service, e.g. the European Patent Office, the Irish Diplomatic Corps. The possibilities are limitless.




Ba(Computer science and language) University of Dublin Trinity College