The new computing degree programme at University College Cork is one of the most sought after in the college. It is also one of the most innovative. The first graduates to earn their BSc in Business Information Systems through the faculty of commerce have just had their degrees conferred upon them.
UCC calls this a degree programme more than a degree course, because it involves the appointment of an industrial advisory board, bringing third level and industry together.
This is the first degree programme in UCC to have a six-month industrial internship as a requirement of the four-year course. "It is significant that the BSc in Business Information Systems places more students with leading companies in the United States than any other degree course in Ireland," Mr Micheal Martin, the Minister for Education, said at the conferring ceremony recently.
The advisory board to the degree course includes representatives of the indigenous and multi-national software industries as well as large business and commercial organisations.
At present, there are 45 places available but demand is so high that this is under review and may be increased from October.
Graduates of the course work in the software industry, in applications development, information systems and consulting.
The advisory board, led by Mr Jerry O'Donnell, general manager (South) Bank of Ireland, said its aim is to ensure that the degree programme ranks with the best in the world.
Its other key aim is to see to it that the programme remains relevant to the developing needs of industry.