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The first
years of the programme have been a considerable success in many ways.
Of the one hundred and forty nine (149) degrees awarded, one
hundred and eleven (111) were first or second class (upper and lower)
honours degrees.
The mix of Mathematics and Computing found in the programme means that the graduates are well placed to challenge for positions that require a blend of analytical, problem-solving, and programming skills. Graduates find employment not only in the Computing area (particularly Software Design and Development) but also in areas, such as the Financial Sector, which nowadays require highly numerate graduates with some computing skills. The nature of the programme prepares students for many diverse areas of employment and a downturn in any particular area will not adversely affect employment prospects. A very high percentage of the graduates went directly upon graduation into high-quality and well paid jobs. Indeed, most had a number of job offers by February/March of the year of graduation. Approximately 10% have gone on for further study, both Ph.D. and Masters. We have been able to trace all but two of the graduates; of those we have traced, none are unemployed. The range of variety of positions secured testify to the unique character of, and the demand for, this programme. Three broad areas have been defined: 1. Employment in computing organisations themselves, and in commercial and industrial organisations with a computing division. Specifically in the western region, for example, graduates have secured employment near to home in:
In Ireland, generally, graduates have secured jobs with a variety of companies with an Irish presence, for example:
Elsewhere graduates have joined such organisations as:
2. Financial Sector Graduates are also employed in banking, insurance, and finance, and other companies that require highly numerate graduates with computer experience. Examples here include:
Some graduates have entered the accountancy or actuarial professions; for example a graduate secured a position as a trainee actuary with Towers Perrin, a major investment company. 3. Civil, Technical Services, Teaching Graduates have joined the Civil Service, the Meteorological Service, an Post and local authorities. They have also entered the educational profession, and are employed in second and third-level institutions in Ireland. Six of the graduates are self employed, running a company or with a major interest in one. Companies employing these graduates have in following years sought out others from the programme. They have found that this programme has high academic standards and "is very relevant to our needs". 1 and 2 would account for about 85% of the graduates. Thus the computer industry and financial services sector are, and will be even more so in the future, seeking graduates from this programme. The Internet, security issues, data compression, computer modelling of markets (e.g. option, pricing neural networking, financial derivatives) and similar new developments will substantially increase demand for this type of graduate. Those interested in further study and research have also done well, and have easily found funding and support. Postgraduate (Masters' & Ph.D.) positions have been secured at for example:
The doctoral research route in Mathematical Science/Computing can be challenging and well-rewarded - e.g. the Lausanne Ph.D. position is in Information Theory, and is Industry-funded to the equivalent of about £35,000 per annum. |
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Mathematics Department, Maths Physics Department, IT Department,
Physics Department.
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