If the predictions of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs are correct, Ireland will need 2,400 computer science professionals and 2,100 computer science technicians each year up to 2003.
This is good news for students thinking of concentrating their efforts in the computing area. Employment and salaries have been rising steadily so that degree graduates can command starting annual salaries of more than £15,000.
Mr Seamus Gallen, of the National Software Directorate, says it is not just job availability that is the attraction. Working in computing gives job satisfaction as well as an excellent income. He urges people to forget the "nerd" stereotype. Most computing jobs involve meeting people, and working in teams can be as important as technical ability.
Second-level students may not realise what is involved in studying computing at third level. Mr Stephen Brown, acting head of the department of computer science in NUI Maynooth, notes that students may use computers in schools but do not study computer science.
Of course, if you enjoy using the tools of word-processing and the Web that helps. "If you hate using a computer, you will find computer science difficult. No matter how theoretical it becomes you will still have to use a computer eventually," says Mr Brown.
A lot of intellectual work, innovation and thought is involved in the theory and applications of computing. It is essentially a series of mental exercises where the computer is a tool, he says. Higher-level maths is not essential, but logical thought processes and problem-solving abilities are needed.
The proportion of students who don't realise what is involved in the course they choose is illustrated by the poor completion rates for technological courses.
It is estimated that about four-fifths of all technological students taking degrees will complete their course, while 65 per cent of those taking technician-level courses will graduate.
Computing courses vary in their content. Do not use the CAO handbook to list a series of courses with computing in their title without first reading the college prospectuses.
Where the graduates of 1997 went
Just over three-quarters of computer science degree-level graduates who left college in 1997 went directly into employment in Ireland. A further one-eighth found work abroad, according to the report by the Higher Education Authority.
This presents a snapshot of where the graduates of 1997 were on April 30th, 1998. A small proportion in comparison to other disciplines - 9 per cent - opted for further research work or study. Only 0.9 per cent were seeking employment.
The report does not break down the statistics for certificate and degree graduates in computing.
Choosing a course
There is a huge variety of computer courses on offer, and colleges are increasing their intake to help address the skills shortages being experienced by industry.
All of this means more choice for budding computer scientists. You can combine computing with business, financial studies or languages or you can even study it as Gaeilge in DCU's airgeadas, riomhaireacht agus fiontraiocht (finance, computing and enterprise) course.
So how to choose?
Mr Gallen suggests the best route of entry is directly into a degree programme. Contrary to common belief, you don't need higher-level maths, except in the case of TCD's computer science and engineering degrees. Of course, a liking for maths is an advantage. Mr Gallen also notes that employers have a slight preference for courses which include a work placement.
Last year the cut-off points for computing degree courses ranged from the low 300s to the high 400s. If you don't have sufficient points for a degree, or if you don't wish to commit yourself to four years of study, the certificate /diploma route can also be used. Students who begin with a certificate can progress via a diploma to a degree, or they can enter the marketplace with a valid qualification after two or three years' study.
It is possible to study computing at Post Leaving Certificate level and to progress via the third-level links scheme.
Common-entry degrees
These programmes allow students to sample several subjects, including computing, and specialise later.
For instance, TCD's common-entry engineering programme allows students to follow a common programme for the first two years before deciding on one of five areas: electronic engineering, computer engineering, electronic and computer engineering (combined), mechanical and manufacturing engineering and civil engineering. There is no competition for places in a particular specialisation in third year.
DIT's applied sciences/computing degree has a common first year, and students can then specialise in computer science with maths or physics or chemistry or software engineering. In UCD's omnibus science degree, computer science is one of 19 options while NUI Galway includes computational science in its omnibus programme.
In NUI Maynooth, first-year science students take maths and three other subjects from biology, chemistry, computer science, experimental or mathematical physics. They can take computing to degree level as a single or double honours subject.
It is also possible to take computing and related subjects through some arts degrees.
Direct-entry degrees
MR Stephen Brown says students who are sure of their desire to study computing should opt for a direct-entry programme such as NUI Maynooth's dedicated four-year degree in computer science and software engineering, which includes both theory and application.
UL's four-year BSc in computer systems is aimed at getting people into the commercial, industrial and financial sectors, says Dr Niall Griffith, course leader. It includes a modern language and business as well as programming and systems analysis.
Students spend nine months on an industry placement. When they come back in third year, the course becomes more specialised, including areas such as computer graphics, artificial intelligence and networking. In fourth year there are a number of elective subjects, and the bulk of the year is devoted to the project. Employment hovers between 99 and 100 per cent, says Dr Griffith. More than 30 per cent of last year's graduates commanded salaries in excess of £19,000, so there is a difficulty in attracting students into postgraduate research.
DCU's flagship programme is the BSc in computer applications, which will take up to 300 first-years next September - double last year's intake - into a newly extended building. The college also offers undergraduate courses in applied computational linguistics, mathematical science, financial and actuarial maths, as well as airgeadas, riomhaireacht and fiontraiocht. These latter courses have a smaller intake.
The majority of the graduates of the computer applications programme tend to stay in Ireland, says DCU's Prof Alan Smeaton. They are scattered throughout industry in areas as diverse as software development, management and sales and marketing.
There is a vast array of direct-entry programmes listed in the CAO handbook. You should consult the college prospectuses. Many colleges have produced separate booklets on computing courses and careers and some have produced CD-ROMs. Talk to your guidance counsellor.
Certificates and diplomas
A huge variety of computing certificates, diplomas and degrees are on offer in all of the institutes of technology.
For instance, Letterkenny IT, which has recently opened a new wing with nine new computer labs, offers a certificate in computing with a common first year.
In second year students can opt for the networking or the commercial stream. Students of either stream can then continue through a diploma to a degree (subject to their exam results). In addition, at diploma level the college offers a course in mobile satellite and networking, which is open to certificate-holders with computing or electronic qualifications.
The college has 144 first-year places in computing compared to 60 a few years ago. There are 400 computing students in all, including three who are doing a research MSc. This expansion is typical of what's happening in institutes of technology.
Free computing places at Griffith College
As part of the skills shortages initiative, Griffith College, a private third-level college in Dublin, has up to 71 first-year places on its computing science degree which will be funded by the Department of Education. For students, this means the Department will pay the tuition fees for eligible students for the first two years of the programme (Course code: CP430).
Mr Ronan Fenelon, head of admissions at the college, says: "It is normal for the computing industry to fund the remaining two years on the assumption that the student obtains a successful placement within the industry and completes the degree part time."
Students usually do two years full-time in the college and go on work placement in third year. The college has never run a full-time fourth year as students stay in industry after their placement and then complete their degree on a part-time basis.
The free first-year places will be allocated on a CAO points basis. For other students fees will be payable but they will qualify for tax relief at standard rate.
Conversion courses
Graduates from non-technology disciplines have successfully found employment in technology areas, particularly software, after one-year conversion courses, according to the report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. About 1,100 graduates qualify on these technology multi-skilling and conversion programmes each year. This means that you do not have to begin with a computing course to end up in a career in computing.
Diary dates
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology is opening its doors to final-year students today and tomorrow. There are two sessions each day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tomorrow evening Tallaght IT is holding a CAO advisory evening for the institutes of technology. Aimed at Leaving Certificate applicants, mature applicants, NCVA/PLC students, non-standard applicants and parents, it takes place from 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Help-line
Students, parents and teachers with queries about colleges, courses and application procedures are invited to call the College Choice help-line between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. today. Tel: (01) 679-2099