Ellen Woodward – BSc (Hons) in Computing

Name: Ellen Woodward

School: Ursuline College, Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course  

My name is Ellen, and I am 18 years old. I have always had an interest in computing and coding and something that I wanted to study, so I was lucky when one of the best courses for it in the country was on my doorstep!  

Why did you choose ATU Sligo?  

I live in Sligo, and I have always wanted to study here. I loved how modern the university is, and the small class sizes are a huge bonus.  

What advice would you give someone thinking about choosing ATU Sligo?  

Go for it, you won’t regret it! The campus, the facilities, everything is amazing. And it’s only going to get better with the university status! 

Do you like Sligo as a student town? e.g., things to do, food, nightlife, clubs and societies, accommodation etc.  

If you’re from Sligo, you’d be surprised at how you see Sligo once you’re in college, it’s almost as if you see it through a new pair of eyes. There is so much to do, during the day and at night! In terms of clubs and societies, there is something for everyone, from gardening to surfing! 

What specifically about your course do you particularly enjoy?  

 The course is great because it has a common first year, so we get to try everything and then specialise next year. Personally, I found out that I love coding and that I’m not a big fan of the hardware side. The class sizes are small and there is a huge focus on the practical elements, so you get a lot of one-on-one attention on the important stuff! 

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course?  

Go for it, especially if you’re not sure what you specifically want to focus on. It a great for trying everything out and working out what you enjoy. Also, you don’t need as much maths as you would think! 

Tell us about your sporting career/success so far?  

I have been doing Wado-Ryu karate for over 11 years and received my 1st Dan black belt three years ago. I have competed in many competitions, both at a national and international level, and in kata and kumite. My greatest success was being chosen to represent Ireland at the European Wado-Kai Championships in Portugal in 2018. There I won a silver medal in the Female Team Kata. 

What is the best thing about sports and sports facilities at ATU Sligo?  

The gym is very well fitted out, and the running track and pitches are amazing. There is a wide variety of sports on offer, something to suit everyone. There is also great support for clubs from the Students’ Union. 

How has the sports scholarship benefited you? What are the advantages of it?  

The sports scholarship is a great source of motivation to keep striving to do my best and reach my full potential. Access to the gym and competition support are also huge benefits. 

Find out more about AU955 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing

Find out more about AU845 Bachelor of Science in Computing

Find out more about AU725 Higher Certificate in Computing

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