Computing

The programme is primarily aimed at level 8 graduates (both recently graduated and those with industry experience) from other sectors that wish to re-train so that they may gain employment within the software industry and be in a position to compete against other level 8 computing graduates for the broad range of computing opportunities available.

The programme takes an integrative approach, focusing on the synthesis of knowledge and practice from the business-related areas of the computing domain. The primary themes are to develop a thorough understanding of the foundational components of computing and then to obtain specialist knowledge in aspects of computing that will prepare participants for a career in software testing and quality assurance, user experience or project management.

The course will produce graduates with much sought after skills in software testing - covering both manual and automated testing and will prepare graduates to work as testers and QA specialists in any IT domain. Graduates can expect to find work as a 'software tester', 'QA consultant', 'agile tester', 'functional software tester'. Participants will also build valuable Web development and database skills.

Who Should Apply?
This course will be of interest to non-Computing graduates hoping to pursue a career in the IT sector. It is a conversion programme building requisite skills, particularly in the fields of software development, web development and Software Testing.

It may also be of interest to current teachers interested in upskilling for teaching the Leaving Certificate Computer Science course. Teaching Council accreditation will need to be obtained separately on an individual basis.

Semester 1
Introduction to Computing
Web Development
Introduction to Software Engineering

Semester 2
User Experience (UX)
Programming 1
Database and Web Integration

Semester 3
Programming 2
Software Testing

Semester 4
Software Project Management
Work Portfolio

Applicants must already hold a level 8 qualification (honours degree or equivalent as determined under any Academic Council approved Recognition of Prior Learning policy) in a discipline in which Computing/Information Technology does not form a substantial part. Or applicants must demonstrate an equivalent level of numeracy and capacity to succeed, based on experiential learning acquired through extensive industrial experience.

No prior programming exposure is required.

To apply for this programme via the Springboard+ scheme, you must meet the eligibility criteria (click to read) in addition to the minimum entry entry criteria listed above.

If you are unemployed and in receipt of a jobseekers payment (including Farm Assist and Qualified Adults of Working Age) you are NOT eligible for two-year ICT Conversion courses.

How to Apply
You can enrol online for this course today via Springboard (see "Application Weblink" below.

Please ensure to upload copies of your certified education.

If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact springboard@dkit.ie

2 years.

Course Delivery
This course is delivered fully online. over two semesters but participants will be required to attend campus once per-semester for exams.

Career Opportunities
There are many employment and educational prospects for graduates from the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing. Graduates will have gained knowledge and developed skills and competencies necessary to pursue, and sustain, a career within the ICT sector. The programme was designed in partnership with industry and for industry needs.

Participants will in addition gain valuable skills in Web development and interaction with database design and implementation. This will position the graduate with the required skills to obtain employment in a web application development environment. Additionally, the skills developed in database design are fundamental skills utilised in the wider IT development environment.

Upon the successful completion of this Higher Diploma, students who obtain Second Class Honours, or higher, will also be eligible to be considered for entry to an MSc in Computing programme (taught or research). Other progression options available within DkIT may include the MSc in Data Analytics.