Computing - Sligo

The Higher Diploma in in Science in Computing is a nationwide initiative which aims to re-train graduates with backgrounds in disciplines other than computing and give them the skills they need to pursue a career in an IT related field.



It was developed in conjunction with regional and national employers and a core component of the programme is an industry-led project or placement. Past graduates have often obtained full-time employment in the companies where they have undertaken their placement.



The programme is taught fully online so enable learners to undertake studies when it suits them. While the majority of assessment is online, some modules require part of the assessment on campus. (Alternative venues or proctoring are available subject to eligibility.) Companies such as Amazon Web Services, Overstock, Codec Ireland, Cora Systems, Live Tiles, CBE, Bank of Ireland both support and contributed to the development of this programme.



Elective Information:



Work Placement (Elective): The work-placement/ internship component is an integral part of the academic programme of the Higher Diploma in Computing. The aims of the component are to: Offer the student the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course in a relevant work-place setting; Facilitate the student in developing the practical competencies and communication skills necessary to function as an effective team member in the work environment.



OR



Project (Elective): In this module, students will undertake a significant piece of independent work under supervision with the objective of preparing students for the demands of the workplace and/or further research. The module aims to encourage innovation, exploratory learning and to act as an integrating module to allow the student to draw on knowledge learned and developed across the programme. The module exposes the student to the application of research, current design and development methodologies, and aims to develop critical thinking and analysis skills.



Who Should Apply?

This programme is suitable for graduates with backgrounds in disciplines other than computing seeking the skills they need to pursue a career in an IT related field.

Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective

1 Object Oriented Software Development 1 10 Mandatory

1 Information Systems 05 Mandatory

1 Web and UI Design 05 Mandatory

1 Computer Architecture, Operating Systems and Networks 05 Mandatory

1 Systems Analysis and Testing 05 Mandatory

2 Object-Oriented Software Development 2 05 Mandatory

2 Web Applications Development 10 Mandatory

2 Cloud Computing 05 Mandatory

2 Secure Networks 05 Mandatory

2 Work Placement 10 Elective

2 Advanced Databases 05 Mandatory 2 Project 10 Elective

Students interested in this programme should have completed a Level 8 qualification in an area other than Computing. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview and/or assessment to determine their suitability for the programme.

1 year part-time, online delivery.



Recommended Study Hours per week

Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. For the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing, students are expected to attend live lectures 2/3 evenings per week. Each live lecture will last approximately 1 hour per 5 credit module and 2 hours per 10 credit module For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that students allow for 5-6 hours of study per 5 credit module.



On-Campus Attendance Requirement

No attendance required. While the majority of assessment is online, some modules require part of the assessment on campus. (Alternative venues or proctoring are available subject to eligibility.)

Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Careers

On successful completion of the programme graduates can pursue a career in any one of the following fields: object oriented software development, database design and development, systems analysis, testing and project management, web application and user interface design, architectures and networking. Students that have completed this course are currently employed in a variety of different companies for example Pro Cloud, Primerica, CBE Software Development , Cora Systems and Profile.