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Open University in Ireland

Computing

This flexible diploma enables computing practitioners to pursue their career goals by gaining advanced knowledge, skills and techniques; and to develop a professional approach to the study and application of computing. A wide choice of modules means you can tailor your qualification to the varied requirements of industry and your own career needs, with the option to focus on software engineering or information security and forensics in more depth.

Key features of the course
A choice of study routes and specialisms to fit with your professional needs and interests
Encourages you to draw on your own background and experience
Develops transferable skills applicable to your employment and continuing professional development
The chance to top up to the MSc in Computing in just one more year.

Entry requirements

You will need a bachelors degree (or equivalent) in computing or a related discipline, or relevant industrial experience and also be able to demonstrate that you can study at postgraduate level. If you do not hold a degree, we would expect you to complete our Postgraduate Certificate in Computing (K22) before embarking on this diploma.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.

Duration

2 - 4 years.

Most students study this qualification over two years, which is the minimum time needed, completing 60 credits each year. The maximum time to complete is four years.

Number of credits

120 credits

Careers or further progression

Career relevance
The modules in the postgraduate computing programme are for professional computer specialists, engineers, technical managers and scientists who need to update their skills and knowledge in specific areas, and gain recognised qualifications to develop their careers.

The modules have been developed to combine theoretical and practical aspects of computing, to enable you to become an effective professional in the computing industry. In addition they encourage you, through the provision of appropriate educational activities, to develop study and transferable skills applicable to your employment and your continuing professional development.

There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OUs Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

Further enquiries

Tel: (01) 678 5399
Fax: (01) 678 5442
Email: ireland@open.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Modules
There are three pathways available for this diploma:
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

We advise you to begin with modules from the first list before moving on to the second.

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

60 credits from List A:
List A: optional modules

Credits Next start
Data management (M816) 30 01 Nov 2017
Digital forensics (M812) 30 01 May 2017
Information security (M811) 30 01 Nov 2017
Project management (M815) 30 01 May 2017
Software development (M813) 30 01 May 2017
Software engineering (M814) 30 01 Nov 2017

Plus

A further 60 credits from the List A, or from List B:

List B: optional modules

Credits Next start
Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824) 30 01 May 2017
Continuing professional development in practice (U810) 30 06 May 2017
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812) 30 01 Nov 2017
Managing technological innovation (T848) 30 01 May 2017
Network security (T828) 30 01 Nov 2017
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889) 30 01 May 2017
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) 30 01 May 2017
Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811) 30 01 May 2017

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T846

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

60 credits of compulsory modules (starting with M813):

Compulsory modules

Credits Next start
Software development (M813) 30 01 May 2017
Software engineering (M814) 30 01 Nov 2017

Plus

60 credits from List B:

List B: optional modules

Credits Next start
Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824) 30 01 May 2017
Continuing professional development in practice (U810) 30 06 May 2017
Data management (M816) 30 01 Nov 2017
Digital forensics (M812) 30 01 May 2017
Information security (M811) 30 01 Nov 2017
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812) 30 01 Nov 2017
Managing technological innovation (T848) 30 01 May 2017
Network security (T828) 30 01 Nov 2017
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889) 30 01 May 2017
Project management (M815) 30 01 May 2017
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) 30 01 May 2017
Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811) 30 01 May 2017

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T846

Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:

60 credits of compulsory modules (starting with M811):

Compulsory modules

Credits Next start
Digital forensics (M812) 30 01 May 2017
Information security (M811) 30 01 Nov 2017

Plus

60 credits from List B:

List B: optional modules

Credits Next start
Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824) 30 01 May 2017
Continuing professional development in practice (U810) 30 06 May 2017
Data management (M816) 30 01 Nov 2017
Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812) 30 01 Nov 2017
Managing technological innovation (T848) 30 01 May 2017
Network security (T828) 30 01 Nov 2017
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889) 30 01 May 2017
Project management (M815) 30 01 May 2017
Software development (M813) 30 01 May 2017
Software engineering (M814) 30 01 Nov 2017
Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849) 30 01 May 2017
Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811) 30 01 May 2017

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module T846

You should note that the Universitys unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Comment

On completion
On successful completion of the required modules, you will be awarded one of the following:
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering).

You will be entitled to use the letters PG Dip Comp (Open) after your name. The qualification will be classified as pass or distinction.

You may continue your studies and add a further 60 credits to your diploma to gain an MSc in Computing (F66), MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics) or MSc in Computing (Software Engineering).

Course web page

Link to course fee

Key information

Qualification letters:

PG Dip Comp (Open)

Qualifications:

Postgraduate Diploma at UK Level 7

Attendance Types:

Distance

Counties:

Dublin

Apply to:

Course provider

Course web page

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