Higher Diploma in Science in Computing

Course Summary

About this Programme

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 fully online so enable learners to undertake studies when it suits them. 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.

Springboard+ 2020 Approved Course: A limited number of places are available on the Springboard+ 2020 programme.  If you are unemployed, you may be entitled to free fees for this programme under this initiative. If this programme is funded you will find it and be able to submit an application on the Springboard site at www.springboardcourses.ie

Key Course Information

Year 1

Object Oriented Software Development 1

Information Systems

Web and UI Design

Web Applications Development

Object Oriented Software Development 2

Advanced Databases

Year 2

Computer Architecture, Operating Systems and Networks

Systems Analysis and Testing

Secure Networks

Cloud Computing

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.

Application Closing Date : 31st August 2021

Entry Requirements

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.

Career Opportunities

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. 

Testimonials

Faron Coyne | QA Manager | Bank of Ireland

We’re very pleased with the quality of applicants that we interviewed from this course. The successful candidate has brought a new dimension to the role and a different way of thinking/approach to how we conduct our testing. The skills he developed while in this course has brought more efficiencies to his role and we very pleased with how quickly he has up-skilled from a manual tester to a more technical automation test engineer inside 10 months.

We will certainly recruit candidates from this course for future roles.

James McGloin | Eointech Solutions, Sligo 

One of the reasons Eointec Solutions moved to the Innovation Centre IT Sligo was to have greater links with the college, it is vital for our business to have a source of local software engineers with well-developed skill sets and IT Sligo's conversion course gives us a great way to assess their graduates. 

Clement Byrnes | Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina, Mayo

I very much enjoyed doing the H. Dip at IT Sligo. The online nature of the course allowed me flexibility around the working day. I found the course both engaging and challenging with the lecturers always on hand to guide and help if needed. The course builds skills and confidence  for anyone that wants to a pursue a career in ICT. I found it to be invaluable for introducing and  teaching the new Leaving Certificate Computer Science course.

Programme Fees

Springboard+ 2020 Approved Course: A limited number of places are available on the Springboard+ 2020 programme.  If you in employment, you may be entitled to free fees for this programme under this initiative. If this programme is funded you will find it and be able to submit an application on the Springboard site at www.springboardcourses.ie

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4