BSc (Hons) in Computing Systems and Operations (Software Development and DevOps)
Three great reasons to consider this course
- Computing is identified, locally, nationally and internationally, as a key future skill and the demand for Computing graduates with skills in programming and systems continues to grow.
- This course will prepare students to work in the computing industry by helping to develop both their personal and professional skills in a supportive, positive, and student-centred environment.
- Unique programme that integrates Software Design & Development skills, with knowledge of the Computing Systems on which applications are deployed, and an understanding of the DevOps tools and processes to manage their delivery.
Course Summary
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computing Systems and Operations (Software Development and DevOps) s a 4-year full-time degree programme aimed at students who, in addition to having a strong underlying interest in software, enjoy the more technically-focused and Systems-driven aspects of Computing and are looking for a programme that provides a combination of these skills.
Today’s IT industry is much more than just Software Development. Teams have to build and maintain reliable, scalable and secure systems that are guaranteed to deliver value directly to businesses and customers, day in and day out.
These challenges require modern IT professionals to combine software development skills with knowledge of the environments their applications run on, including systems, networks and production processes. These skills are integrated through a set of software delivery practices known as DevOps – where development and operations are brought together. This course has been developed in response to the highlighted shortages of skilled ICT graduates locally, nationally and internationally.
If you want a career at the heart of the IT industry, whether it’s designing and building complex systems or coordinating and managing complex processes, then this course is for you. This course takes an integrative approach, focusing on first building strong foundational knowledge and competencies in Programming, Web Development, System Administration, Networking and Databases, alongside an introduction to the tools, processes and mind-set of DevOps.
Students will then develop their skills much further in software design and development, architecture and networking.
Combined with this they will gain in-depth knowledge of software deployment, production management and process automation. Finally, they will learn advanced skills in areas such as micro-services, Cloud Technologies and Software Defined Networks (where modern infrastructure is coded alongside system software).
The course includes industry experience in the third year and a year-long project in the fourth year. By the end, you will have an outstanding combination of well-integrated skills which are highly sought after by the industry.
Industry Expert Interview
Listen to Stephen Howell from Microsoft discuss our new Undergraduate course in Computing Systems & Operations and learn about the different paths available to graduates of this course.
Year 1
Semester 1
- Introduction to Programming (year-long)
- Introduction to System Administration (year-long)
- Front-End Development
- Computer Hardware
- Mathematics for Computing Systems
- Dev Ops Lifecycle
Semester 2
- Introduction to Programming (year-long)
- Introduction to System Administration (year-long)
- Databases
- Networking
- Communication Skills
- System Testing and Continuous Integration
Year 2
Semester 3
- Object-Oriented Programming (Year-Long)
- Solutions Architecture (Year-Long)
- Software Testing
- Routing and Switching
- Operating Systems
- Database Systems
Semester 4
- Object-Oriented Programming (Year-Long)
- Solutions Architecture (Year-Long)
- Introduction to Software Engineering
- Advanced Routing and Switching
- Virtualization
- Deployment
Year 3
Semester 5
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Network Protocols
- Automation
- DevOps Group Project
- Production Process
Semester 6
- Work Placement OR Approved Semester Abroad
Year 4
Semester 7
- Project (Year Long)
- Programmable Networks (Year Long)
- Web Browser Application Development
- IT Security
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Ethical Issues and Research Practice
Semester 8
- Project (Year Long)
- Programmable Networks (Year Long)
- Microservices
- Software Design
- Data Centre Environment
- Data Management
* All module titles are subject to change and are for indicative purposes only. The provision of electives each year is subject to numbers enrolling on each elective and available resources.
The course will be delivered on the DkIT campus over 4 years (8 semesters) and is full-time. Learning will be supported using the Institute's online Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle).
- This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, lab classes and tutorials.
- There is a specific focus on practical and problem-based learning and so much of the programme content is delivered in small 20-student computer labs where students can avail of greater feedback and interaction with their lecturer.
- There are numerous support services available within the department to enable and encourage all students to realise their personal and professional potential, in particular the IT Learning Centre.
Graduates will have expertise that cuts across the core disciplines of Development, Systems and Operations, together with an understanding of the processes, tools and mind-set of DevOps. They will have knowledge and competencies in a broad range of subject areas across the domain of Computing, with a DevOps focus on deployment and delivery. They will possess the skillset necessary for modern application delivery, which is increasingly in demand from industry, thus leading to increased employment opportunities and greater occupational mobility.
There are many employment and educational prospects for graduates from the BSc(Hons) in Computing Systems and Operations. Graduates will have gained knowledge and developed advanced skills and competencies necessary to pursue, and sustain, a career within the ICT sector. Knowledge and competencies gained will allow the graduates to take on different roles in a variety of sectors.
The typical roles/ career paths that a graduate could pursue include Software Developer, DevOps Engineer, Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Deployment Engineer, Network Engineer, System Administrator.
In addition to its industry focus, this programme also aims to provide a path for students wishing to pursue a 2nd level teaching career in Computer Science, dependent on Teaching Council requirements – graduates would be required to complete a Post-graduate Diploma in Education.
Graduates will have gained knowledge and developed advanced skills and competencies necessary to continue to an NFQ level 9 – Masters – or NFQ 10 doctoral programme – either taught, structured or by research.
Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
→ INCLUDING At least two H5 Grades
→ AND Mathematics Grade O6 or H7
→ AND English Grade O6 or H7 OR Irish Grade O6 or H7
Northern Ireland/UK Entry Requirements:
Applicants must meet the matriculation requirement of 5 different subjects which must include:
→ Mathematics at GCSE (Grade A* - C or better)
→ English (or Irish) at GCSE (Grade A* - C or better)
→ One subject at:
- 'A Level’ (Grade A* - C or better)
- OR Applied A-Level (Grade A* - C)
- OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
- OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
→ The remaining subjects must be different from those listed above and may be drawn from recognised subjects at:
- GCSE (Grade A* - C)
- AND/OR 'AS Level’ (Grades A - E)
- AND/OR ‘A-level’ (Grades A* - E)
- AND/OR Applied ‘A-level’ (Grade A* - E)
- AND/OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
- AND/OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
Students will undertake a 15-week work placement in year 3, semester 2 (semester 6). Students will have the alternative option to Study abroad in Semester 6.
Mr Andrew Shaw (Lecturer )
Email: andrew.shaw@dkit.ie
| Course ID | DK824 |
| CAO Round 1 Entry Points (2022) | 280 Points |
| Course Type | Undergraduate |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Level | 8 |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Starting Date | September 2023 |
| School | School of Informatics & Creative Arts |
| Department | Computing Science and Mathematics |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| Delivery Method | On Campus |
How To Apply
Apply on CAO
All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:
International Application (non-EU)
International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.
Advanced Entry & Transfer Applications
Advanced Entry is for applicants who have previous educational achievements and/or work experience and want to be considered for direct entry onto their chosen course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.
