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BSc in Computing Systems and Operations (Software Development and DevOps)

Course Points
248 Points
Course Duration
3 Years
Course Level
Level 7
Course Start Date
September 2024

Two 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 is a unique course 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 in Computing Systems and Operations (Software Development and DevOps) at DkIT is a 3-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 ends with an industry experience in the third year. By the end, you will have a combination of well-integrated skills which are highly sought after by the industry.

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

 

* 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 3 years (6 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 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.

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 one H5 Grade, OR Minimum Points Score of 200
→ AND Mathematics Grade F2, 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* - E or better)
    • OR Applied A-Level (Grade A* - E)
    • 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 DK723
CAO Round 1 Entry Points (2023) 248 Points
Course Type Undergraduate
Study Mode Full-Time
Level 7
Duration 3 Years
Starting Date September 2024
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:

CAO Code: DK723
Apply on CAO

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).