BSc in Computing

YEAR 1

Semester 1

• Communication Skills
• Computer Hardware
• Introduction to System Administration 
• Introduction to Web Development
• Mathematics for Computing 1 (year-long) 
• Programming Principles (year-long) 

Semester 2

• Dynamic Web Development 
• Introduction to Databases
• Introduction to Networking 
• Introduction to Scripting 
• Mathematics for Computing 2 (year-long)
• Programming Principles (year-long)

YEAR 2

Semester 1

• Data Analysis for Computing
• Electives: 
• Software Development Stream: Algorithms // Database Development // Object-Oriented Programming (year-long) // Software Testing //Web Application Development (year-long)
• Networking & System Administration Stream: Data Communications  // Internetworking (year-long) // Operating Systems & Virtualization (year-long) // Programming for System Administration and Networking //Technical Documentation

Semester 2

• Electives:
• Software Development Stream: Data Strucures // Database Management // Introduction to Software Engineering // Object-Oriented Programming (year-long) // Security for Software Developers // Web Application Development (year-long)
• Network & System Administration Stream: Directory Services // Internetworking (year-long) // IPv6 // Operating Systems & Virtualization (year-long) // WAN Protocols // Wireless Technologies  

YEAR 3

Semester 1

• Cloud Foundations
• Electives:
• Software Development Stream: Database Administration // Software Project Management // Web Frameworks (year-long) // Web Patterns // Web Services
• Networking & System Administration Stream: Advanced Networking // Network Design // Project (year-long) // Service Desk Support

Semester 2

• Cloud Technologies
• Electives:
• Software Development Stream: Ethics and Professional Issues // Networking Programming // Software Project // Web Frameworks (year-long)
• Networking & System Administration Stream: Advanced System Administration (year-long) // Applied Security // Broadband Technologies // Network Management // Project (year-long)

* 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.

Student-centred learning is at the heart of all activities in this course. Most class-contact hours take place in computer labs (programming and hardware/networking labs). Other classes include tutorials and lectures. Online learning is of huge importance, with most learning resources being hosted on Moodle (a content-management system). Peer-learning, groupwork and discussion are of vital importance in helping our students to communicate effectively, both in speech and in writing. 

Software Development Stream
This elective stream focuses on Programming and Web Development. Students will have repeated exposure to programming principles and practices of web development using various technologies. On completion of the course they will be capable of integrating a range of techniques and technologies to create and deploy a quality web application working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
You will learn to:

• Build applications
• Develop websites
• Test the applications you have built
• Apply appropriate software engineering processes to develop quality software solutions
• Apply problem-solving techniques
• Design and implement database systems
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary development team

Career Options
As a graduate of this stream you will be capable of filling a range of positions in the software industry. Typical job titles include:

• Programmer/Analyst
• Programmer
• Web Developer
• Database Developer
• Software Tester

Networking & System Administration Elective Stream:
The elective stream will develop your knowledge and professional expertise in the analysis, design, development, implementation, deployment, maintenance, management and administration of computer networks and computer systems. In addition, a graduate from this stream will be proficient in services using both virtualization and cloud platforms.

You will learn to:

• Design, develop, implement, administer, manage and secure websites, and other network infrastructure services (such as file, directory, and mail) in virtualised and cloud environments
• Gain specialised knowledge of computer hardware, software and networking
• Develop advanced problem-solving skills
• Design and Implement an IT Service Desk
• Specialise in local and wide area network technologies and data communications
• Provide and deliver effective technical support to customers
• Develop as a team player, capable of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• In addition, students completing this course will have sufficient knowledge and skill to undertake CISCO CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification. DkIT is a certified Cisco Academy.

Career Options
As a graduate of this stream you will be capable of filling a range of positions in the network and IT-support industry sectors. Typical job titles include:

• System Administrator
• Network Administrator
• IT Technical Support Analyst
• Network Technician
• IT Service Desk Manager.

Graduates of this programme will be qualified to pursue NFQ Level 8 add-on programmes in the field of Computing / ICT. On achieving an average mark of at least 50% in the award year of the B.Sc. in Computing, students become eligible for one of the one-year add-on programmes currently offered within the department:

• B.Sc. (Honours) in Computing in Cloud Computing
• B.Sc. (Honours) in Computing in Cloud and Data Centre Operations

depending on their specialisations. Entry to the honours degree programmes is subject to the number of places available in any given year. Where there are more applicants than places available, applicants final average mark in their award year will be taken into consideration.

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 who are interested in learning more about Computing in a practical-oriented learning environment would find this an excellent course to learn from, one whose graduates are in-demand by industry. 

Roisin Mulligan (Programme Director)
Email: Roisin.mulligan@dkit.ie

No prior programming experience is required for this course. Year 1 is focussed on building strong foundations across core areas of Computing.