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Undergraduate

BSc in Computing (Common Entry)

Be part of the computing industry that shapes every part of our lives
DK721
126 Points

CAO Code

DK721

Start Date

September 2024

Course Capacity

60

Duration

3 Years

Work Placement

No

Credits

180

NFQ Level

7

Discipline Area

Computing

Course Type

Undergraduate

Study Mode

Full-Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Overview

This course will provide students with a solid grounding in the computing fundamentals but is flexible to allow students to shape their experience to focus on what interests them. This allows them entry into a widely varied industry with the specialised skills of their choosing, while also having a grasp of the basics across other computing areas. Students will learn skills in coding skills from application and web development to front and backend development, problem solving and critical thinking, and communication and collaboration skills.

Students enter a common first year which is designed to enable them to choose between the following two elective streams for the remaining two years: Networking & System Administration or Software Development.

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

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.

Understanding the Industry

Computing is embedded in every aspect of our lives, from entertainment, work, health, and business. The industry is a rapidly evolving field that encompasses various aspects of technology and innovation. It involves the study, development, and application of computer systems and software, ranging from programming languages to artificial intelligence. The industry plays a critical role in shaping the modern world, with advancements in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and machine learning.

Career Opportunities

Future Careers:

  • Network engineer
  • System administrator
  • Software Engineer
  • Application Developer
  • Software Tester
  • Web Developers
  • Cloud Computing Developers
  • Technical Consultants
  • IT Support Technician
  • Network Technician
  • Data Centre Technician

Course Delivery and Modules

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. 

  • Year 1

    • Communication Skills
    • Computer Hardware
    • Introduction to System Administration
    • Introduction to Web Development
    • Mathematics for Computing
    • Programming Principles
    • Dynamic Web Development
    • Introduction to Databases
    • Introduction to Networking
    • Introduction to Scripting
  • Year 2

    • Data Analysis for Computing

    Software Development Stream Electives:

    • Algorithms
    • Database Development
    • Object-Oriented Programming
    • Software Testing
    • Web Application Development
    • Data Structures
    • Database Management
    • Introduction to Software Engineering
    • Security for Software Developers

    Networking & System Administration Stream Electives:

    • Data Communications
    • Internetworking
    • Operating Systems & Virtualization
    • Programming for System Administration and Networking
    • Technical Documentation
    • Directory Services
    • IPv6
    • WAN Protocols
    • Wireless Technologies
  • Year 3

    • Cloud Foundations

    Software Development Stream Electives:

    • Database Administration
    • Software Project Management
    • Web Frameworks
    • Web Patterns
    • Web Services
    • Ethics and Professional Issues
    • Networking Programming
    • Software Project

    Networking & System Administration Stream Electives:

    • Advanced Networking
    • Network Design
    • Project (year-long)
    • Service Desk Support
    • Advanced System Administration
    • Applied Security
    • Broadband Technologies
    • Network Management

Education Progression

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, graduates can progress onto the BSc (Hons) in Computing in Cloud Computing Add-on or BSc (Hons) in Computing in Cloud and Data Centre Operations Add-on.

Fees and Funding

Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements apply. There are no special entry requirements for this course.

Recent CAO Points

2023 CAO Round 1 Points

126

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: DK721
Apply on CAO

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 into year  2, 3, or 4 of a course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.

Closing Date: 6th June
Apply Now

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.

Ask us a Question

If you have a question about the BSc in Computing (Common Entry) please ask it below and we will get back to you.


Roisin Mulligan

Programme Director

Email: Roisin.mulligan@dkit.ie

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).