Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Part-time)
Now Enrolling: This course is supported by Springboard+. You can find more information on Springboard by clicking here.
If you are unemployed and in receipt of a jobseekers payment (including Farm Assist and Qualified Adults of Working Age) you are NOT eligible for two-year ICT Conversion courses.
Course Overview
The programme is primarily aimed at level 8 graduates (both recently graduated and those with industry experience) from other sectors that wish to re-train so that they may gain employment within the software industry and be in a position to compete against other level 8 computing graduates for the broad range of computing opportunities available.
The programme takes an integrative approach, focusing on the synthesis of knowledge and practice from the business-related areas of the computing domain. The primary themes are to develop a thorough understanding of the foundational components of computing and then to obtain specialist knowledge in aspects of computing that will prepare participants for a career in software testing and quality assurance, user experience or project management.
The course will produce graduates with much sought after skills in software testing - covering both manual and automated testing and will prepare graduates to work as testers and QA specialists in any IT domain. Graduates can expect to find work as a ’software tester', 'QA consultant', 'agile tester', 'functional software tester'. Participants will also build valuable Web development and database skills.
Please note: This programme is funded for eligible applicants via Springboard+.
What makes this course different
Ideal for Non-Computing Graduates
If you are a non-Computing graduate looking to make a change in your career-path, this part-time online conversion programme will allow you build the skills necessary to enter the ICT sector.
Software Development Foundation
This course provides a general foundation in Software Development with an emphasis on Web development, User Experience (UX) and Software Testing.
Career Opportunities
There are many employment and educational prospects for graduates from the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing. Graduates will have gained knowledge and developed skills and competencies necessary to pursue, and sustain, a career within the ICT sector. The programme was designed in partnership with industry and for industry needs.
The course will produce graduates with much sought-after skills in software testing, including test design techniques, test management, test tool evaluation and static analysis skills. The course will cover both manual and automated testing and will prepare graduates to work as testers and QA specialists in any IT domain.
Participants will in addition gain valuable skills in web development and interaction with database design and implementation. This will position the graduate with the required skills to obtain employment in a web application development environment. Additionally, the skills developed in database design are fundamental skills utilised in the wider IT development environment.
Course Delivery and Modules
This course runs for 2 years part-time online, 2 evenings per week. There will be additional asynchronous online classes, which the student can watch at a suitable time for them.
This course is delivered online with weekly interactive and hands-on practical lab-based sessions supported by independent and online learning. Participants are required to attend online synchronous classes as it is necessary in order for them to master the materials.
End-of-semester module final exams will take place onsite in DkIT, and participants are required to attend.
Participants should have access to their own computer and internet connection. Students will be given download links for the appropriate software prior to the course commencing.
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Semester 1
- Introduction to Computing: Students completing this module will understand the core principles of computer systems including number systems, operating systems and basic networking. They will also be introduced to the fundamental structures of high-level programming. Visit Module Descriptor
- Web Development: Students completing this module will be capable of designing and developing a professional-looking dynamic cloud-based application. Visit Module Descriptor
- Introduction to Software Engineering: Students completing this module will be capable of applying principles of software engineering when developing software. Visit Module Descriptor
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Semester 2
- User Experience (UX): Students completing this module will gain both theoretical understanding and practical application of user experience (UX) and user-centred design techniques, in the evaluation and enhancement of a variety of interactive applications, apps, digital products and services. By considering a wide range of users and needs the module will ingrain an emphasis on more universally accessible interactive technologies. Visit Module Descriptor
- Programming 1: Students completing this module will understand the core principles of computer systems and the fundamental structures of high-level programming including an introduction to classes and objects. Visit Module Descriptor
- Database and Web Integration: The aim of this module is to give students an insight into developing data driven websites. Visit Module Descriptor
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Semester 3
- Programming 2: This module aims to expand students' understanding of basic OO programming techniques and provide them with a conceptual knowledge of the principles and techniques for software design. Visit Module Descriptor
- Software Testing: Students completing this module will be able to apply and critically evaluate best-practice software testing and associated measurement techniques in the context of both document-driven and agile development processes. Visit Module Descriptor
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Semester 4
- Software Project Management: This module examines the various approaches to software project management. The role of people in software production is examined and techniques for estimating and measurement are also appraised. In addition, a number of pitfalls, common to early software development activities, are highlighted and ways to avoid them are addressed. Visit Module Descriptor
- Work Portfolio: Learners demonstrate their work experience through a portfolio or by completing an industry relevant project. The work experience will be gathered through employment, work placement, consultancy work or self employment with an industry relevant project. The portfolio itself should be useful for later applications. The work experience or project will be 6 weeks full-time. This module is evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Visit Module Descriptor
Education Progression
On the successful completion of this Higher Diploma, students who obtain Second Class Honours, or higher, will be eligible to be considered for entry to an MSc in Computing programme (taught or research).
Other potential progression options available within DkIT include the MSc in Data Analytics.
Fees and Funding
€585 (Springboard Supported) payable by 31st October.
Fees
€585 (Springboard Supported)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must already hold a level 8 qualification (honours degree or equivalent as determined under any Academic Council approved Recognition of Prior Learning policy) in a discipline in which Computing/Information Technology DOES NOT FORM a substantial part. Or applicants must demonstrate an equivalent level of numeracy and capacity to succeed, based on experiential learning acquired through extensive industrial experience.
No prior programming exposure is required.
To apply for this programme via the Springboard+ scheme, you must meet the eligibility criteria (click to read) in addition to the minimum entry criteria listed above.
If you are unemployed and in receipt of a jobseekers payment (including Farm Assist and Qualified Adults of Working Age) you are NOT eligible for two-year ICT Conversion courses.
How To Apply
Apply on Springboard Portal
Applications for this course are now being accepted through the Springboard portal.
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Part-time) please ask it below and we will get back to you.
Dr Philip McGuinness
Programme Director, Department of Computing Science & Mathematics, DkIT
Email: philip.mcguinness@dkit.ieDr. Fiona Lawless
Head of Department of Computing Science & Mathematics, DkIT
Email: fiona.lawless@dkit.ieDisclaimer: 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).
