Certificate in Computing

Course details

The Certificate in Computing is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a professional career in the ICT sector. It seeks to produce industry-ready graduates who possess the appropriate combination of conceptual and practical skills in the relevant technical subjects as well as a range of supporting transferable skills. The learner will acquire knowledge and understanding of concepts in the core technical modules (Introduction to Programming, Web Design, Operating Systems etc.) and a range of specifically designed transferable skills modules including Problem Solving Concepts, Managing Your Learning and The Computer Industry before choosing one of two elective streams in semester two.

These electives, the Software Development Stream and the Software Testing Stream, allow for a more in-depth look at areas including Object Orientated Programming, Databases, Software Engineering and Software Testing Technologies used include Java, Swing, HTML5/CSS3/Javascript, SQL, MIPS assembly language, UML, Selenium and Qunit.

Who is the course for?

It will provide industry-ready graduates who possess the appropriate combination of conceptual and practical skills in the relevant technical subjects as well as a range of supporting applications.

Award and Progression

The Certificate in Computing is awarded by QQI at level 6 on the National Frameworks of Qualifications.

Both streams are designed to lay the ground work that would allow progression to two key certifications – Oracle Java Associate for the Software Development stream and ISTQB Certified Tester for the Software Testing stream.

Course Content

Semester 2

• Introduction to Programming
• Introduction to Mathematics for Business and Computing
• Web Design
• Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
• Managing your learning
• Career Bridge

Semester 2

• Computer Architecture
• Operating Systems
• The Computing Industry
• Introduction to Databases (Software Development Stream)
• Object Oriented Programming
• Software Testing (Software Testing Stream)
• Software Engineering
• Project
• Career Bridge

Academic Entry Requirements

This course is designed to appeal to those at work or seeking to re-enter the workforce. There are no specific academic requirements with applicants considered based on relevant work and other experience. Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. Applicants under 23 will be assessed based on Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Course Assessment

The course will be assessed with a blend of project work, practical work and exams. This varies between modules. A number of modules are 100% assessment as it contains more practical work. Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime.