Certificate in Database Development & Cloud Technologies

Course details

Dublin Business School (DBS) together with Microsoft Ireland have developed a Level 8 Special Purpose Award for a Certificate in Database Development and Cloud Technologies. This Certificate in Database Development is designed for participants on the Springboard programme to take their first steps towards a career as an IT professional in Database Administration, Database Development or Business Intelligence Development. The Microsoft Technology Associate certification will also provide participants with an entry-level certification, specifically developed by Microsoft to provide the cloud computing skills targeting Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Programme Aims and Objectives

According to the Computersworld 2013 forecast survey, one of the top 10 technical skills in demand in 2010 was Application Development. The Certificate in Database Development and Cloud Technologies will provide participants with the skills needed to understand database technology and how that interacts with cloud technologies. Furthermore, students will gain an understanding of cloud computing fundamentals and applications, including the risk, challenges and benefits of moving to the cloud. The cloud computing market will be worth €207bn worldwide by 2016, according to Gartner. IDC estimates that spending on public and private IT cloud services will generate nearly 14m jobs worldwide by 2015. More than half of these will be in small and medium-sized firms.

The programme understands that all IT roles will require cloud skills in the future. This Certificate will provide participants with the skills needed to understand database technology and how that interacts with cloud technologies. They will also develop an understanding of the nature, scope and boundaries of data models and database management and applications. Furthermore they will gain practical experience and competence in designing and building robust databases using current database technologies. In addition, participants will gain a fundamental understanding of cloud computing technologies and applications, including the risk, challenges and benefits of moving to the cloud. Participants will also explore and evaluate the role of cloud resources in increasing competitive advantage. These skills will be critical to assist business in identifying opportunities for business change and to help implement that change.

Programme Content

• Web Application Development
• Information Systems & Databases
• Application of Cloud Technologies
• MTA Database Administration Fundamentals
• Teaching & Assessment

The proposed teaching, learning and assessment methodologies are intended to facilitate springboard participants to take ownership of, and responsibility for, their own learning in partnership with the academic faculty.

Specific methods adopted will include:

• Conventional lectures
• Lab practical sessions
• E-Learning
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Projects
• Seminars
• Assignments
• Analysis of case studies
• Group research and project work
• Guest lectures

Students will be actively encouraged and assisted to manage their own studies outside of lectures. This is facilitated by the teaching styles and methods adopted and by placing greater emphasis on practically focused assessment. A particular focus of this programme will be for students to work in collaborative teams with their tutors on a variety of projects. Through this process they will learn key life skills of good teamwork towards achieving a common goal. In addition, the E-learning platform, Moodle, will also provide lecturers and students with a virtual learning environment to complement and enrich the more traditional learning environment.

Assessment Methods

The programme assessment strategies have been developed to help learners acquire the transferable skills relevant to the workplace. These include working as part of a team, report writing, presentation skills etc. Methods will include:

• Problem solving exercises
• Practical projects incorporating a variety of competencies and skills
• Case studies
• Research-based projects
• individual assignments
• Management reports
• Group projects
• Group and individual presentations
• Exams and other time constrained assessments (open and closed book)

Entry Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a place on this programme, applicants must:

• Hold a minimum Level 8 NFQ award or equivalent OR
• Applications without the above will also be considered on the basis of previous experience and learning (APEL).

In addition, an IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent is required, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or for applicants whose first language is not English.