Certificate in Software & Cloud Technologies

Course details

The Certificate in Software & Cloud Technologies has been designed jointly by Microsoft Ireland and Dublin Business School. Microsoft is one of the leading Software companies in the world and is one of the companies taking the lead in the cloud computing arena. By partnering with Microsoft Ireland, DBS can provide a unique proposition for participants on the Springboard programme. Participants will not only earn a Level 8 Special Purpose Award but they will also become a Microsoft Technology Associate upon completion of the Microsoft exam. The programme is specifically designed to assist Springboard participants in obtaining employment in Windows Development, Software Engineering and Web Development.

Programme Aims and Objectives

According to the National Skills Bulletin (2013) Software Developers and Designers have been identified amongst the most difficult skills to source. The report identified Software Engineers in particular designers and developers with specific skills sets (Linux, VB, .Net, Java and C+) as being difficult to source. Results from the Recruitment Agency Survey (October 2012) further supports these findings as the results illustrate that a quarter of all ‘difficult to fill vacancies’ identified in the Irish Labour Market are primarily confined to specialised posts in the ICT sector including Programmers, Software Engineers, Designers and Developers with specific skill sets in database architecture, maintenance & operations and java related applications. Specific skillsets required include Java, Javascript, C#, C++, Visual Basic, .Net, SQL Database, Perl, Ruby, Python, and Objective Orientated Programming (OOP).

Furthermore, a report published by IMI/Danskse Bank survey (2013) illustrated that 57% of multinationals in Ireland had difficulty in finding skills in Software Engineering. This Certificate will provide participants with the programming skills needed to understand & develop programmes that will work both on the existing technology and in the cloud environment. The programme encompasses both the technical programming skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ICT and cloud environment, as well as the transferable skills that are relevant in all sectors of the economy. The Microsoft Technology Associate certification will provide participants with an entry-level certification, specifically developed by Microsoft to provide the basic cloud computing skills targeting Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Programme Content

• Principles of Programming
• Mobile Software Development
• Application of Cloud technologies
• MTA Software Development 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.