Higher Certificate in Computing in Information Technology Support

Course details

Ireland is the worlds' largest exporter of Computer Software. This means that there are excellent opportunities for finding well-paid employment when you graduate. Additionally, because computers are used in almost every area of modern life, the range of opportunities and types of jobs which are open to computing graduates means that the chances of having a career you enjoy are excellent.

This programme is an ATP (Accelerated Technician Programme), in which students can gain a Higher Certificate in 18 months. Students spend 6 months in college, followed by 6 months on work placement, followed by another 6 months in college. lt will suit people returning to the work force and those seeking a change of career. There are normally two intakes per year, one in January (LYITSW_C) and one in June (LYITSS_C). The programme is designed to provide the graduate with the skills required to operate as a first line Information Technology Support person in a wide range of industry and business environments. The tasks would include knowledge of MS Office and being capable of designing/commissioning computer systems and networks.

Note that this course leads on to an ordinary degree and an honours degree in Computing Services Management which is approved by the Teaching Council on its list of Degree/Teacher Education Programmes Recognised for Post-Primary Registration Purposes. Go to TC Publications and click on List of Recognized Qualifications (Post-Primary).

Minimum Academic Entry Requirements

Most applicants will be mature students (over 23 on the 1st of January of the year you are entering the program). Mature applicants do not need a leaving certificate.

Alternative

If you are not a mature applicant the basic entry requirement for this programme is five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including Mathematics and English or Irish, or an equivalent qualification.

All applicants are interviewed in order to assess suitability for the course. This course is particularly targeted at mature students who may not require a Leaving Certificate qualification.

Modules

• Computer Applications
•  Computer Systems
•  Operating Systems 1
•  Software Development 1
•  Study Skills & Interpersonal Communications
•  Computer Networks 1
• Industrial Placement 6 months
• Computer Networks 2
•  Operating Systems 2
•  Training & Support
•  Mathematics
•  Software Development 2
•  Database Technology

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this programme, the graduate will have:

• Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of computer skills;
• The ability to explain the concepts underpinning a range of key computing areas along with the IT practitioner’s role in those areas.
• The ability to apply a range of computing skills effectively;
• The ability to analyse IT requirements, design a solution, test the solution and assess the extent to which it satisfies the original requirements following best-practise;
• The ability to extract, understand and apply required information in pursuit of the skills above;
• The ability to work and interact effectively as part of a team displaying appropriate communications skills with IT practitioners and non-practitioners alike taking instruction as required;
• The ability to recognise best-practice across a range of legal and ethical areas;
• The ability to recognise and follow best-practise under a range of circumstances;
• The ability to follow technological trends and stay up-to-date as part of their normal and ongoing professional development;
• Career Opportunities
• Current forecasts about the future of the computing industry in Ireland are excellent. It is projected that students who enter third level colleges this year are likely to find there are more professional computing jobs available when they graduate than there are computing graduates to fill them.
• In addition to the national demand for computing graduates there are several large computing companies in the Northwest such as Pramerica which is based in Letterkenny, Northbrook which has operations in Derry and Strabane and SITA which is owned by the air transport industry and has recently announced a major jobs expansion. Also, there are also numerous small and medium sized computer companies such as Torc Interactive which develops tools to write computer games.
• So what kind of job would you like to do? Install and manage computer systems, manage the security of computer networks, work in internet service providers, work as software developers, develop and manage web sites. All of these careers are open to our computing graduates; it's your choice.