Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development)

Course details

According to the National Skills Bulletin (2013) and as outlined in the Forfas/EGFSN (2013) report ‘Addressing Future Demand for High-level ICT Skills’, research findings indicate that the immediate skills recruitment difficulties being experienced relate primarily to positions requiring high level ICT skills at Level 8 or above. The demand in terms of positions includes Software Engineers for the design and development of applications and systems. Specific skillsets required include: Programming languages – Java, JavaScript, C#, C++, Visual Basic, .Net, Objective-Orientated Programming (OOP). Web Development – Understanding of Web 2.0 development, XML, Microsoft ASP.Net, Personal homepage Tools (PHP), Microsoft SharePoint family of software products and other web page development skills (HTML, CSS, XHHTML).

Following completion of the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development), participants will be able to:

• Design and build mobile applications using Google’s Android open-source platform
• Design, implement, test & document advanced Object-Oriented Programs
• Apply advanced data structures
• Construct event-driven Graphical User Interfaces
• Evaluate platforms in order to create, design and develop a server side web application with database integration
• Demonstrate proficiency in document mark-up languages particularly XML
• Develop Web-based applications using .NET framework and specifically ASP.NET

Programme Content

In Semester 1 students will be provided with a significant grounding in core computing modules.

Core modules for Semester 1 (30 ECTS Credits) are:

• Principles of Programming
• Database Design and Development
• Information Systems Development & Management
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Web Design and Development
• Operating Systems & Networks

In Semester 2 students will pursue a specialisation stream in Software Development. This element is a focused set of modules and project work designed to bring candidates quickly to the industry entry standard for graduates in their chosen field of specialisation.

Core modules for Semester 2 (30 ECTS credits) are:

• Object-Oriented Programming 2
• Database and Web Application Development
• Mobile Application Development
• Project

In Semester 3 students will engage in a minimum 6 month work placement (30 ECTS Credits) * (Subject to academic performance)

Upon successful completion of the taught element of the course, participants will enter the work placement element of the conversion programme. This element will enable students to gain relevant experience and furthermore will allow employers to field test potential recruits.

Personal Development Programme

To complement the academic programme, learners will follow a skills based Personal Development Programme (PDP). The programme has been designed in collaboration with industry to ensure that graduates are able to demonstrate the personal skills and aptitudes employers have highlighted as requirements and to assist graduates of the programme to integrate effectively into the work place. The PDP will be delivered across all three semesters.

Teaching & Assessment

DBS teaching and learning strategies are intended to facilitate students to take ownership of, and responsibility for, their own learning in partnership with the academic faculty. A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used in the programme to ensure all learning styles are accommodated. Methods will include formal lectures, seminars, workshops, lab tutorials, on-line video demonstrations, and presentations that will emphasise student participation and application to case studies and relevant computing and business issues.

The focus of the programme is on the application of learning to the real-life environment and therefore a significant proportion of this programme is computer based. Learners will be required to practice taught skills and elements of the course via self directed learning. Intellectual skills are developed through project work, tutorial work and coursework assignments. In addition to the accredited modules learners will be timetabled to participate in personal development activities. Learners will therefore gain the necessary additional applied skills in order to expedite their integration into the workplace.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission to this programme, applicants must hold a Primary Honours Degree (Level 8) in a cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution or equivalent qualification. 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.

Candidates will ideally be able to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills as part of previous programme learning. Typically holders of more technical, numerate degrees are likely to gain a higher ranking in any order of merit in selection for the programme.

Typical disciplines which would fall into this category would be:

• Engineering
• Architecture
• Mathematics
• Physics

Some candidates will also have gained a Level 8 qualification in a programme with a significant IT component and/or significant numerate element. Such programmes vary greatly in mathematical and information technology content and assessment would be by detailed examination of subject content, assessments and syllabi.

Typical programmes which would fall into this category could include:

• Management Information Systems
• Accounting
• Business
• Management