Higher Diploma in Science in Computing

Course details

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding with specific abilities in the areas of computing, information technology and associated best practices, as well as to act as a basis on which to progress to higher studies in computing.

Who Should Apply?

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is suitable for degree holders at NFQ level 7, or higher:

• Working as IT professionals at the level of the enterprise (Enterprise IT).
• Working as IT professionals in the localisation industry (IT and Localisation).
• Who want a skills conversion path to an IT environment, that is, individuals who wish to redirect their careers into the IT industry (Conversion to IT).

What does the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing Achieve?

• The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing introduces students to theoretical foundations in a variety of specialist areas to prepare students for further postgraduate and higher degree studies.
• The course is built on the premise that there are a number of domains of knowledge and skills that are fundamental to a graduate with a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing qualification.
• The course streams provide a flexible but comprehensive study path through key skill areas.
• The complementary nature of the subject modules means that the students will receive a sound theoretical knowledge grounded in a strong practical ability coupled with focus on quality and technical solutions.

The emphasis on the course is on a theoretical and practical approach in a modern working environment with the latest appropriate technology and techniques necessary for the cultivation of advanced computing skills valuable to today’s IT market place at the level appropriate for a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing.

Subjects by Semester by Major Theme

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing requires the student to take a total of 9 modules and a project. The subjects are shown in the following table, by major theme. (Note that not all of the subjects in the table need to be taken).

(M) Mandatory module, otherwise elective module prerequisites must be respected and specific mandatory modules must be taken. Typically this represents a student taking 3 modules in the first, second and third semester and a mandatory project in the fourth semester.

A choice of modules from the table above will be offered over an academic year. Electives will only be available at the discretion of the institute, subject to availability of lecturing staff and sufficient expression of interest from students.

Not all electives will be offered.

Subject Areas

• Software Engineering
• Net-centric Computing
• Computer Architecture and Organisation
• Information Management
• e-Learning Design and Development
• Multimedia Design and Development
• Management Information in Enterprise Computing

Modules

• Software Engineering 1 (M)
• Communications and Networking (M)
• Computer Architecture (M)
• Modelling and Database Design
• Instructional Design for e-Learning
• Two-dimensional Graphics and Animation
• Decision Support Information for Management

Modules

Software Engineering 2

• Fundamentals of Game Development

Internetworking

• Web Development 1
• Web Development 2
• Web Development 3
• Operating Systems
• Database Administration
• Strategic Planning for Enterprise IT
• Project Design and Development (M)
• e-Learning Implementation
• Digital Audio and Digital Video
• Computational Forensics
• Data Mining

A Unique Delivery Method

The innovative feature of this course is that it will be delivered using a blended learning approach consisting of workshops, on-line and self study materials. The aim is to deliver the programme in a way that accommodates participants work and other time constraints. All students are expected to have access to a PC or laptop and internet broadband and have a high level of computer literacy.