International Software Design (with International Placement) - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

International Software Design (with International Placement) – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

Software is driving the development of new, innovative applications and services that are transforming industries and improving people’s lives. The overall aim of the programme is to develop a high level of intellectual awareness and professional international based competence in the area of software development. In a sector such as software design the global nature of the industry requires an international focus.

With the adaption of Internet of Things Software Design has become a critical component of many global industries. Therefore, Software Engineers need to understand the needs and preferences of different cultures and be able to develop software that can be used by people from diverse backgrounds.

The programme offers an integrated an internationalised approach to delivering end to end software development skills. The focus on the practical problem-solving skills required for software developers. Programme participants will also gain an integrated and critical knowledge of the skills and particular technologies widely used in the industry today.

The strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) provides common strategic objectives for EU Member States. For 2020, for Higher Education (HE) mobility the benchmark defined is that at least 20% of Higher Education graduates should have experienced a period of Higher Education related study or training (including work placements) abroad. The benefits of international study for students has long been established within the EU.

In Eastern Europe, students who have studied internationally are more than five times (83 %) less likely to experience long-term unemployment than those not participating in the programme. In Southern Europe, former Erasmus+ students are half as likely to experience long-term unemployment compared to those who have not benefited from the programme. Erasmus+ students in Southern Europe are employed much more frequently even 5-10 years after graduation, with 56% less unemployment.

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Grade H5 in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
• QQI: FETAC applicants to this programme must hold one of the following awards: 5M0536 Computer Systems and Networks or 5M0529 Software Development.
• Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Mathematics for Software Design 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Software Development 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Digitalisation for Connected Devices 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Web App Development Development with AI 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• French 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Communication for University 1 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics for Software Design 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Software Development 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Digitalisation For Connected Devices 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Web App Development with AI 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• French 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Communication for Engineering 1 (Credits: 5)

Year 2

• Mathematics for Software Design 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• Software Development 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• German 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Web Development 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• Databases 2 (Credits: 5)
• Agile Methodoglogies 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• Softwares Development 2.2 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics for Software Design 2.2 (Credits: 5)
• Software Development for Global Computing 2 (Credits: 5)
• Web Development 2.2 (Credits: 5)
• Agile Methodologies 2.2 (Credits: 5)
• German 1.2 (Credits: 5)

Year 3

• Software Development 3 (Credits: 5)
• Software Engineering 3 (Credits: 5)
• Software Development for Global Computing 3 (Credits: 5)
• Web Development 3 (Credits: 5)
• Networks 3 (Credits: 5)
• Placement Preparation 3 (Credits: 5)
• Internaitonal Placement for Software Desing 3 (Credits: 5)

Year 4

• Project 4 (Credits: 15)
• Networks 4
• Networks 4 (Credits: 5)
• Management and Organisational Behaviour 4 (Credits: 5)
• Data Visualisation 4 (Credits: 5)
• Databases 4 (Credits: 5)
• Data Mining and Machine Learning 4 (Credits: 5)
• Security 4 (Credits: 5)
• Distributed Systems 4 (Credits: 5)
• Sevice Oriented Architecture 4 (Credits: 5)
• The Engineer in Society 4 (Credits: 5)

Career Opportunities

According to Irelands Skills Strategy 2025 (Department of Education and Skills) there are skills shortages for professionals and associate professionals across sectors in many areas of ICT. The shortage of ICT talent is potentially significant for a number of sectors where ICT skills are needed, in particular software development. Ireland is likely to face an average increase in demand for high-level ICT skills of around 5% a year with the employment of ICT professionals anticipated to rise to just over 91,000. This skills shortage has become increasingly acute as more and more tech companies expand their operations in Ireland.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The International Software Design (with International Placement) – BEng (Hons) program at TUS Athlone is a four-year, full-time undergraduate degree designed to equip students with a high level of intellectual awareness and professional international competence in software development. The program emphasizes the global nature of the software design industry and the need for software engineers to understand diverse cultures and develop software for international audiences. The program's objectives include:

• Developing a deep understanding of software development principles and practices.
• Cultivating practical problem-solving skills essential for software developers.
• Providing an integrated and critical knowledge of industry-standard technologies and skills.
The program aligns with the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020), which aims to increase international mobility among higher education graduates. The program's international placement component is designed to provide students with valuable experience working in a global software development environment.

Outline:

The International Software Design (with International Placement) – BEng (Hons) program is structured across four years, with a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of software development topics. The program's structure and modules are as follows:

Year 1:

• Mathematics for Software Design 1.1: This module introduces fundamental concepts in algebra and real analysis, providing a foundation for subsequent mathematical courses.
• Software Development 1.1: This module focuses on the fundamentals of structured software development, developing students' programming skills and enabling them to write programs competently.
• Digitalisation for Connected Devices 1.1: This module explores the integration of digitalization strategies with connected devices to optimize business processes.
• Web App Development Development with AI 1.1: This module covers the theories, components, and services that constitute the internet, including practical exercises in web page and form construction.
• French 1.1: This module provides an introduction to French language and culture.
• Mathematics for Software Design 1.2: This module builds upon the foundation from the previous semester, covering topics in analysis, complex numbers, and statistics.
• Software Development 1.2: This module continues to develop students' programming skills and prepares them for the Java Foundations Associate Certification (1Z0-811).
• Web App Development with AI 1.2: This module focuses on the architecture of web applications, server-side and client-side technologies, and the use of cognitive services in industry.
• French 1.2: This module provides students with practical language skills for traveling in French-speaking countries.
• Software Development 2.1: This module builds on the programming fundamentals learned in the first year and introduces higher levels of abstraction.
• German 1.1: This module provides an introduction to German language and culture.
• Web Development 2.1: This module covers dynamic client-side scripting using JavaScript and DOM scripting.
• Databases 2: This module covers the technical skills associated with the design and development of relational database applications.
• Agile Methodoglogies 2.1: This module introduces different types of agile methodologies, including Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Kanban.
• Softwares Development 2.2: This module continues to build on programming fundamentals and prepares students for the Java Foundations Associate Certification (1Z0-811).
• Software Development for Global Computing 2: This module examines localization and internationalization in software development, introducing the Python programming language.
• Web Development 2.2: This module explores RESTful architecture and HTTP programming.
• Agile Methodologies 2.2: This module provides in-depth coverage of agile planning, tracking, and reporting.
• German 1.2: This module provides students with practical language skills for traveling in German-speaking countries.

Year 3:

• Software Development 3: This module focuses on the design and implementation of a 3-tier architecture using Java.
• Software Engineering 3: This module examines alternative approaches to agile methodologies and explores software process models.
• Software Development for Global Computing 3: This module concentrates on practical skills and methodologies for implementing localization and internationalization solutions.
• Web Development 3: This module introduces web application development, including the Model View Controller Architecture.
• Placement Preparation 3: This module prepares students for graduate and other job opportunities.
• Internaitonal Placement for Software Desing 3: This module provides practical work experience in the international software engineering industry.

Year 4:

• Project 4: This module integrates knowledge from previous years, requiring students to research a subject area, specify, develop, and test a software application.
• Networks 4: This module examines Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for applications using the internet and explores cloud computing.
• Management and Organisational Behaviour 4: This module analyzes self-management, emotional intelligence, and management processes.
• Data Visualisation 4: This module provides students with the tools and techniques for data mining, cleaning, and presentation.
• Databases 4: This module provides a foundation for the design, implementation, and management of database systems.
• Data Mining and Machine Learning 4: This module studies algorithms and methods for finding patterns in data and performing prediction and forecasting.
• Security 4: This module examines computer security issues, including cryptography, malware, and secure coding practices.
• Distributed Systems 4: This module provides an understanding of the issues involved in designing distributed systems.
• Sevice Oriented Architecture 4: This module covers Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Web Services.

Careers:

According to Ireland's Skills Strategy 2025, there is a significant shortage of ICT professionals, particularly in software development. The program prepares graduates for a variety of career opportunities in the software development industry, including:

• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
• Database Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• IT Consultant
Graduates of the program are also eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programs within TUS or elsewhere.

Other:

The program emphasizes the importance of internationalization in software development, highlighting the need for software engineers to understand diverse cultures and develop software for global audiences. The program's international placement component provides students with valuable experience working in a global software development environment.