Program Overview

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ComputingRíomhaireacht

Course Title: Higher Certificate in Science in Information Technology

TU Code

TU652

CAO Point Range 2024

AQA-458

NFQ Level

Level 6

Award Type

Major

Award

Higher Certificate

ECTS Credits

120

Duration

2 years

Number of Places

12

Location

Tallaght

What is... Computing?

This two-year Higher Certificate course gives you the essential Computing skills to start a career in industry. Software Development, Web Development, Scripting & OS, Cyber Security, Systems Analysis, Architecture & Networking, Software Quality & Test and are covered with mathematical foundations in Discrete Mathematics, Statistics & Management Science. You will have the foundations to start a career in career in this vital area that is so influencing the modern world.

You will have an opportunity to create team projects of a high standard which will be one of your personal portfolio pieces used in interviews. There is an option to change streams to your specialist stream of choice after Year 1.

Work Placement

If you choose to progress on to the add-on Bachelor's degree (Level 7), a six month work placement forms part of the course.

Minimum Entry Requirements?

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 5
• Minimum Grade in Maths: F2/O6/H7
• Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: O6/H7 - English, F3/06/H7 - Irish

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: Any full Level 5 or 6 award
• Additional Requirements:
  • Must include one of the following modules:
    • C20174
    • C20175
    • 5N1833
    • 5N18396
    • 5N0556
    • 5N0554
    • 6N3395
    • B20029
    • 5N2066
    • C20139
    • 4N2138
    • N33029
    • 5N16654
  • OR F2/O6/H7 in LC Maths

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390.

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

Sample Timetable

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

What are my career opportunities?

Graduate Job Titles:

• Web Developers
• Junior Software Developers
• Data Centre Technicians
• Network Engineers
• Technical Support Analysts
• IT Technicians
• SysOps Technicians

Module Listing

Year One

• Business & Information Systems [Mandatory]
• Computer Architecture [Mandatory]
• Critical Skills Development [Mandatory]
• Discrete Mathematics 1 [Mandatory]
• Software Development 1 [Mandatory]
• Visual Design & User Experience [Mandatory]

Year Two

• Advanced Database Technologies [Mandatory]
• Discrete Mathematics 2 [Mandatory]
• Network Fundamentals [Mandatory]
• Software Quality Assurance and Testing [Mandatory]
• Software Development 3 [Mandatory]
• Client-Side Web Development [Mandatory]

Advanced Entry

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past.

Progression

On completion of your Higher Certificate, you can continue into a choice of three specialisations:

• Software Development / IT Management / Cloud Computing
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

You may progress to either Bachelor's degree (Level 7) or Honours Bachelor's degree (Level 8).