Our 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. Students will be able to specialise in one of the following;

• Software development with Java
• Web Development
• Information security with network Forensics

Students who successfully complete this programme will be given the skills needed to gain employment in the computing industry. They may progress to a major award at NFQ level 9 such as a Masters in Computing or other level 9 programmes

Applications to the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing will be accepted from prospective students who have an Ordinary Bachelor Degree (NFQ level 7) qualification at pass level in a non-related discipline to computing, or equivalent, or Ordinary Bachelor in Computing (NFQ level 7) conferred more than 5 years previously.

Given the target technical market for graduates of this programme candidates will be required to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills as part of previous programme learning.

Graduate from disciplines which do not have technical or mathematical problem solving skills embedded in their programme will need to be able to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills in addition to their level 7 programme qualifications (Certifications, Additional Qualifications, Certified Experience and Assessment Tests).

Holders of technical, numerate degrees are likely to gain a higher ranking in any order of merit. Typically these would be applicants who have:

•Gained a minimum of a NFQ Level 7 qualification in a numerate discipline. Typical disciplines which would fall into this category would be;
o Engineering
o Architecture
o Mathematics
o Physics

• Gained a minimum of a NFQ Level 7 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;

o Management Information Systems
o Accounting
o Marketing
o Management

With the numbers of vacancies in the technology/ computing area there is a compelling case to be made for non-computing/IT graduates, especially those with a numerate background, to re-equip themselves to the new opportunities which exist and to the new careers which are available in Ireland.

This programme is the result of collaboration between major industry players and eleven Institutes of Technology and offers graduates from non-computing disciplines a realistic prospect of a graduate level entry into the ICT sector with the skills really needed by industry. You should consider this programme if you are have a level 7 ordinary degree, have problem solving skills and are interested in getting into a career in one of Ireland most vibrant and successful industries.

By chosing the Institute of Technology Consortium Programme you give yourself the possiblity of choosing from a range of specialisations available across Institutes.

Industry players in Dublin and around the country are on board with this programme and are offering placements and internships which will help develop your new skills. They are actively seeking recruits for their teams this is your opportunity to get a new career.

Semester 1 - Immersion in Computing Knowledge

Software Engineering 1
Communications and Networking
Computer Architecture
Modelling and Database Design
Web Development 1

These modules will have to be separately taught to the general provision for computing students for two key reasons;

1. The participants will be graduates who have already obtained significant transferable skills in comparison to other undergraduate students.

2. The pace of delivery will have to be significantly higher than for normal undergraduate programmes to bring participants to an appropriate level in the timescale available.

Semester 2 - Deepening and specialisation

Software Engineering 2
Computational Forensics or Business Intelligence and data mining
Internetworking
Operating Systems
Project Design and Development

Semester 3 - Industry Experience and Professional Development

Strategic Planning for Enterprise IT
Work Experience

It is expected that students will obtain a work placement or internship for a six month period following completion of the taught material with the associated industrial partners. Internships or work placements are seen as crucial to providing graduates with the context and confidence in their new knowledge. Graduates successfully completing the first semesters of the programme will have an opportunity to a work placement/ internship with the industry partners.

Open the door to a new career with a H. Dip Sc. in Computing from the Institute of Technology Consortium.
You’ve got talent, you are a problem solver. You enjoy solving logical and mathematical challenges. Yours honours degree already shows a talent for achievement. You’ve heard about the opportunities in the technology sector and you‘d like a passport to open the door to these opportunities.

Why The Institute of Technology Consortium?

Eleven Institutes came together to work on this programme. Eleven Institutes with a long and proud tradition of supplying graduates to the ICT sector in Ireland. Eleven Institutes with a range of leading specialist lecturers and industry connections. We recognise that working together we can deliver you a better product and experience than working singly. By choosing to take the Higher Diploma Science in Computing with a member of the consortium you have certain advantages;

• Start with any Institute you may access a specialisation available in any Institute
• A common interface for accessing projects/ placement and internships with major industry players
• Institutes in the consortium will have a large community of practice sharing knowledge, experiences and learning
• Access a range of follow on MSc programmes designed with industry to ensure you continue to progress in your chosen specialisation.

Read it in the news, check out employment websites – there are significant numbers of vacancies for individuals with strong computing skills. The official government expert group for future skills needs (EGFSN) reports confirms this.

It’s no surprise – Ireland has a vibrant information and communications technology sector. Many of the big international players have significant operations in Ireland – Microsoft, IBM, Dell, BAE Detica, Facebook, SAP, SAS – these are big players and well recognised – but there are a host of other companies international and national, who have a constant demand for talented people.

We have designed a Higher Diploma Science in Computing in partnership with these companies to help talented graduates access the opportunities in computing. Our programme includes a commitment from major IT players to provide placement/ internships and project to help prepare participants on the programme for a career in the industry. This is a real partnership between Industry and Institutes of Technology with real opportunities for employment at the end of the programme.

2 weekdays per week (Thursday and Friday), Wednesday evening 6-10pm and one Saturday per month.

Apply through BlueBrick www.bluebrick.ie.

Free Fees for those that are eligible under HEA’s ICT skills programme spring 2012.