Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development) - Part-time

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Overview

Dublin Business School (DBS) in conjunction with Springboard+, their Partner Network and other relevant industry partners have developed an intensive Part-Time Level 8 conversion award for a Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development).  This programme is specifically designed to address the demand for graduates with ICT skills in areas including Software Development and Software Engineering.

Programme Aims & Objectives

The primary objective of the programme is to address ICT Skills gaps through the successful conversion of talented learners from non-computing/IT disciplines to meet identified skills needs in the economy.  According to Mary Mitchell O'Connor,  Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and as outlined in the recently published ‘Action Plan for Jobs’ 2017 report, the ICT sector is of strategic importance to Ireland, both in terms of the numbers of high skilled professionals employed and its significant contribution to Ireland’s export performance, accounting for €70 billion in exports per annum.

As outlined in the Forfas/EGFSN (2013) report ‘Addressing Future Demand for High-Level ICT Skills’, results from this study indicate that Ireland is likely to face an average increase in demand for high-level ICT skills of around 5% a year out to 2018 with the employment of ICT professionals anticipated to rise to just over 91,000. Employment growth is strong for programmers and software developers and in strong demand across all economic sectors as also referenced in the National Skills Bulletin 2017.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide graduates with the underpinning academic knowledge to enhance their educational and employment opportunities and to achieve the award of a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing. A feature of the part-time programme is the opportunity for the learner to engage in an industry related project.  In addition to acquiring new skills, learners will apply and reinforce the knowledge and practical skills they have acquired during the taught element of the programme.

As part of the objectives of the ICT Action Plan 2014-2018, National Skills Strategy 2025 and Action Plan for Education 2016-2019, the aim is to increase the domestic supply of ICT graduates to meet demand from 57% to 74% by 2018. This programme has been running since 2012 and aims to meet that objective in providing skilled graduates in the relevant ICT area. In Ireland in general software developers are among the most in-demand roles in the tech sector. Key skills common to all streams of the programme and acquired throughout semester one of the taught programme will include the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the core IT skills of software development, database design & development, web application, networking and operating systems. Design, develop, test and document software.

Specific Skills that the proposed specialist software development stream is preparing participants for:

• Competent knowledge with Object-Oriented Programming concepts & ability to implement these concepts to produce well designed Object-Oriented programs

• Ability to design, implement, test and document Advanced Object-Oriented Programs

• In-depth knowledge of unit testing and system testing

• Ability to construct event-driven Graphical User Interfaces

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C#.NET and Java

• Competency to create & maintain a Database using SQL

• Expertise to develop relational and XML databases including native and Hybrid XML databases

• Proficiency in current database & web application development languages and frameworks

• Competency in document mark-up languages particularly HTML5, XHTML and XML

• Ability to develop Web-based applications using .Net framework & specifically ASP.NET

• Expertise to manipulate a database from a web application using ADO.NET

• Proficiency in using advanced Web development tools and techniques such as DHTML and AJAX

• Designing and Developing a server side web application with database integration

• Integrate social media features using API’s

• Application of current & emerging technologies to enhance the functionality of web application components.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development) are:

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

For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may also access this course on the basis of recognition of prior learning or by assessment of prior experiential learning/informal learning. For this particular programme applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis based upon their educational record, work experience, their ability to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem solving skills and a capacity to successfully participate in the programme.