Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web & Cloud Technologies)

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web & Cloud Technologies) | Part-time

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Eligibility
  • Next Steps
  • Apply

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Web and Cloud Technologies 

Overview

Dublin Business School have developed an intensive Part Time Level 8 Graduate Conversion programme leading to a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing Award. As part of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to specialise in the streams of Software Development and Web & Cloud Technologies.


Programme Aims and 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. 

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. Reports now indicate, that Ireland is likely to face an average increase in demand for high-level ICT skills of around 7.5% a year out to 2020 with the employment of ICT professionals anticipated to rise to just over 100,000.Employment growth is strong for programmes and software developers and in strong demand and significant shortages across all economic sectors as also referenced in the "National Skills Bulletin 2019" (Solas report).

A target of delivering more than 47,000 graduates with high level ICT skills by 2022 has been set by the Government to meet Ireland's need for graduates in computing, electronic and electrical engineering. Technology Skills 2022, Ireland's third ICT Skills Action Plan was launched this February by Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys. Informed by research conducted by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the plan sets out priority actions to increase the total number of graduates in these areas by more than 5,000 every year to 2022 which is a national economic priority.

 

Specific skills that the proposed specialist stream is preparing participants for:

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

  • In-depth knowledge of fundamentals of object-oriented programming using C#.NET

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

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

  • Competency to create, design and develop a server side web application with database integration

  • Ability to design and develop relational and XML database models and implement them

  • Expertise to develop native and Hybrid XML databases

  • Access a database from a web application using ADO.NET

  • Integrate social media features using APIs

  • In-depth understanding of Web services standards

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

  • Competent understanding of cloud computing, deployment & delivery models and cloud infrastructure skills

  • High level of knowledge of the underlying enablers of cloud computing, namely virtualization, implementation mediums and storage frameworks

  • Design, configure & manage a switched network. Implement a hierarchical structure, loop avoidance, switch convergence & VLANS

  • Design and implement a classless IP addressing scheme for a network

  • In-depth understanding of WAN technologies, from Frame Relay to MPLS to MetroEthernet

  • Build, configure, maintain & trouble shoot a network

  • Developing content on cloud such as using Content Management Systems such as Joomla, etc. on Windows Azure platform.


Entry Requirements

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.

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 *Eligibility and entry requirements apply.

Course Content

The programme focuses on practical skills in core modules such as:

  • Information Systems Development & Management

  • Database Design & Development

  • Principles of Programming

  • Operating Systems & Networks

  • Web Design & Development

  • Object-Oriented Programming

  • Web & Cloud Application Development

  • Cloud Infrastructure & Virtualisation

  • Advanced Web Technologies 

Upon successful completion of the taught element of the course, students will engage in a credit bearing industry project.


Assessment Methods

DBS teaching and learning strategies are intended to facilitate students to take ownership of, and responsibility for, their own learning in partnership with the academic faculty.  A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used in the programme to ensure all learning styles are accommodated.

Methods will include formal lectures, seminars, workshops, lab tutorials, on-line video demonstrations, and presentations that will emphasise student participation and application to case studies and relevant computing and business issues.

The focus of the programme is on the application of learning to the real-life environment and therefore a significant proportion of this programme is computer based. Learners will be required to practice taught skills and elements of the course via self-directed learning.

Intellectual skills are developed through project work, tutorial work and coursework assignments. In addition to the accredited modules learners will be timetabled to participate in personal development activities. Learners will therefore gain the necessary additional applied skills in order to expedite their integration into the workplace.

 








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Structure

The programme delivery is part-time and will run over 2 academic years, 2 evenings per week from 6:15pm to 9:30pm and some weekends. 











 

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Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the programme, graduates would typically take up roles as:

• Cloud Administrators

• Cloud Computing Specialists

• Windows Administrator

• Web Developers/Analyst

• Network Engineer

• IT Support

• Network Project Manager

• Data Operations Engineer

• Database designer and developer

DBS fully recognises the importance of job readiness to the ICT Skills programme participant and has put in place an integrated and comprehensive Personal and Professional Development. Service for ICT participants entitled "Jump Start Your Career". This intensive programme covers every aspect of the job procurement process and has greatly assisted ICT skills programme participants with their job search activities and preparation for employment. 
















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Eligibility 

People in the following categories are eligible to apply for courses (subject to the applicant meeting all residency and nationality/visa requirements and any academic requirements): 

For the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web & Cloud Technologies), 2 year part-time programme, the following categories are eligible to apply:

People in Employment

Please note that those in employment, under the Springboard+ 2024/2025 initiative, 90% of the fees are covered by HEA and 10% of the fees are payable to the college for this category of applicants. The applicant must also meet the nationality / visa requirements and residency criteria i.e. they must be able to demonstrate that they have been ordinarily resident  in an EU / EEA / UK / Swiss state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to the programme. Either the applicant or their employer can pay these fees. Should your employer be paying your fees, please contact us and we can forward you a company sponsorship form in order to invoice your employer.


PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION
:

  • A copy of most recent payslip or a recently dated letter from your employer on company headed paper.

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web & Cloud Technologies) is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725



Returners

Returners are those who are not in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection, have previous history of employment but may require upskilling or reskilling to transition back to the workforce. Applicants must have been a homemaker or on other caring duties or economically dependent on a partner or spouse for a minimum period of 9 of the previous 12 months.

PROOF OF RETURNER DOCUMENTATION:

  • Applicants must swear a declaration before a Commissioner for Oaths attesting to their status. A form to complete this process is available here.

Fees: The fees for this programme are 100% fully funded under this category.


Self-Employed

Self employed applicants are eligible to apply:

PROOF OF SELF-EMPLOYED DOCUMENTATION:

  • A letter from their accountant or relevant documentation from Revenue showing that they are self-employed in Ireland would suffice.

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web & Cloud Technologies) is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

Recent Graduate

Recent graduate applicants are eligible to apply (only those who have completed a level 8 full-time programme in the previous 12 months prior to course start date):

PROOF OF RECENT GRADUATE:

  • A full transcripts or degree parchment from their Education Provider.

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web & Cloud Technologies) is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

NOTE: If your eligibility status changes prior to commencing the course, you will need to contact the admissions office to assess are you still eligible to enrol on the programme. Failure to do this may result in you losing your place on the programme.

 

Application Procedures

All applications must be submitted online via the Springboard+ website. Please note that the documentation supporting the applicants status will be required as part of the application process. Please visit the Springboard+ website for further information on participant eligibility and funding eligibility requirements.

The following documents are required by DBS as part of the application process. When you apply through the Springboard+ website, a member of the DBS Admissions Team will be in touch in relation to requesting the following documents:

  • Academic Transcripts of results (this is a breakdown of each year, all the modules studied and all results achieved). If these transcripts are in a language other than English, we will require the originals together with official translated copies.

  • Proof of ID - Driver's License of Passport.

  • Proof of residency for all applicants for three of the last five years. This can be revenue documents, letter from DEASP office or letter from previous or current employer.

  • For Non-EU Applicants currently residing in Ireland, a copy of your Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) Card or proof of residency is required to demonstrate that you have been residing in the EU for three of the last five years.

  • For applicants who do not hold the required qualification and are applying through APEL (Approved Prior Experiential Learning), a recently updated and detailed CV is required with education and work experience to date. In addition, a personal statement is required outlining your reasons for applying for the course and why you would be a suitable candidate. This should be in the format of a word document and have between 500 and 700 words.

  • 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, PTE, Duolingo, or DBS English Placement Test. Test certificates must be dated within the last two years.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.







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Next Steps


Application Procedure

Please apply online via the Springboard portal here.



Corporate Services

Did you know?  DBS now can meet with you and your company to discuss the Springboard+ Government funded programmes, to see if it could work as a learning & development solution for your organisation.  This is ideal for any size organisation in any industry based in Dublin and the surrounding counties that may want to invest in employees' professional development.

For more information on this new service or to arrange a meeting, please contact our Corporate Services Team on [email protected] or by telephone 01 417 7500.











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Categories:
  • 8
  • Part-Time
  • Information Technology
  • FREE* Springboard+ Programmes
  • FREE* ICT Skills Programmes

Course overview

Awarding Body:
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)


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Duration: 2 Academic Years 
Study Mode: 
Part-time / 2 evenings per week
Award Level:
Level 8 NFQ
ECTS Credits:
60
10% Contribution (if applicable):
€725
Next Intake: September 2024

Contact

We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2025. Contact our admissions team for more information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 8:45am to 5:15pm