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BSc (Hons) in Software Systems
Programme Overview
CAO Code: NC003
This innovative BSc with specialisations is intended to appeal to anyone who is interested in developing practical knowledge and skills in the application of technology to help solve problems in business, gaming and multimedia, networking and mobile technologies. In your 4th year you will study modules based on your specialisation chosen from important and exciting areas of computer science. This degree is practical in nature providing you with knowledge of creating software to solve real world problems. As a graduate of this course you will:
- Create software applications on the web, in gaming and on mobile devices.
- Understand how to incorporate multimedia into software applications.
- Understand how to engineer a software application from requirements, analysis, design, and implementation to testing the software.
- Develop business and interpersonal skills necessary to enable you to pursue a professional career in the rapidly expanding software industry.
Course Structure and Award
This course is a four year honours degree with specialisations in Gaming and Multimedia, Networking and Mobile Technologies, and Software Systems. The course is run over 8 semesters with examinations at the end of each semester. On completion you will receive a HETAC BSc (Honours) Degree in Computing at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Work Experience
The course is industry focused and in third year all students complete a six month work placement. Students are highly sought after and complete their work experience in companies like Microsoft, ESB, AIB, Vodafone, O2, Meteor, Ericsson and Hertz.
Career Prospects
Graduates will be in a position to gain employment in roles such as software developers and software engineers, or as managers in organisations that use computer based systems, including gaming, multimedia, telecommunication, manufacturing, financial and service industries. Several reports have highlighted the shortage of IT graduates and so there are excellent career prospects in this area. Graduates may pursue careers in IT management. Graduates of gaming and multimedia specialisations could work in companies such as PopCap and Microsoft. Graduates of mobile and network communications specialisation could work in companies such as O2, Ericsson, Vodafone and Meteor. Graduates of the software systems specialisations could work in companies such as AIB, Hewlett Packard, Symantec and Siemens.
Further Study Options
Upon successful completion of the BSc (Hons) in Computing, students may progress to postgraduate programmes in the National College of Ireland and other programmes in Ireland and internationally.
Who is the Programme for?
The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of FETAC level 5/6 programmes.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Minimum requirements are are two grade C3 at higher level together with four D3 subjects (at Higher or Ordinary level) in six subjects of the leaving certificate examination. A minimum of grade D3 must be obtained in English and Mathematics at either Higher or Ordinary level.
Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying from Docklands or Area Based Partnership areas should consult our further information for applicants area of our website.
Course Fee
All courses qualify under the Free Fees Initiative, the Higher Education Grants Scheme and the VEC Scholarship Scheme.
Fact File
| Location | Duration | NFQ Level | Assessement |
|---|---|---|---|
| IFSC, Dublin 1 | Four years, full-time | Level 8 | End of semester exams Continuous Assessments Major Project to be undertaken in Year 3 & 4 |
Programme Modules
| Year 1 | |
|---|---|
| Applications Development | Applied Management |
| Business Communications 1 | Business Communications 2 |
| Business Management | Computer Architecture 1 |
| Computer Architecture 2 | Computing Fundamentals |
| Discrete Mathematics 1 | Maths 2 |
| Software Development 1 | Software Development II |
| Year 2 | |
|---|---|
| Business Entrepreneurship | Data Communications & Networking 1 |
| Databases 1 | Databases II |
| Distributed Applications 1 | IT Law |
| Multimedia | Operating Systems I |
| Software Development III | Software Development IV |
| Software Engineering I | Software Engineering II |
| Year 3 | |
|---|---|
| Data Communications and Networking 2 | Distributed Applications II |
| Information Age | Operating Systems 2 |
| Software Engineering III | Software Project |
| Work Placement | |
| Year 4 | Artifical Intelligence 1 |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence II | Change Management |
| Distributed Systems 1 | Distributed Systems II |
| E-Business Systems & Security | Software Project Part 1 |
| Software Project Part 2 | Strategic Management |
Start Date
Monday 8th September 2008
Programme Location
IFSC Campus
