NCI Course Details

About this Course

NCI’s innovative BSc (Honours) in Computing will provide you with programming and advanced problem-solving skills, to create software applications that solve real-world problems. This exciting course will expose you to areas like games programming, software development, cybersecurity, blockchain, artificial intelligence/machine learning/data analytics, internet of things, digital business transformation. In addition, you will learn how to apply software engineering principles to develop software applications that may be deployed in the web and on mobile devices. You will also develop your problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and communication skills.

Our comprehensive full-time degree will give you all the essentials of computing to provide you with the opportunity of specialising in your chosen area in your final year. You will choose modules from one of seven important areas of computer science. These specialist modules will allow you to pursue the area which most interests you and will give you a significant advantage in the jobs market. The course is delivered in state-of-the-art computer laboratories by lecturers who are working in these fields. It is practical in nature throughout and includes a full semester of work experience.

As a graduate of this course you will:

• Create software applications on mobile devices, in the cloud, on the web and in gaming, using the latest technologies.
• Understand how to incorporate multimedia into software applications.
• Analyse and interpret data to address real business problems.
• Develop your business and interpersonal skills.
• Understand the cloud computing paradigm and its implications for software, infrastructure and platforms.
• Understand how to secure software applications from malware and hacking.

Course Content

For information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

Course Structure and Award

This undergraduate course is a four-year honours degree. The course is run over eight semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester.

On completion, you will receive a QQI BSc (Honours) Degree in Computing at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The course also prepares students for industry-recognised certification in leading technologies.

Work Experience

The course is industry-focused with a six-month work placement in the third year. NCI students are highly sought after and complete their work experience in companies such as Microsoft, O2, ESB, Wells Fargo, Dotmobi, Datalex and Intel.

Further Study Options

Upon successful completion of the BSc (Honours) in Computing, graduates can progress to postgraduate courses at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications such as the MSc in Cybersecurity, MSc in Cloud Computing, MSc in Data Analytics or the MSc in Fintech at National College of Ireland.

Career Prospects

On completion of the BSc (Honours) in Computing, graduates can join high-tech multinationals, tech start-ups, financial services and consultancy organisations. Graduates have worked in organisations like Microsoft, Lionbridge, Hewlett Packard, KPMG, Tapadoo, Realex Payments, Opennet, Leaseplan, Arvato, Salesforce, Facebook and Vivendi Games.

Typical roles include software developer, mobile application developer, IT support, project engineer, security analyst and games developer. This course is also suitable for those who ultimately wish to pursue a career in teaching as it is recognised by the Teaching Council to teach computing.

According to a recent Higher Education Outcomes Report released by the CSO, ICT graduates receive the highest weekly earnings five years after graduating compared to other sectors based on the analysis of the destinations of students who graduated between 2010 and 2016.

Who is the course for?

This full-time computing course will appeal to students who wish to consider the possibilities created by information and communications technology. The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of QQI level 5/6 programmes who wish to embark on a course of full-time study.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum entry requirements are a grade H5 or above in two higher level subjects together with a minimum of O6/H7 in four other subjects. A minimum of grade O6/H7 must be obtained in Mathematics and in either English or Irish.

Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying through the DARE or HEAR access schemes can find out more information on the application process.

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

Laptop Recommendations

NCI is prepared to adhere to Government directives for course delivery in September 2021. Investments have been made in technology for online learning, as well as campus enhancements if face-to-face classes are permissible.

If remote learning remains a feature of the course timetable, the College recommends the following laptop requirements for incoming students:

Processor:

Intel 7th (or higher) generation processors (Core i-3, i-5, i-7,i-9-7x)
or AMD Ryzen 3rd generation processors, running at 2.0GHz and above (Intel Atom/Celeron or AMD Athlon/Sempron Processors may cost less, but may not meet your requirements)

Random Access Memory (RAM):
8 GB minimum

Solid State Drive (SSD) Capacity:
256 GB minimum

Wireless Card:
802.11 a/b/g/n compliant with Bluetooth Capability (incompatibilities have been noted with the Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Adapters and software device drivers)

Graphics Card:
Direct X9 or later

Supported Operating Systems:
Windows 10 Home/Pro

CAO Points

The points for this course in 2020 were 260.
The CAO course code is NC003.

Free Fees

This course qualifies under the Free Fees Initiative and Student Grant Scheme.

International Students' Fees

The fee for this course for international students is €10,000 per year.

Find out more about studying here as an international student.