NCI Course Details

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.

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

This undergraduate course is a four-year honours degree. The course is run over eight semesters with continuous assessments 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

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.

NCI strongly advises that all students should have access to a suitable laptop for their course. A student Laptop Loan Scheme may be available for certain eligible students.

The College recommends the following laptop requirements for students joining this course:

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

The points for this course in 2021 were 271.
The CAO course code is NC003.

Students must obtain a minimum of 3 distinctions and a full award and meet the CAO points requirements to apply for this Level 8 course. 

Visit our QQI Applicants page for further information.

Did you know you can apply for a Sports Scholarship at NCI?

Watch this video to hear from our current sports scholars Stephen Achukwu (basketball) and Adam Leonard (football):

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

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

Find out more about studying here as an international student.