NCI Course Details

The course is industry-focused with options for students to gain real world experience through Service Learning, Work Placement or International Exchange (Erasmus) for work or study 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.

Graduates of this course can create software applications on mobile devices, in the cloud, on the web, and in gaming using the latest technologies; incorporate multimedia into software applications; analyse and interpret data to address real business problems; understand the cloud computing paradigm and its implications for software, infrastructure, and platforms; and secure software applications against malware and hacking.

Join us at one of our CAO Open Day events for Leaving Certificate students where you will be able to chat with our lecturers and talk to students about their course experiences.

• Wednesday, 18th November 2026, 12pm-3pm - Register Here
• Saturday, 23rd January 2027, 10am-1pm - Register Here

Year 1

Semester 1

• Discrete Mathematics
• Introduction to Data Science & AI
• Computational Thinking
• Programming Concepts
• Web Design & Development

Semester 2

• Computer Architecture
• Operating Systems
• Introduction to Data Modelling & Databases
• The Computing Industry
• Introduction to Programming

Year 2

Semester 1

• Data Communications & Networking
• Advanced Databases
• Data Programming
• Object Oriented Programming
• Web Application Development

Semester 2

• Innovation & Business Entrepreneurship
• Software Engineering
• Software Quality & Testing
• Team Project
• Data Structures & Algorithms

Year 3

Semester 1

• Security Fundamentals & Development
• Advanced Computer Networks

Choose one of the following elective groups:

• Technical Electives*
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Advanced Programming
• Business Computing Electives**
  • Business & AI
  • Project Management
• Networking Electives***
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • System Administration & Virtualisation

* Students who complete the Technical electives may choose to progress to one of the following specialisations: Software Development, AI & ML, Cybersecurity or Games Programming.

** Students who complete the Business Computing electives will progress into the Digital Business Transformation specialisation.

*** Students who complete the Networking Electives will progress to the Networking and Cloud Infrastructure specialisation.

Semester 2

Students will choose one of the following options:

• Work Placement
• Academic Internship
• Service Learning
• International Exchange

Year 4 – Choose a Specialisation

Year 4 – Games Programming

Semester 1

• Final Year Project (year-long module)
• Governance, Ethics, Security & Sustainability
• Cloud Application Development
• Game Systems

Semester 2

• Mixed Reality
• Games Programming
• Metaverse
• Final Year Project

Year 4 – Cybersecurity

Semester 1

• Final Year Project (year-long module)
• Governance, Ethics, Security & Sustainability
• Cloud Application Development
• Secure Application Programming

Semester 2

• Penetration Testing
• Digital Forensics
• DevOpsSec
• Final Year Project

Year 4 – Software Development

Semester 1

• Final Year Project (year-long module)
• Governance, Ethics, Security & Sustainability
• Cloud Application Development
• Secure Application Programming

Semester 2

• IoT Fundamentals & Development
• DevOpsSec
• Blockchain
• Final Year Project

Year 4 – AI/Machine Learning

Semester 1

• Final Year Project (year-long module)
• Governance, Ethics, Security & Sustainability
• Cloud Application Development
• Statistics & Machine Learning

Semester 2

• Applied Deep Learning
• AI & Sustainability
• Data Application Development
• Final Year Project

Year 4 – Digital Business Transformation

Semester 1

• Final Year Project (year-long module)
• Governance, Ethics, Security & Sustainability
• Cloud Application Development
• Business Analysis

Semester 2

• Digital Transformation
• Strategic Management
• Business Process Automation
• Final Year Project

Year 4 – Networking & Cloud Infrastructure

Semester 1

• Final Year Project (year-long module)
• Governance, Ethics, Security & Sustainability
• Cloud Application Development
• Cloud Scale Infrastructure

Semester 2

• Software Defined Networks
• DevOpsSec
• Cloud Security
• Final Year Project

* Electives and specialisations may include prerequisites, are subject to change, and availability is subject to class sizes.

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.

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 Data Analytics, MSc in Open Data Practice, MSc in Fintech or the MSc in Artificial Intelligence at National College of Ireland.

Graduates of this course can perform a number of roles, including software developer, mobile application developer, IT support, project engineer, security analyst and games developer. Previous employers have included Microsoft, Lionbridge, Hewlett Packard, KPMG, Tapadoo, Arvato, Salesforce, Facebook and Vivendi Games. This course is also suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in teaching as it is recognised by the Teaching Council to teach computing.

This full-time computing course will appeal to students interested in 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 English or Irish. A grade O6/H7 must be obtained in Mathematics. Applicants from a PLC/further education course must have a full level 5/6 award, three distinctions and meet the CAO points requirement.

Applicants who have successfully completed the QQI Level 6 Software Development (6M0691) or QQI Level 6 Networking Technologies (6M0695) courses may be eligible for advanced entry to year 2 of this programme.

Applicants from a PLC/further education course must have a full level 5/6 award, three distinctions and meet the CAO points requirement

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

For international students, please visit NCI's Your Country section to view the specific entry requirements for your region.

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.

Students in Year 1 and Year 2 of this programme are not expected to bring their own device as all classes will be scheduled in rooms with PC's. To successfully participate it is advisable to have access to a computer/laptop at home.

Please be aware that Year 3 and Year 4 operates a Bring Your Own Device policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration.

The recommended configuration is as follows:

Processor:

• Intel 11th Gen or newer, Core i3 / i5 /i7 or Ultra 3 / 5 /7
  Or
• AMD 5000 Series or newer, Rzyen 3 / 5 /7

Random Access Memory (RAM):
16GB or greater

Storage:
SSD (Solid State Drive) 256GB or greater

Wireless Card:
802.11 n/ac/ax capability

Recommended Operating Systems:
Windows 11
Later Version of MAC OS should also be fine.
Chromebook’s are not recommended.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI cannot provide support for these personal devices.

2026 CAO Points Guide :* 270

*For each course we have given a guideline based on our points over the past 3 years. This is a guide only, points vary each year.

The CAO course code is NC003.

For entry to year 1, 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.

For Advanced Entry directly to Year 2, please visit our Advanced Entry 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.

Please note that effective from September 2026, the programme fee for International students is €14,000 per year.

For more information on international fees, please visit International Fees & Funding and International Scholarships.

Learn more about studying at NCI as an international student.

For domestic students applying through the CAO, this course applies under the free fees initiative. For further information, please see Free Fees Initiative.