NCI Course Details

This course is offered under Springboard+ meaning you can join this course for free if you are currently unemployed or for a reduced cost of €560 if you are employed.

Visit the Springboard+ website to apply: 

• Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) - 1 Year, Online

Visit the Springboard+ website for information on eligibility criteria.

Applying as a non-Springboard+ Student

If you are not eligible for a place on this Springboard+ funded programme but still wish to apply, please click here.

This course will appeal to graduates with a level 8 degree from different backgrounds who would wish to change their non-ICT qualification into the computer science field through a level 8 award in computing. Nonetheless, it is noted that the course is technical in nature and will entail a significant amount of independent study. Given the content and the timescale you will need to have a strong commitment to the course and a willingness to fully engage with the technical content.

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Students who successfully complete this course may be eligible to progress to a major award at level 9 on the NFQ.

As graduates from other disciplines and with work experience, learners will have life skills and experiences that they will bring with them on the programme and into a new subject domain. Therefore, they are eligible for a number of roles. They could work in positions that are in-line with their skills but in the lCT sector, or apply lCT knowledge gained through this programme to their current role.

This course is designed to meet the needs of the IT sector and secure future employment for graduates. Over the past two years, the companies have hired graduates from the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing include: Accenture (Junior Software Engineer), Deloitte (IT Engineer), Mastercard (Software Tester), Guidewire (Java Application Support Engineer), General Motors (Software Development Apprentice), DocuSign (Associate Solutions Consultant).

A level 8 degree or its equivalent in a non-cognate discipline. Non-standard applications will be also considered on an individual basis.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements. Non-English-speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in English evidenced by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.

The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on extensive relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed through a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, interview and assessment.

This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a laptop computer with a substantial hardware configuration. A suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS or Windows. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their laptop is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights to the machine. NCI IT does not provide support for personal devices.

The course requires internet access you will be required to ensure you have sufficient broadband speed and reliable connectivity from your place of study.

Free Laptop loan for eligible students on this course: Students who are eligible for HEA funding for this course may also be eligible for a free laptop provided on a loan basis for the duration of the programme. This will be a suitable specification machine for completion of the programme but must be returned once you have finished your course. Overall numbers of laptops available are subject to maximum numbers and no other alternatives can be offered.

Check our Student Laptop Loan page for updates on the next opening date for applications.

Semester 1

• Software Development
• Object Oriented Software Engineering
• Introduction to Databases
• Web Design and Client Side Scripting

Semester 2

• Computer Architecture Operating Systems and Networks
• Artificial Intelligence
• Statistics
• Career Bridge

Semester 3

• Machine Learning Fundamentals
• Project

Springboard Careers Advisors will proactively support you to find relevant employment during the course or following completion of the course.

Note: Prospective students are required to specify the specialisation they would like to follow when they apply for a place within the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing programme..

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

This is an online course which will be delivered fully online. Online classes will be live online and will cover theoretical and practical content through interactive classes and support from lecturers and lab assistants.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 18.00 - 22.00 and a number of Saturdays 09.00 - 18.00.

Career Bridge classes will be delivered one day per week in Semester 2 from 17.00 to 18.00. Day to be confirmed.

The course will be assessed with a blend of continuous assessments and/or project work and exams. Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evenings and at weekends.

3 semesters delivered over 1 calendar year - September to December 2023, Jan to May 2024 and May to August 2024.

Springboard+ Student Fees

A student contribution fee of €560 is applicable if you are in employment. No fees applicable if you are unemployed. The scheme does not cover any allowance for books and materials. See the Springboard+ tab above for further information.

If a student contribution fee is applicable this must be paid in full no later than Friday 17th of November 2023.

Non-Springboard+ Student Fees

€4,725

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.

International students can apply for the full-time Higher Diploma in Science in Computing here.

Other streams of the part-time Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (for non-international students) are available, see below:

• Blockchain
• Software Development
• Web Development