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 €595 if you are employed.

Visit the Springboard+ website to apply: 

• Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) - Springboard+ applications for this programme have now closed.

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.

It will also appeal to technical and non-technical professionals who would like to upgrade their skills in one of the specialisations provided by this course, helping them to progress faster in their employment or to apply the knowledge in their current role.

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 bring with them on to 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.

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 entry requirements may be considered based on extensive relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, and interview.

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.

A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

Core Modules

• Software Development
• Object Oriented Software Engineering
• Introduction to Databases
• Web Design and Client Side Scripting
• Computer Architecture Operating Systems and Networks
• Project

Cybersecurity Stream

• Security Principles and Secure Programming
• Network and Web Penetration Testing
• Digital Forensics

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.

Note: streams/specialisations will run subject to student numbers.

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

1-Year Option

Three evenings per week, 18.00 - 22.00

2-Year Option

Two nights a week, 18.00 – 22.00, and a number of Saturdays, 09.00 – 18.00.

Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evenings and at weekends.

Blended: Livestream with some on-campus stream classes scheduled in advance.

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.

1-Year Option

3 semesters delivered over 1 calendar year

2-Year Option

4 semesters delivered over 2 calendar years

€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 also available, see below:

• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
• Blockchain
• Software Development
• Web Development